Visit Udon Thani: Top 7 fascinating things to do & see

​Nestled in northeastern Thailand, Udon Thani is a city where tradition and modern life blend seamlessly. With its breathtaking natural scenery, deep-rooted history and lively streets, the city offers an experience that captivates every traveler. Whether you're seeking peaceful retreats, cultural discoveries, or a taste of local flavors, Udon Thani has plenty to offer.

This Udon Thani travel guide will help you uncover the city's best experiences, must-visit landmarks and insider travel tips.

The best time to explore Udon Thani

Udon Thani has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Udon Thani is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. This period is also the perfect time to witness the Red Lotus Lake in full bloom, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The hot season from March to May can be intense, while the rainy season from June to October offers lush green landscapes but occasional heavy showers.

If you plan to visit Udon Thani during a festival, timing your trip to align with Loi Krathong (November) or the Red Lotus Lake Festival (December) will give you a unique cultural experience.

How to get to Udon Thani easily

Udon Thani is well-connected to major cities in Thailand and neighboring Laos, offering multiple transportation options:

• By air: Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) has daily flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket via Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air. The airport is just 15 minutes from the city center, with taxis and Grab available.

• By train: A scenic 9-hour train ride from Bangkok provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy countryside views.

• By bus: Buses from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal take around 8 hours, with both VIP and budget options.

• From Laos: Udon Thani is just a 1.5-hour drive from Vientiane. Direct buses run from the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, making it an easy stop for cross-border travelers.

You may want to read: Transportation in Thailand: How to get around easily for visitors

Top 7 attractions you shouldn’t miss in Udon Thani

Udon Thani is a city filled with natural wonders, cultural heritage, and vibrant markets. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, the city offers something for everyone. Here are the 7 top tourist attractions in Udon Thani you shouldn’t miss:

Marvel at the stunning Red Lotus Lake (Talay Bua Daeng)

• Best time to visit: Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

• Boat rental cost: ~300 Baht for two people (90–120 minutes)

One of Udon Thani’s most breathtaking attractions, the Red Lotus Lake (Talay Bua Daeng) is located about 40 km from the city center. From December to February, the vast lake is covered with thousands of blooming red lotuses, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle. The best way to experience this beauty is by taking an early morning boat tour, when the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasantly cool. Apart from the stunning lotus fields, the lake is home to various bird species and a rich freshwater ecosystem, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Find peace at Pa Phu Kon temple

• Opening hours:

  - Temple gates: From 5:30 AM (ideal for sunrise photography)

  - Main hall: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Admission fee: Free

Nestled atop a forested hill in Na Yung–Nam Som National Park, Pa Phu Kon Temple, also known as the Blue Temple, is a serene retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Its striking turquoise-green roof contrasts beautifully with the natural landscape, while at night, the temple glows like a floating ship. Inside, the 20-meter-long Reclining Buddha, crafted from Italian Carrara white marble, symbolizes ultimate peace and enlightenment. Visitors can enjoy the temple’s tranquil ambiance, meditate, and admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding 400-acre preserved forest, making it a perfect place for spiritual rejuvenation.

Step back in time at Ban Chiang archaeological site

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

• Entrance fee: 150 Baht per person.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in Southeast Asia. Discovered in 1966, it has provided invaluable insights into early agricultural practices, metal use, and ancient civilizations. Excavations have unearthed distinctive red-painted pottery, bronze tools, and evidence of wet-rice cultivation, indicating a sophisticated society that thrived over 5,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the Ban Chiang National Museum, which showcases these ancient artifacts and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of early communities.

Discover local heritage at Udon Thani museum

• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Admission fee:

  - Adults: 10 Baht

  - Children: 5 Baht

Housed in a beautifully restored historic building overlooking Nong Prajak Park, the Udon Thani Museum offers visitors an insightful journey into the region's rich cultural heritage. The museum's exhibits showcase a diverse collection, including artifacts from the Ban Chiang archaeological site, traditional textiles, and displays detailing the province's history and development. The building itself, with its colonial architecture, adds to the museum's charm, providing a glimpse into Udon Thani's past architectural styles. A visit to the Udon Thani Museum not only educates but also deepens appreciation for the province's unique cultural tapestry.

Relax at Nong Prajak public park

Located in the heart of the city, Nong Prajak Public Park is a peaceful oasis perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Originally known as "Nong Na Kluea", the lake-centered park is now a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. It features scenic walking trails, exercise zones, bike rentals, and well-maintained gardens. The park is best known for its giant inflatable yellow duck, a popular landmark for photos. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll, jogging along the lakeside, or simply unwinding amidst nature, Nong Prajak Public Park offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Experience the buzz at UD night market

Located near Udon Thani’s train station, UD Night Market is a bustling hub that comes alive every evening from 5:00 PM. Known as one of Thailand’s largest daily night markets, it offers an authentic street food experience with a variety of local dishes, from pad thai and spicy papaya salad to grilled seafood. Beyond food, the market is packed with stalls selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, reflecting the region’s vibrant culture. Live music performances add to the lively atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Right next to the market, UD Town offers an upscale shopping and dining experience, but for those looking for a true taste of local flavors, UD Night Market remains the ultimate destination.

