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General Information
Udon Thani, a northeastern province
covering an area of 11,730 square kilometers, is a prime business center of
I-San. Located 564 kilometers from Bangkok, it the world heritage site for
the prehistoric culture of Ban Chiang.
Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders,
paramount among them the hamlet of Ban Chiang where the world's first Bronze
Age civilization is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago.
Udon Thani borders Nong Khai to the north, Khon Kaen to the south,
Sakon Nakhon to the east and Nongbualamphu and Loei to the west. The
province is located on a plateau which is approximately 187 metres above sea
level. Most of its areas are covered with rice fields, forests and hills,
with the Phu Pan mountain ranges and the Songkhram River are the provinces 2
main natural resources.
The locals are mainly engaged in agricultural activities, with particular
rising in wholesale and retail trading activities. That is why Udon Thani is
an agricultural market hub or neighboring provinces.
Udon Thani's provincial seal depicts God Wetsuwan, King of the giants and
keeper of the Northern Heavenly Gate.
The Past
The Vietnam War transformed the sleepy provincial city of Udon Thani into a
booming support center for a nearby American airbase. Since the withdrawal
of American troops in 1976, it has continued to grow as an industrial and
commercial center within the region.
The Present
Today, Udon Thani is the transportation and communications hub of the upper
Northeast with several tourist destinations and facilities.
Administratively, Udon Thani is divided into the following districts: Muang,
Kumphawapi, Nong Han, Phen, Ban Phue, Ban Dung, Si That, Nam Som, Nong Wua
So, Kut Chap, Non Sa-at, Wang Sam Mo, Chai Wan, Nong Saeng, Sang Khom, Thung
Fon, Na Yung, Phibun Rak, Ku Kaeo and, Prachaksinlapakhom.
How to get there By Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Udon Thani
via Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen Provinces, a total distance of 564
kilometers.
By Bus
Buses for Udon leave Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal)
throughout the day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The journey takes around 10 to 11
hours and the fare is 145 baht for regular buses (260 baht for
air-conditioned buses). Contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2936-2852-66 or
visit www.transport.co.th. for more information.
Buses leave the main bus terminal in Khorat every half hour during the day
and arrive in Udon five hours later. The cost is 81 baht for regular buses
(146 baht for air-conditioned buses).
There are buses running between Udon Thani and other provinces such as Nong
Khai, Loei, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Ubon Ratchathani. The
buses leave Udon Thani Bus Terminal every 40 minutes.
By Train
A train service between Bangkok and Udon Thani is available every day. For
more details, contact the Travel Service Unit, State Railway of Thailand (SRT),
Tel. 1690; 0 2220 4334; and 0 2220 4444, or visit
www.railway.co.th.
By Air
A daily flight between Bangkok and Udon Thani is offered by the Thai Airways
International Public Company Limited (THAI). For detailed information,
contact THAI, Tel. 1566; 0 2280 0060; 0 2282 0080; and 0 2628 2000, or visit
www.thaiairways.com. In addition,
there are low-cost airlines daily serviced by Thai Air Asia, Tel. 0 2515
9999 or www.airasia.com, and Nok Air,
Tel. 1318 or www.nokair.co.th.
Travelling around Udon Thani
By Bus
A hassle free way to get around the city is by the city bus. The most useful
city bus for visitors is the yellow bus No. 2, which plies a route from the
No. 2 bus terminal, south along Suphakit Janya road and then east along Pho
Si road past the Charoen Hotel. The No. 6 bus runs between the No. 2 bus
terminal and Rangsina Market, while bus No. 23 runs between bus terminals
Nos. 1 and 2. The fare for all city buses is 4 baht.
By Car
The car rental places opposite the Udon Hotel offers sedan, jeeps and vans
for hire starting at around 1,200 baht.
By Sam lor
Sam lors drivers in Udon Thani practically doubled their rates overnight
when 50 Americans arrived to work on the VOA station outside the town in
1990-91, apparently the engineers were throwing their dollars around with
abandon. With a permanent contingent of VOA employees in the area, just
about any farang (foreigner) who happens to pass through Udon Thani will
have to deal with this two tier price system. Reasonable fares are 10 baht
to 15 bahts per kilometer.
