From Wikitravel

Udon Thani (อุดรธานี, also Udorn Thanee) is a city in the Northern Isaan region of Thailand. Often referred to as simply Udon or Udorn (อุดร), the city should not be confused with Ubon Ubon Ratchathani in southeastern Isaan.

[edit] Understand

Founded in the 1890's by Prince Prajak Silapakom, Udon Thani, with a population of about 230,000 is the 4th largest city in Thailand and the largest city outside of the Bangkok metropolitan area (Krung Thep).

Udon had a USA airbase during the Vietnam War that increased its wealth and importance. Surrounded by one of the major agricultural areas of the country, Udon Thani has become a regional hub for agriculture, commercial distribution, shopping and a fledgling tourism industry.

Because of the US presence (the airbase until 1976,a consulate until 1995, and a current Voice of America Station) many Thais were well paid and learned English making them more marketable to foreign labour recruiters. Udon has a large number of its citizens who have or are working overseas, particlarly in Middle East oilfields. This has contributed both to the wealth of the area and its desirability as an expat destination. More than 5,000 expats from Europe, Australia and North America have settled in the area.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), newly refurbished in 2006, has numerous daily flights to Bangkok (50 min)(Suvarnabhumi [BKK]) or (Don Muang [DMK]). Flights to Chiang Mai and Phuket come and go. As of September 2011 there are no international flights to Udon Thani.

To get to town there is a limousine service (actually a minibus) for 80 baht/person that will drop you and other passengers to the hotel/apartments/other place of your choice. If there are more than 2 of you, it may be cheaper to call a taxi (phone 042-323-239). Minibus tickets are available in the booth just to the right before you leave the terminal building. Taxis are not permitted to wait for passengers at the airport. Some of the hotels have pick up service and may take an extra rider or 2 as space permits.

[edit] By bus

There are now two bus stations in the City (as at Nov 2011). The usual one in the city centre near Central Plaza, and now another on the outskirts of town on the road in from Loei towards NongKhai. Tuk Tuk into town some B80 from here.

Buses from Bangkok (Morchit), an 8-hour journey, arrive at the BKS station in the city.

Buses depart at least once per hour after 11AM to Nong Khai (20 baht, 1 hour, non-airconditioned 3rd class) on the Lao border. Buses from Nong Khai may drop you off north of the city. Follow the locals and hop on the waiting #6 songthaew to the bus station or take a tuk-tuk.

There are six express buses a day direct to the Morning Market in Vientiane (80 baht, 2 hours, air-con 1st class departures at 8AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 2PM, 4PM, 6PM). These cross-border buses will carry passengers who have not obtained their Lao visas in advance, but may NOT wait long enough at the border for a visa on arrival to be applied for and issued. This isn't a problem when the queues are short, but at busy times passengers who don't already have their visas may be left behind and have to continue by local bus or tuk-tuk.

[edit] By train

Daily trains go to Nong Khai and over the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to Laos, Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok. The overnight express sleeper to Bangkok is scheduled for 9.25 hours but usually takes longer. Nevertheless, it is still quite comfortable and pleasant, especially when taken in a sleeping berth or compartment. A daytime express railcar to Bangkok traverses a causeway over the large and scenic artificial lake created by the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (in Lopburi Province). Connections to the major Southern Isaan cities and provinces of Buri Ram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani may be made in Nakhon Ratchasima for those who like to travel by rail.

In all, there are daily day-time trains, and three daily night-time trains from Bangkok to Udon Thani and vice versa (most of which normally originate or terminate at Nong Khai), and several local trains to other destinations, including Nakhon Ratchasima.

[edit] Get around

Navigation around Udon Thani is made easier by three large roundabouts on the central road, Highway 2 - the clock circle, the fountain circle and Prince Prajak Circle. It's also possible to orient yourself with Central Plaza, UD Town or Nong Prajak Park. There is a bypass road that goes around the city.

[edit] By taxi

The main bus station, near Central Plaza has a taxi stand.

