Location: Udon Thani
Top Things to do in Udon Thani
What to do and see in Udon Thani, Thailand: The Best Places and Tips
Udon Thani (Thai: อุดรธานี, pronounced [ʔù.dɔ̄ːn tʰāː.nīː]) is one of the four major cities (Khorat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen) of the Isan region, Thailand, (known as the "big four of Isan"). It is the capital of Udon Thani Province.
Restaurants in Udon Thani
1. Ban Chiang Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
An important Bronze Age settlement and cemetery.
Reviewed By Tomthetraveler99 - Chicago, Illinois
I've been to many archeological sites and museums, but this has been the best. Begin upstairs with the museum, which thoughtfully does an excellent job of showing the history and discovery and preservation of this site. Details the international efforts involved in uncovering and displaying these important sites. Downstairs you will travel through numerous displays of actual skeletons, potteries and tools as well as several reinacted 3d displays of life at that time. As you progress through, be prepared to see hundreds of perfectly intact pottery, tools and jewelry found. I have never seen such a vast array and quantity of such well preserved archeological items. Please don't leave Ban Chiang without visiting the nearby wat which is one of the actual archaeological excavation sites. Truly amazing.
We took a bus (90bht) from Udon Thani and got off on hwy 225. Then we paid 120 bht to a tuk-tuk driver for round trip to both sites (museum and wat) and back. Then cross the highway and wait for a return bus back to Udon Thani.
2. Phu Prabhat Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Achara C - Udon Thani, Thailand
Phu Prabhat Historical Park is a great place for bush walks. The tracks are well marked with Historical attractions scattered around the trails. The park is managed by the Fine Arts Department so its very well maintained and have building that blends well with the natural environment.
Guides are scattered around the parks and are very helpful to tourists.
3. Nong Prajak Public Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By Freeman-315 - San Diego, California
This park is located on the northwest side of town, making it a 20-30 minute walk from the downtown Central Plaza/tourist/hotel/expat/bar area. I visited it on a pleasant Saturday afternoon and was surprised at how uncrowded it was. There was a good mix of singles exercising, couples lounging out by the water on blankets, and families with children making good use of the park facilities. It was a seemingly safe area, though I saw no signs of any police, military, or law enforement rangers.
The park is quite large and there are bicycles for rent at various places (20B/hr), though they're junkers suitable only for putzing around moreso than seriously exercising. I found most people, as well as myself, content with exploring the park on foot - enjoying the best areas in the interior sections rather than circumnavigating the lake.
The park is beautifully landscaped with a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, pathways, and structures. On the perimeter are two pathways that loop the lake nicely for exercising - one for joggers and one for bicyclists. Serious roller bladers could also make use of these, but I found the smooth, curving, interior pathways to be particularly inviting for skate wheels. I would also consider most, if not all, of the park to be handicap accessible. On this perimeter are a number of food vendors and of course the famous floating rubber ducks on the southeast shoreline.
The interior sections offer a wonderful series of shaded pathways, lakeside views, and interesting structures - like the 2 suspension Bridges, landscaped clock, and giant urn. There's also a large plaza and Amphitheatre area, exercise equipment, and two children's Playgrounds - with the dinoland playground being quite impressive and inviting. There are additional food vendors selling snacks here and offering toilet facilites for 5B, but know that there are also free bathrooms to be found nearby if you look.
Overall, I found this park to be exceptionally nice, better maintained than average Thai facilties, and relatively free from litter. The city did well with the gorgeous landscaping, attractive pathways, environmental trash cans, interesting structures, and recreational facilites. It's a prime assett for the city, offering a beautiful natural area and recreational opportunities - suitable for playing, strolling, exercising, loafing, admiring, and photograping.
My rating reduces one star soley because of the surrounding development and noise that detracts from the park's environment. Still, I'd suggest this as a definate worthwhile visit for both tourists and locals. Pick a nice day though with sun and blue sky if possible; the photo potential is worth it.
4. CentralPlaza Udon Thani
Overall Ratings
4 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By 446Sha - Durham, United Kingdom
The food court on the lower floor offers a range of foods to suit everyone’s pallet. There are multiple kiosks serving anything from rice and noodles to cakes and drinks. The mango sticky rice was especially nice and was a huge portion. The shopping centre itself has a range of shops and boutiques that are far up-market from those in the markets and prices to match.
5. UD Night Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By 446Sha - Durham, United Kingdom
This market is huge and has everything Thai you could ever want. The majority of it is clothes, but you can also buy jewellery, bags and bed linen etc.
It’s very hot inside the market and host very few ceiling fans so if you intend to visit the market then you might want to take a hand held fan with you.
6. Thai-Chinese Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Raymond W - Chengdu, China
Udon Thani has some fine attractions such as Phu Phra Bat Historical Park and Ban Chiang in the vicinity but nothing in the city itself impressed us.
The Thai-Chinese Friendship Centre was disappointing. Here you have a small goldfish pool, a willow and some scholar's rocks in the Suzhou style but it is all rather concrete. There is also a small room which has the briefest of overviews of the history of the Thais in China. However, it is literally a cut and paste job from Wikipedia. Not enough effort has been made here.
7. Wat Phothisomphon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By TayLunlaa - Bangkok, Thailand
This is the biggest golden pagoda in town where tourist should visit. Just 1 km from the lake. There are 3 level and you can see the view of Udon Thani, even it is not so high but nice view. You can also see the monks walk for food donation in the morning along the road.
8. Chao Pu-Ya Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By nellielim - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Chao Pu-Ya shrine is a colourful Chinese temple overlooking Nong Bua Lake. The central altar features the Chao Pu (grandfather) and Ya (grandmother) diety. Entrance is free and footwear has to be removed before entering the temple. A pleasant place to visit with lovely views of the lake.
9. City Pillar Shrine (Udon Thani)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By VivaHawaii - Honolulu, Hawaii
This does not compare to any of the big temples in Bangkok, but I found it well worth a few photos. If you visit Udon Thani, go have a look!
10. Wat Ban Tat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By Ken D - Bangkok, Thailand
This is not your typical tourist attraction but rather an excellent, peaceful Buddhist monastery, Theravadic and forest, that can help those who make merit continue on their path to enlightenment. Ajahn Maya Boowa, one of the great meditative monks of our era taught at this serene forest monastery and his teachings are carried on by the Abbott and monks here. Beyond the simple setting and plain worship hall there are often English speaking monks who will sit with you and offer teaching. The Wat has established a sister Wat in Lexington, Virginia, USA, and translated and published much of the teachings of Ajahn Boowa in English: search on Forest Dhamma Monastery. The books are free and all are welcomed to learn from and quote them. Do not expect more.
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