Attractions
Amphoe Ban Dung
Ban Kham Chanot Wang Nakhin
Located in Ban Muang, Tambon Wang Thong, approximately 93 kilometres from
Udon Thani's town is an area called Wang Nakhin (Naga Palace) a place
believed and regarded by the locals as a mystical and holy place where the
door to the underworld of Naga is located. Covering an area of over 20 rai
of land, Wang Nakhin (locally dubbed as Dong Chanot) is nothing but an islet
surrounded by water. It is teemed with dense palm trees called Chanot.
Traveling to the place is easy by Udon Thani Sakon Nakhon route. At Ban Nong
Mek, turn left and proceed approximately 84 kilometres to Ban Dung, and
another 9 kilometres to Ban Kham Chanot.
Amphoe Ban Phu
Ban Phue
This district, which is 42 kilometers north-west of Udon Thani, has an
unusual mix of pre-historic cave paintings, fantastic geological formations
and Buddhist shrines, the bulk of which are at Phra Phutthabaat Bua Bok, 12
kilometers outside of Ban Phue on Phra Bat hill.
The area has been declared Phu Phra Bat Historical Park where nature-loving
trekkers may take a hike around the area, which takes around two hours.
Phra Phutthabat (Holy Footprint) Bua Ban
Located on the Phu Phan hill, approximately 12 kilometres south of Phu Phra
Bat Historical Park. Also discovered and unearthed here at the sight are
battlements carved in Dvaravati and Lop Buri arts.
Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok
This is where the Buddha's Holy Footprint was found along side with various
Buddha images of Lanchang style that can be dated back to 2025 Buddhist
Century. Later in 1920, the Chedi resembles to Phra That Phanom was built on
top of the footprint.
Nature-loving trekkers may take a hike around the area, which takes around
two hours. The Park is located on the Udon Thani-Nong Khai Highway. Turn
left at the 13-km. marker to Highway No. 2021, which leads to Ban Phu and
proceed for 42 kilometers and along Highway No. 2348 for 12 kilometers.
There is a right-entrance that leads directly to the site. It takes
approximately 2 kilometres.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Situated in Ban Phue District, this archaeological site features a large
number of ancient buildings and ancient objects of both prehistoric and
historic times. They are mostly of Dvaravati, Lop Buri, and Lanchang style.
The site is located in a thriving forest called Pa Khua Nam. In addition,
within the site are many rocks of peculiar shapes which resulted from
glacial movement millions of years ago. It can be seen that most of the
ancient buildings and objects found in this area were modified from what was
naturally available and not built entirely by human beings. For instance, a
rock was decorated to make a stupa or was chiseled into the shape of a foot.
The site was declared a historical park by the Fine Arts Department in 1991.
Archeological evidence found at the site includes Phra Phuttabat Bua Bok,
Phra Phuttabat Lang Tao, Phra Phutta Bat Bua Ban, religious buildings
modified from rocks, sandstone bai-sema (leaf-shaped stones marking the
limits of a Buddhist temple), sandstone images and idols, cave paintings and
stone axes.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park covers the entire area of the Phra Phutthabat
Bua Bok which is around 1,200 acres. In addition to the beautiful landscape,
caves and caverns, rocks of different sizes and shapes dot the area.
Moreover, pre-historic paintings over cliff faces have been discovered,
although many leave only the faintest of traces.
Visitors are recommended to explore Tham Non Sao Ae, Tham Woa Daeng, Tham
Chang, and Tham Sung to see the paintings that depict the livelihood of
pre-historical community which can be traced back to approximately
2,500-3,000 years ago.
The sandstone bai-sema, sandstone images and idols of Dvaravati era are also
discovered at Poeng Hin Po Ta Luk Koei.
Tham Erawan
This is a large cave high up on the side of a limestone mountain at the back
of Wat Tham Erawan. This temple is 2 kilometers north of a turn-off between
Km. 31 and 32 markers on Route 210 - near the village of Ban Hong Phu Thawng,
west of the town of Na Klang.
Wat Pa Ban Kho
This temple is located in Tambon Khuea Nam. Here, there is Phra Maha That
Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin, a pagoda that contains Lord Buddha’s
relics. Inside the pagoda, sculptures depict the history of Lord Buddha,
jataka stories, and Buddha images in different attitudes. The temple is
ideal for practitioners of Dharma (Buddha’s teachings). It has been
designated by the Udon Thani Administration Office as the Udon Thani Chaloem
Phra Kiat Mind Development Centre. Both Thais and foreigners usually come to
practise Dharma here.
