Udon Thani, Thailand
Region: Udon Thani is located in the province of Udon Thani
Geographic Coordinates: 17.416700, 102.750000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 130274
Language: Thai
Udon Thani is a city located in the northeastern region of Thailand, Known as Isaan. It is the fourth largest city in the region and serves as a hub for transportation, Commerce, And tourism. The city has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, With evidence of human settlements from over 7, 000 years ago. One of the main attractions in Udon Thani is the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site. This site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and contains artifacts from an ancient civilization that lived in the area around 4, 000 years ago.
Visitors can see pottery and bronze objects that were discovered during excavations at this site. Another popular attraction is Nong Prajak Park which covers an area of nearly 100 acres and features a large lake surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can rent paddle boats or bicycles to explore the park or simply relax on one of its many benches while enjoying views of the lake. For those interested in Buddhism, Wat Pa Ban Tat is worth visiting. This temple complex features beautiful gardens and several buildings with intricate architecture that are used for meditation and religious ceremonies.
Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Udon Thani with its unique cuisine blending influences from Laos and Isaan culture. Local dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), Larb (a spicy meat salad), And khao soi (a noodle soup). Udon Thani also has several shopping options including CentralPlaza Udon Thani mall which boasts over 200 shops selling everything from clothing to electronics.
Overall, Udon Thani offers visitors a glimpse into Thai culture beyond Bangkok’s tourist hotspots with its rich history, Natural beauty spots like Nong Prajak Park along with delicious food options making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for something different than traditional beach destinations like Phuket or Koh Samui.
Important Landmarks
- Wat Phothisomphon is a Buddhist temple known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
- Nong Prajak Park is a popular park with a large lake, jogging track, and various recreational activities.
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is an ancient site that dates back to the Bronze Age and is known for its pottery artifacts.
- UD Town is a modern shopping mall with various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Central Plaza Udon Thani is another popular shopping mall with numerous stores and restaurants.
- Phu Foi Lom Eco Park is a natural park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument is a historic monument dedicated to Prince Prachaksinlapakhom who played an important role in the development of Udon Thani province.
- Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) is a seasonal attraction where visitors can see thousands of red lotus flowers blooming on the lake’s surface during December-February each year.
- Thai-Chinese Cultural Center Museum showcases Chinese culture in Thailand through art exhibitions and cultural performances.
- Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm showcases over 300 species of orchids grown in Udon Thani province.
Primary Industries
- Agriculture – Udon Thani is renowned for its rice production, sugarcane, and rubber plantations.
- Tourism – The city attracts visitors with its historical sites, cultural events, and natural attractions such as national parks and lakes.
- Manufacturing – The province has a growing manufacturing sector that produces goods like electronics, textiles, furniture, and food products.
- Education – Udon Thani boasts several universities and colleges that offer higher education programs to students from across the country.
- Healthcare – There are numerous hospitals in the city that provide medical services to residents of the province as well as neighboring areas.
- Retail – The city has a large number of shopping malls and markets where locals can purchase goods ranging from clothing to electronics.
- Construction – With ongoing development projects in the area including residential complexes and infrastructure improvements there is a significant demand for construction workers in the region.
- Transportation- As one of the main transportation hubs within Northeastern Thailand there are many businesses involved in transportation services such as taxi companies or bus operators servicing routes throughout Thailand’s northeastern region or beyond into Laos or Cambodia for example.
Noteable History
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is a historically significant discovery in Southeast Asia, showcasing early human settlements dating back over 5,000 years.
- Phra Buddha That Nong Bua Temple is home to a revered Buddhist relic – the tooth of the Buddha.
- Udon Thani Railway Station played an important role in the transportation of goods and people during World War II.
- Lt. Col. Anusorn Tamajai was a national hero who fought against communist insurgents in Thailand during the Cold War era.
- The Thao Suranari Monument is dedicated to Khunying Mo, also known as Thao Suranari, who defended her city against Laotian invaders in the early 19th century.
- Prince Prajak Silapakom was a member of the Thai royal family who modernized and developed Udon Thani province during his tenure as governor from 1950 to 1970.
- Nong Prajak Park is a popular park located in central Udon Thani that boasts a large lake and various recreational activities for locals and tourists alike.
- Wat Pa Ban Tat Temple is one of Thailand’s largest forest monasteries known for its peaceful surroundings and meditation retreats.
- Udon Thani International Airport serves as northeastern Thailand’s main airport connecting travelers to destinations across Asia and beyond.
- The Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) lies just outside Udon Thani city limits featuring thousands of vibrant red lotus flowers blooming on vast lake surface each year from December to February – an Instagram-worthy attraction drawing visitors from all over Thailand!
Museums and Things To See
- Phu Prabat Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient rock formations and cave paintings.
- Ban Chiang National Museum showcases the prehistoric culture of Thailand and the world-renowned Ban Chiang archaeological site.
- Wat Pa Phu Kon is a beautiful temple located on a hilltop that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Nong Prajak Public Park is a large park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and playgrounds for children.