Explore the cultural charm of Vietnam Town

Nestled in the heart of Udon Thani, Vietnam Town stands as the world's first official Vietnamese neighborhood, inaugurated in November 2023. This vibrant enclave reflects the rich heritage of the city's Vietnamese-Thai community, which boasts over 60,000 residents—the largest Vietnamese population in Thailand. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Vietnamese culture, savor traditional cuisine at numerous eateries, and experience the unique blend of Vietnamese and Thai influences that define this lively district. The establishment of Vietnam Town not only serves as a cultural hub but also symbolizes the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Thailand, offering tourists a distinctive and enriching experience. ​

Vibrant festivals in Udon Thani

Udon Thani is not only known for its natural beauty and historical sites but also for its lively festivals that showcase the region’s rich cultural traditions. If you visit at the right time, you can witness some of the most unique and exciting celebrations in Thailand.

Red Lotus Lake Festival

Held from November to December, this festival celebrates the breathtaking bloom of red lotuses at Talay Bua Daeng (Red Lotus Lake). During this time, thousands of pink lotus flowers cover the vast lake, creating a mesmerizing scene. Visitors can take boat tours in the early morning to admire the full bloom and enjoy cultural performances, traditional music, and local food stalls. This is the best time to experience the beauty of Udon Thani’s most famous natural wonder.

Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

The Bun Bang Fai Festival, or Rocket Festival, is an ancient tradition held in May or June to celebrate the start of the rainy season. Locals launch large homemade rockets into the sky to ask for rain for their rice fields. The festival is filled with colorful parades, music, dance performances, and competitions to see which village can launch the highest and most spectacular rocket. It is a lively and fun-filled event that showcases the playful spirit of northeastern Thailand.

Loi Krathong Festival

Celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in November), Loi Krathong is one of Thailand’s most enchanting festivals. People gather at lakes and rivers to float krathongs—beautifully decorated baskets made of banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense—as an offering to the water goddess. In Udon Thani, the best place to experience this magical night is at Nong Prajak Public Park, where thousands of glowing krathongs light up the lake. The festival also features lantern releases, cultural performances, and fireworks, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Must-try local dishes in Udon Thani

Udon Thani is a paradise for food lovers, especially those eager to try Isaan (northeastern Thai) cuisine. The region's dishes are known for their bold flavors, a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet. If you visit Udon Thani, don’t miss these signature dishes:

• Som Tam (Papaya salad) – This iconic Thai dish consists of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, garlic, peanuts, fish sauce, and lime juice, creating a refreshing and spicy salad. It’s often enjoyed with sticky rice and grilled meat.

• Kai Yang (Grilled chicken) – Udon Thani is famous for its juicy, marinated grilled chicken, typically served with a spicy dipping sauce and sticky rice. The best place to try it is at local street food stalls and markets.

• Pho Udon – Influenced by the city’s Vietnamese community, Pho Udon is a Vietnamese-style beef noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef, topped with fresh herbs.

• Pla Pao (Salt-crusted grilled fish) – A delicious dish where whole fish is coated in salt, stuffed with lemongrass, and grilled over charcoal, resulting in tender, smoky, and flavorful meat. It’s often served with spicy dipping sauces.

You can find these mouthwatering dishes at UD Night Market, local street vendors, and traditional Isaan restaurants throughout Udon Thani.

Essential travel tips for Udon Thani

To make your trip to Udon Thani smooth and enjoyable, keep these important travel tips in mind:

• Getting around: The city offers tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and Grab (ride-hailing app) for easy transportation. Renting a motorbike is also an option for exploring at your own pace.

• Cultural etiquette: When visiting temples, dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering, and avoid touching Buddha statues. A respectful "wai" (Thai greeting with palms together) is appreciated when greeting locals.

• Local SIM cards & wi-fi: You can buy a SIM card at the airport or convenience stores (AIS, TrueMove, or DTAC) for easy mobile data access. Most hotels, cafes, and shopping malls offer free Wi-fi.

Udon Thani offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant local life. From the breathtaking Red Lotus Lake to the historic Ban Chiang Archaeological Site and lively UD Night Market, the city has something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or foodie, Udon Thani promises an unforgettable experience.

Plan your trip and uncover the hidden gems of this fascinating destination!