From town, drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani - Nong Khai), turn left at
Km 13 to Highway No. 2021 (Udon Thani - Ban Phue) and go further for 20 km.
Then, turn right and take another 3 km towards the temple.
Amphoe Mueang
Ban Na Kha
This village is situated 16 kilometers from town on the Nong Khai route. It
is a center of cotton, silk, and khit silk trading. To get there from the
Udon Thanis city, take the buses operated on route Udon Thani Na Kha which
leave from the stops in front of the Rajabhat Udon Thani Institute and
Rangsina market.
Huai Luang Reservoir
This reservoir is located on the Udon Thani-Nong Bua Lam Phu Highway.
Approximately at the km. 15 marker, get onto the road which leads directly
to the reservoir and proceed for approximately 10 kilometres. With an area
of 20,000 rai of land, the reservoir was built for agricultural, fishery,
and electricity generation purposes. Activities for tourists include
rafting, fishing, and canoeing. For those nature lovers wishing to relax
amidst scenic backdrop, you can charter a boat that will take you to see
interesting spots of the reservoir.
The huge reservoir under the oversight of the Irrigation Department offers
beautiful scenery. Call tel. 0 4224 5540 or 0 4224 2141 for more
information.
Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument
The Monument of Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom This Monument is located in
the heart of Udon Thani city. Born in 1856 as a son of King Rama IV (Phrabat
Somdet Phra Chomklaochaoyuhua) and the King’s Consort Sangwan (Chao Chom
Manda Sangwan), Major General Prince Prachaksinlapakhom (Phon Tri Phra Chao
Borommawongthoe Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom), as a regent to King Rama V,
ruled the Northern Circle (later called the “Udon Circle”) during 1893 –
1899. As the founder of Udon town in 1893, he set out the civil
administration order and served important official duties for the public
benefits. The Monument symbolizes the highest tribute paid to the prince by
the people of Udon Thani and the ceremony to worship him is held on 18
January every year.
Nong Prachak
Located in the Udon Thani Municipality, this giant pond has existed before
the establishment of Udon Thani town. Lying to the west of the town, it was
formerly called “Nong Na Klue” (pond of salty water) and later changed to
“Nong Prachak” in honor of Major General HRH Prince Prachaksinlapakhom, the
founder of Udon Thani town. In 1987, the Udon Thani Municipality improved
the pond as a royal tribute to King Rama IX on the auspicious occasion of
his 50th birthday anniversary. On an island in the pond, a small garden is
filled with decorative and flowering plants, and there is a bridge linking
the island with the mainland. Within the park, there is a fountain, a clock
tower, and a playground. It serves as a place of recreation and exercise for
the public.
Chao Pu - Chai Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine
This large and beautiful Chinese spirit shrine is located on Nittayo Road
behind the train station near Nong Bua Market. Here, there is a small garden
beside a lotus pond. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the pond, serving as a
view point in pleasant and shady surroundings. The golden dragon of 99 m
long, to be used during the Thung Si Mueang annual fair in December, is also
kept here.
The City Pillar
Located in the Tung Sri Muang field, in middle of the city, San Lak Muang
was established in 1999. The place is where the city's guardian deity is
believed to reside. Built in contemporary Isan style of architecture, the
compound also houses God Wetsuwan, the provinces protecting God (as depicted
in the provincial seal), along with the city pillar which is highly
respected by the townspeople.
Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden
This is located in Soi Kamol Watthana on Udon Thani-Nong Samrong route
(Highway No. 204). The garden produces and sells a new species of Thai
scented orchid called Udon Sunshine. It is the only known vanda hybrid which
is fragrant between the early morning hours and about 2 p.m., and it is the
first orchid in the world to be made into a perfume. Please call 0 4224 2475
for more information.
Udon Thani Museum
Udon Thani Museum Located on Pho Si Road in Rachinuthit Building, this
museum was initiated by Mr. Chaiporn Ratananaka, governor of Udon Thani
province. It displays background aspects of Udon Thani, ranging from
history, archaeology, natural science, geology, folk history, arts and
culture, to the biography and honorable deeds of Krommaluang
Prachaksinlapakhom, the founder of Udon Thani town. Opening hours are from
08.30 - 16.30 hrs. Admission fees: 10 Baht for adults and 5 Baht for
children.
Wat Ban Tat
This temple is located off of the center of the province. Take Highway No. 2
(Udon Thani-Khon Kaen) and make a right turn at Ban Kong Keng and proceed
for 9 kilometers. The temple is teeming with trees and small, wild animals.