- Udon Thani Museum is an interesting museum showcasing the history and culture of Udon Thani province.
- Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument honors Prince Prachaksinlapakhom, who played an important role in modernizing Thailand in the early 20th century.
- Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm allows visitors to see various species of orchids grown in different environments.
- Baan Na Kha Silk Village is famous for its traditional silk weaving techniques and handmade products that make great souvenirs.
- UD Town Shopping Mall is a modern shopping mall featuring various shops, restaurants, cinemas etc
- Central Plaza Udonthani has everything from branded clothes to local handicrafts to electronic gadgets.
Sports Teams
- Udon Thani FC: This is a professional football club based in Udon Thani that was founded in 2008. The team plays in the Thai League 2 and has a loyal fan base.
- Udon United FC: This is another football club based in Udon Thani that was founded in 2014. The team plays in the Regional League Division 2 North-Eastern Region.
- UDTU Basketball Club: This is a basketball club based at the University of Khon Kaen’s Faculty of Medicine at Udonthani Campus (UDTU). The team competes regularly against other university teams from around Thailand.
- UDTC Volleyball Club: This is a volleyball club also based at the University of Khon Kaen’s Faculty of Medicine at Udonthani Campus (UDTC). The team participates frequently against other university teams from around Thailand.
- UDHT Tennis Club: This tennis club operates out of the Udonthani Rajabhat University campus and offers training facilities for both students and non-students alike.
Cultural Events
- Udon Thani Flower Festival is an annual event in February that showcases a wide range of flowers, plants and gardening exhibitions.
- The Songkran Festival is a traditional Thai New Year celebration that takes place in mid-April and involves water fights, parades and religious ceremonies.
- Held in July or August, the Udon Thani Candle Festival features elaborate candle displays and processions to honor the Buddhist holiday of Asalha Puja.
- The Red Lotus Sea Festival occurs during December-January when the lake is covered with red lotus flowers that bloom for only a few weeks each year.
- Loy Krathong Festival takes place on the full moon night of November where people float small baskets made from banana leaves decorated with candles and incense on rivers or lakes as a symbol of letting go of negative energy.
- The Udon Thani International Drumming Competition happens every year in November-December where drummers from around the world compete to showcase their skills and rhythms.
- Ban Chiang World Heritage Site Festival is celebrated annually at Ban Chiang archaeological site which was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site; includes cultural performances, exhibitions & food fair showcasing local cuisine.
Cuisine
- Khao Soi – a curry noodle soup with chicken or beef, served with crispy noodles on top. You can try it at Khao Soi Kai Ton restaurant.
- Som Tam – a spicy papaya salad that is a must-try when in Thailand. You can find it at many street food stalls or restaurants like Som Tam Nua.
- Tom Yum Goong – a hot and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, and other herbs and spices. Try it at Baan Chiang Mai restaurant.
- Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – marinated grilled chicken served with sticky rice and dipping sauce is another popular dish in Udon Thani which you can try at Krua Ban Chiang Restaurant.
- Pad Thai – stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and your choice of meat or seafood is available almost everywhere in Thailand including Udon Thani; you can enjoy this dish at Pad Thai Jay Fai restaurant.
- Kanom Jeen Nam Ya – fermented rice noodles served with fish curry is another delicious dish to try while visiting Udon Thani; you can find it at Kanom Jeen Pa Lek restaurant.
- Tam Khanun (Jackfruit Salad) – Green jackfruit salad mixed with pork crackling , roasted peanuts , dried shrimp , shallots etc., one of the unique dishes to try when visiting udon thani . You can enjoy this dish from any local street food stall.
- Nong Prajak Park is the largest park in Udon Thani and offers a variety of recreational activities such as jogging, cycling, boating, and picnicking.
- UD Town is a popular shopping and entertainment complex that includes an outdoor playground, a cinema, and various restaurants.
- Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features ancient artifacts from the Bronze Age.
- Phu Foi Lom Eco Park is a nature reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Udon Thani Zoo is home to over 300 animals including tigers, elephants, monkeys, and birds.
- Wat Pa Ban Tat Temple is a beautiful temple located on a hilltop with stunning views of the city below.
- Central Plaza Udon Thani is another shopping mall that offers a range of dining options as well as an ice-skating rink and cinema complex.
- Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng) is a picturesque lake covered in red lotus flowers from December to February each year where visitors can take boat rides or enjoy local food stalls nearby.
- Phu Prabhat Historical Park is an ancient archaeological site featuring temples carved into cliffs dating back over 2,000 years ago with stunning views over Udon Thani province.
- Nong Khai Province – Located just outside Udon Thani province is Nong Khai which has its own set of tourist attractions including Sala Keoku – a sculpture park filled with unique statues depicting Buddhist mythology; Wat Pha Tak Suea – known for its giant golden Buddha statue; The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge which connects Thailand to Laos across the Mekong River; And many more!