//
City municipality in Thailand
Photo: Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Udon Thani (อุดรธานี, also Udorn Thanee) is a city of 131,000 people (2019) in the Isaan region of Thailand. Often referred to as Udon or Udorn (อุดร), the city should not be confused with Ubon — Ubon Ratchathani in southeastern Isaan.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Ban Chiang, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, gained international attention after the discovery of ancient burial grounds, pottery, tools, and evidence of early metallurgy, revealing a sophisticated prehistoric culture that thrived more than 5,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the Ban Chiang National Museum, which showcases many of the remarkable finds, including red-painted pottery and bronze artifacts. The excavation pits, preserved under protective structures, offer a rare glimpse into the region’s ancient past. The site is easily accessible, with both inter-village songthaews and regional buses stopping near the Ban Chiang turn-off.
A village famous for selling hand woven silk and cotton garments. It is somewhat commercialised but a walk back from the road into the village can net some silk and cotton bargains.
A park with a lake just to the east of the railway line. It is noted for its Chinese pagodas over the lake and the dragon pole.
Numerous trails and rainy season waterfalls. South of Udon is a large wetlands area/lake called Khumpahawapi. In Oct, traditional dragon boat races are held on the lake. Within Khumpahawapi is a city park with a large troop of monkeys that have been living there for over a hundred years.
A marvelous ridge line with numerous sandstone edifices several thousand years old. Bronze age cave paintings are also within the park. Listed as a .
Talay Bua Daeng, ทะเลบัวแดง
Take a boat ride through a lake full of red flowers (they are red hardy water lilies) at the lake of Nong Han (หนองหาน). The bloom starts in October, but is best viewed from December to February during the morning. Bird watchers may also spot herons and other fowl. Boats and drivers are available for rent by the hour at the side of the lake, 300-500 baht. A suggested over night stay is the Ma Der Bua Hotel next to the lake. They also have a restaurant and provide a toilet for five baht.
Famous for a variety of orchids, orchid-derived perfumes and plants that "dance to music".
Wat Pa Phu Kon is a remote Buddhist temple complex located in the forested hills of Na Yung District, Udon Thani Province. Known for its serene atmosphere and impressive architecture, the temple features a striking blue-roofed hall and a magnificent 20-meter-long reclining white marble Buddha, housed in an ornately decorated interior. Surrounded by lush greenery and set on a hilltop, the site offers peaceful surroundings and panoramic views.
Catch a 45-minute train at either 08:34 or 11:42 to Nong Khai for 11 baht. Either catch train back at 13:03 or catch a mini bus back for 50 baht. Every 30 min from bus station. If you wish do rent a car, there many car rentals agencies available in Udon Thani, such as UD Car Rent, Avis, Budget.
Watch a film at Major Cinema in Central Plaza. Some movies in Thai and some in English so choose the appropriate showing.
A large recreational area within the city and the primary site for locals to exercise and chill out. Consisting of a large lake/reservoir with several small islands, it features pleasant grassy areas and activities such as nightly aerobics (to Thai pop music) and feeding bread crumbs to the fish. For the more active, it's also popular for jogging or cycling (bike rentals available). Two paved pathways circle the lake: the inner one for cyclists, the outer one for those on foot. The circumference of the outer one is 3.3 km (2 mi). Most of the jogging path around the lake is ungated, but a portion is locked from 20:00-04:00.
One of only a few gyms in Udon. Near Central Plaza and the railway station. Coordinates approximate.
ร้านอาหารบงกช
Popular Thai restaurant with good food and low prices.
A wonderful hybrid: a restaurant serving Thai and Western food, a used bookshop, and a shop selling hard-to-find Western foodstuffs (Bovril, Marmite, Heinz beans, Vegemite, meat pies). A Brit, Ken is a terrific source of local info. Serves beer and wine. Good website. Free Wi-Fi.
Owned by a Danish lady, serves breakfast, pizza and Thai food. Great quality and decent prices.