It is here that one of Thailand's most revered monks, Luangta Maha Bua,
resides. As the place is set in a tranquil ambience conducive for practicing
meditation, a numbers of Thais practice insight meditation (Vipassana) at
this temple.
Wat Matchimawat
This temple is located in Tambon Mak Khaeng. During the reign of King Rama
V, Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom commanded the construction of a new temple
to replace Wat Non Mak Khaeng, the old deserted temple, and named it “Wat
Matchimawat.” Within its Wihan building, there is a white stone Buddha image
under Naga (serpent) protection, or commonly known as “Luangpho Nak,” which
has been highly respected by the people of Udon Thani.
Wat Phothisomphon
Wat Phothisomphon This temple is located on Pho Si Road in Tambon Mak Khaeng.
It was built in the late reign of King Rama V. Maha Ammat Tri Phraya
Sisuriyaratchawaranuwat (Phothi Netiphothi), Lord Lieutenant of the Udon
Circle persuaded the villagers of Mak Khaeng to build the temple, which was
commonly called “Wat Mai.” Later, Phra Chao Worawongthoe Krommaluang
Chinnawonsiriwat, the Supreme Patriarch, Wat Ratchabophitsathitmahasimaram,
named the temple as “Wat Phothisomphon,” to commemorate Phraya
Sisuriyaratchawaranuwat, the temple builder. Inside, there is also a museum
of revered monks famous for meditation.
Wat Thipphayaratnimit
This temple is located on Naresuan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng, off the main
road into Soi San Chao Mae Thapthim and opposite to a polytechnic school. It
is another forest temple in the area of Amphoe Mueang and has a pleasant
shady atmosphere. There is a large pagoda which contains Lord Buddha’s
relics. The pagoda is shaped like “Thanan,” a utensil used in ancient times
to scoop Lord Buddha’s relics. A portrait of Luang Pu Thira Chitthammo, the
present abbot, is displayed with basic living utensils for Buddhist monks in
the pavilion. On the fourteenth waxing moon day of the twelfth lunar month,
Thot Kathin (robe offering ceremony) and merit making to celebrate the
abbot’s birthday anniversary are held every year.
Amphoe Na Yung
Wat Pa Phu Kon
A Buddhist park located in Ban Na Kham, Tambol Ban Kong, the temple covers
an area of 1,000 rai of teeming forests. The place is perfect for practicing
Buddhist meditation. Located next to the temple is the Prathom
Rattanamahaburaphachan Chedi where the holy Buddha relics are enshrined. The
chedi is of Lanka style, is 25 metre high and is decorated with golden
mosaic.
Amphoe Nam Som
Na Yung Nam Som Forest Park
Yung Thong Waterfall located at Ban Sawang, Mu 2, Tambon Na Yoong, King-Amphoe
Na Yung is a waterfall on the ridge of Phu Phan and Phu Ya Ou, where a
stream flows through the steep rock cliff. Yung Thong Waterfall is three
metres high and composed of water beautifully cascading amongst the stones,
especially during the rainy season when it thunders down in torrents among
the lush, green flora. Located 103 kilometers from Amphoe Muang, the route
to the waterfall passes through Amphoe Ban Phue and Amphoe Nam Som. Upon
reaching Amphoe Nam Som, there is a junction from Nam Suem Village, proceed
on that route for seventeen kilometers in order to reach the junction that
leads to the Reserve Park. The route is part of the project of the Office of
Accelerated Rural Development, aimed at speeding up the development in the
rural area which is in good condition and can be used all the year round.
Yung Thong Waterfall
103 kilometers from the province, Located in Na Yung Nam Som National Park,
it is a three-layer waterfall surrounded by number of trees and valleys.
Amphoe Nong Han
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
This archaeological site is considered to be cultural property of
outstanding universal value and was nominated as a World Heritage Site in
December 1992. The Site is located at Ban Chiang, Amphoe Nong Han, 55
kilometers from the province on Highway No. 22 (Udon Thani-Sakon Nakon).
Turn left at the 50-km marker to Highway No. 2225 and proceed for 6
kilometers.
Ban Chiang National Museum located at Ban Chiang, Tambon Ban Chiang, Amphoe
Nong Han, is comprised of two parts. The first part stores antiques. Inside
the building, old artifacts, ancient Ban Chiang culture, tools and utensils
that showcase ancient technology and surroundings, as well as earthenware
pots from 4,000 to 7,500 years old, are displayed. The second part is an
open museum in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai. The Fine Arts Department has
retained the conditions of archaeological excavations to illustrate how
earthenware pots and other items were buried along with the dead. Ban Chiang
National Museum is considered the first open museum in Thailand. As for the
Ban Chiang earthenware pots, they are known world-wide because Ban Chiang
was the origin of a pre-historic civilization. Archaeologists believe the
designs on Ban Chiang earthenware are the oldest pot designs in the world.
Traveling to Ban Chiang National Museum is very easy. It is only fifty-six
kilometers from Muang District. The route runs along Highway 22 and turns
left onto Highway 2225 at kilometer 50, where a road sign indicates the way
to Ban Chiang which is six kilometers away. The museum is open to the
general public every day, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
with an admission fee of 20 baht. The museum has a parking area with toilets
and village shops located nearby.
On the way to Ban Chiang, visitors can stop at several villages where
handicrafts are made. Ban Kham O located along the Udon Thani-Sakon Nakhon
Road is a Ban Chiang pottery sculpture center while Ban Pu Lu is a
pottery-painting place.
Wat Pho Si Nai
It is the site of the open museum section of the Ban Chiang National Museum
where the conditions of the archaeological excavations have been maintained
in order to illustrate how earthenware pots and other items were buried
along with the dead.
Amphoe Nong Saeng
Phu Foi Lom
Phu Foi Lom is an eco-tourism tourist destination which provides unique
soft-adventurous activities for nature lovers. With an area of approximately
192,356 rai of Phu Phan Noi mountain range, Phu Foi Lom is part of the Pan
Don Pa Ko National Reserved Park. Rare flora and fauna can be spotted here.
As the place boasts diverse ecological systems, tourists can enjoy trekking
along the provided trails. Phu Foi Lom is located approximately 35
kilometres from Udon Thanis town. Traveling there is not complicated, use
Udon Thani Loei route, at km 9 marker, turn to Ban Lao and proceed for
another 48 kilometres.
Than Ngam Waterfall
A medium-sized waterfall situated amidst lush and pristine forests, the
waterfall is more than perfect for swimming and relaxation. Traveling to the
site can be done via Udon Thani Nong Bua Lam Phu or Udon Thani Khon Kaen
route. For the first route, travel along the highway for approximately 45
kilometres, turn left to Nong Saeng District and proceed for another 5
kilometres. For the second route, travel along the highway for approximately
55 kilometres, turn right to Nong Saeng District and proceed for another 25
kilometres.
Festivals
Thung Si Muang Festival
Thung Si Muang Festival is held around December every year to showcase and
sell local products. The Dragon dancing can be witnessed during the
festival.
Thung Si Muang Festival
Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok Worship Fair is held around December every year This
annual fair is held during the13th - 15th waxing moon days of the 3rd lunar
month with booths of goods and local products for sale. Many visitors from
Udon Thani and nearby provinces come to join the fair.
Shopping
Ban Chiang Pottery
This ancient style pottery is made according to the findings of the Ban
Chiang Archeological Site in Nong Han District, which is a World Heritage
Site. Ban Kham Or, is Ban Chiang pottery sculpture center and one of several
villages where handicrafts are made. It is located along the Udon
Thani-Sakon Nakon Road. Ban Pu Lu is a pottery-painting place.
Hand-Woven Fabric
Na Kha Village, which is 16 kilometers from the province on Udon Thani-Nong
Khai route (Highway 2), is famous for its hand woven cloth called "Khit" of
which various types of products are made and sold.
Dining
Amphoe Mueang
Jing Jo Berkery
41/1 Chareon Si Plaza, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 1878
Mae Ya (Thai, Chinese, Isan Food)
RatChapudsadu Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 3889,0 4222 2953
Mandarin
Mak Kheng Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 1043, 0 4222 2391
May Fair
Pho Si Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4224 8155
Mung Kon Loung (Chinese Food, Duck Grill, Suki)
Tahan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4224 2345, 0 4224 2444
New Aim Oat
118/9 Prachak Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 3992
Pu Weang
inside Chareon Hotel, Pai Si Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4224 8155
Punk Ke
Mak Kheng Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 2398
Sieum Hai
Mak Kheng Road, Amphoe Mueang, Udon Thani
Tel :: 0 4222 1003
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