ร้านอาหารแม่หยา
Terrific family restaurant, an Udon institution. Three floors, crowded with Thais at mealtimes. Extensive photo menu and have an English menu available. Thai and Western food, but best to stick with the Thai. Also known for their extensive ice cream selection including banana splits. Air conditioned.
About 17 beer bars in this open air, but covered, bar complex.
L-shaped alley containing a dozen or more small bars popular with tourists and expats. Nutty Park contains what may be the best farang-oriented bar in Udon, the Good Shot Bar. It's clean and well lit, with nice hostesses and two pool tables. Serves Thai and Western food from two nearby restaurants.
Also rents bicycles for 100 baht per day. Great location.
Somewhat ageing, but cheap and convenient location.
Air-con double with own bathroom and cable TV. Free Wi-Fi.
Rooms with air con, TV and fridge, Wi-Fi in and outside. Thai food & drinks are available (30-200 baht) and laundry on-site. Staff speak little English, but good Japanese. Thai owner has visited Europe extensively.
Popular inexpensive hotel for long and short stay with English-speaking management. Discount for long stays. Wi-Fi. Air-conditioned rooms.
Decent cheap rooms in good location. They also have a street side make shift bar outside. They also rent motorbikes for 200 baht per day and bicycles for 60 baht per day.
Convenient for bus and train stations, night market, UD Town Shopping Centre and Paolo Memorial Hospital. On the street with foreigner-oriented bars and pubs.
แอทโฮมแอทอุดร
There's a lot to like about this unobtrusive hotel: great price, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, spotlessly clean, great location in the middle of the tourist entertainment zone, good water pressure, off-street parking. The only quibbles are no bedside reading lamp and no illumination for shaving.
250 standard rooms, 3 superior rooms and 2 suites, on a 10-acre area surrounded by garden and beautifully landscaped with swimming pools.
Bar, restaurant, hotel that is and popular with Udon's expats. Bar open 08:30-23:00. Kitchen open 08:30-22:00. Big Christmas dinner every year. Adults 595 baht; children 295 baht. Free Wi-Fi.
โรงแรมมาเดอบัว
Hotel, bar, and restaurant at the side of Red Lotus Lake. Managed by very helpful and friendly couple. The lady speaks English. The village of Ban Diam and its temple and tourist market is within walking distance, but you may also borrow bikes if you want to go a bit further. Breakfast is included, as is Wi-Fi.
Central, clean, TV, air-con, Wi-Fi, parking lot. Daily rate and monthly rates are available.
Managed by the English-speaking Dowdy, a highly competent and helpful lady. Their website is excellent and shows the four types of accommodation available. Suites have kitchen sink, microwave, large refrigerator. Spotlessly clean and welcoming. Advance reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Central, close to the bus station and Central Plaza. Rooms have TVs, air-con, Wi-Fi. Cheerful theme with cartoon characters. Canadian management.
Nine standard rooms in large area surrounded by nice lagoon and beautiful garden.
On a 3-hectare area surrounded by garden and beautiful landscape. 115 standard rooms, 3 superior rooms, and 2 suites. Standard rooms are air-con with mini bar, radio, TV and Internet access.
Udon Star
Run by an elderly Frenchman whose presence is fleeting, the ground floor of the hotel is packed with vintage radios, musical instruments, passenger liner memorabilia and other fabulous knick-knacks. Historical photos of Udon abound. Rooms are huge, clean and eccentric. Pool or snooker table, table football, Wi-Fi and breakfast are all free.
Resort-style garden bungalows with air-conditioning, free wifi and smart TV. Just 5 minutes from the Red Lotus Lake. Each cottage offers a bedroom, bathroom, living room and balcony. Meals and drinks are available. Open 24h.
Hormduk Hotel
Hormduk Resort offers air-conditioned cottages with a bedroom, living room and private bathroom. Rooms offer free, fast WiFi, a smart TV and refrigerator. Food and drink is available. The property is just five minutes from the boat pier at the Red Lotus Sea.
Hormduk Hotel
Hormduk Resort offers air-conditioned cottages with a bedroom, living room and private bathroom. Rooms offer free, fast Wi-Fi, a smart TV and refrigerator. Food and drink is available. The property is just five minutes from the boat pier at the Red Lotus Sea.
Formerly the Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel
Good rooms, amenities, and location. It is just behind, and connected to the Central Plaza Shopping Centre. The tiny, shallow pool on the fifth floor is surrounded by high walls.
Set in the countryside outside of Udon Thani, this villa has a swimming pool and offers fully serviced stays with freshly prepared Thai food at no additional cost. Fast and free Wi-Fi. Sleeps 2-6.
A traditionally-styled Thai house, has a private swimming pool, and offers fully catered and serviced holidays. Sleeps 2-4.
เดอะพรรณรายโฮเต็ล
Beautiful city location with swimming pool, restaurant, rudimentary gym. Two meeting rooms and private car park. 5 minutes walk to bus and train stations. In the middle of Udon Thani, next to Day & Night, Central Plaza, UD Town Shopping Centre, and Bangkok Hospital. Strong free Wi-Fi. Excellent free buffet breakfast for guests, 06:00-10:00, and non-guests pay 250 baht (Jan 2017).
Looking directly over the surrounding rice fields, has a swimming pool and sleeps 2-4 guests. Finished in Thai-style with modern conveniences.
5 room types. Superior, deluxe, sapphire suite, executive suite and penthouse. Air-con, wi-fi, TV. Nice restaurant. From 2,000 baht/night
Two locations. Hypermart, groceries, housewares, clothing.
Formerly Chareonsri
Udon Thani's largest indoor shopping mall, featuring five floors of shopping, including Asia Books, a Robinson's department store, Tops Supermarket, Sizzler steakhouse, KFC, Pizza Company, Swensen's Ice Cream, Boots pharmacy, IT products, mobile phones, cineplex.
Shopping complex with SFC Cinema.
Cheap bulk purchases.
Eat in and takeaway food.
Supermarket with lower prices than Tops Supermarket at Central Plaza. Several locations. The most central one is in UD Town (hours: 07:00-24:00). The one on the north ring road is a Tesco-Lotus Extra (hours:08:00-23:00).
Western and Thai foodstuffs; salad bar; deli; bakery.
Mall with a food court, Tesco Lotus store, three different Oishi restaurants, McDonald's, Swensen's Ice Cream, Pizza Company, WaWee Coffee and numerous retail businesses.
By bus
There are four bus stations in the city:
By train
Daily trains go to Nong Khai (45 min for a bargain 11 baht) and over the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to Laos. Trains are also frequent to Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok.
By taxi
The main bus station, near Central Plaza has a taxi stand.
By bicycle taxi
Udon Thani has many samlors (three-wheeled bicycle taxis), although as elsewhere, they are slowly succumbing to the pressures of the internal combustion engine.
By tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorcycles, are readily available in most commercial areas. Negotiate a price for your journey before you get in.
By songthaew
Udon Thani has a bus-like network of numbered pick up trucks with 2 benches in the back songthaews; cost is 8 or 10 baht per trip (10 baht outside the ring road).
By bicycle
Bicycles can also be rented by the day from Asia Backpackers and SPM House.
By motorbike or car
Motorbike rentals are readily available at many locations in Udon Thani, however the most well known and trusted motorbike rental business in Udon Thani is "Jenny's Motorbike Rental".
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Udon Thani · International · UTH
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Udon Thani and Thailand.
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders. Check ASEAN entry rules, stay limits, and Bureau of Immigration clearance tips.
6 min read
Travel tipsExplore the rainy seasons in Asia month by month. Compare Southwest and Northeast monsoons, typhoon belts, dry island escapes, and travel dates.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.