[edit] By bicycle taxi

Udon Thani has many samlors (three-wheeled bicycle taxis), although as elsewhere, they are slowly succumbing to the pressures of internal combustion.

[edit] By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorcycles, are readily available in most commercial areas. Negotiate a price before taking the ride. Note that in Udon Thani the locally made vehicles (called Skylabs) differ from those in most of Thailand outside Isaan - in that their fronts are adapted motorcycles. If you travel to Laos, you will see such vehicles (called Jumbos) there, also.

[edit] 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 ringroad).

[edit] By bus

There are limited city bus routes.

[edit] By bicycle

Bicycles are available for rent at the northeast corner of Nong Prajack park for 20 baht/hour.

[edit] By motorcycle or car

Motorcycles or cars are for rent at numerous locations.

[edit][add listing] See

Udon has a variety of sights although most visitors make a beeline for Laos or the bronze age excavations east of Udon at Ban Chiang.

• The Ban Chiang archaeological dig is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 35 km east of Udon. Both buses and inter-village songthaews will drop you off at the Ban Chiang turn-off.

• Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm. Famous for a variety of orchids, orchid derived perfumes, and plants that "dance to music".

• Nong Prajack Park. 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 grass 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 around the outside of the lake.

• Nong Bua. Another 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.

• Ban Nakha, 15 km north of Udon along Route 2. A village famous for selling home woven silk and cotton garments. It is somewhat commercialized but a walk back from the road into the village can net some great bargains on silk and cotton.

• Phu Phrabat National Park, 60 km north-west of Udon near the Amphoe of Ban Phue. A marvelous ridgeline with numerous sandstone edifices several thousand years old. Bronze age cave paintings are also within the park.

• Phu Foi Lom Eco-Park, 40 km south-west of Udon, located high on a ridgeline. Numerous trails and rainy season water falls are within the park. South of Udon is a large wetlands area/lake called Khumpawapi. In the October time frame traditional dragon boat races are held on the lake. Within Khumpahawapi is a city park with a large troupe of monkeys that have been living there for over a hundred years.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

There is a large night market that opens about 5PM just west of the train station.

UD Town, just south of the train station, is a walking mall with a food court, Tesco Lotus store, 3 different Oishi restaurants, McDonald's, Swensen's Ice Cream, Pizza Company, WaWee Coffee and numerous retail businesss, etc.

Central Plaza, formerly Chareonsri is Udon Thani's largest indoor shopping mall, featuring 5 floors of shopping, including a Robinson's Department Store, Tops Supermarket, Sizzler Steakhouse, KFC, Pizza Company, Swensen's Ice Cream, Boot's Pharmacy, IT products, mobile phones, Major Cineplex, etc.

On the eastside is a Makro store (cheap for bulk purchases) and a Big C shopping centre (groceries and department store) with cheaper prices than Robinson's.

On the bypass road are numerous big box stores; Home Mart, Global House, Tool Pro Plus, Home Products Company, Index Living Mall, Premium Outlet Mall, Tesco Lotus (x2), Big C, Tang Ngee Soon Superstore.

Throughout the city and around are 7-11 and other convenience stores. Many automobile service and filling stations have coffee shops, public toilets, convenience stores, car washes, restaurants, etc.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Street vendors abound throughout the city. Satay, Noodle Soup (beef, pork, chicken, and duck are common), Pad Thai, Sum Tum, grilled chicken, meat on a stick, various sweets and rice dishes are available at nearly all times.

Udon Thani has a large range of buffet restaurants including Korean-style cook it yourself BBQ in a raised dish over a charcoal burner in the centre of your table.

All of the shopping and strip malls have food courts and many have restaurants.

There are many Thai restaurants throughout the city. Some are small and specialize in a few dishes while others are large and have extensive menus, although sometimes only in Thai.

Italian, British, Australian, American, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese food is also available.

There are many nightspots, most with food; disco's, beer bars, restaurants with music, and frequent fairs and festivals at UD Town and Thung Sri Muang in the city centre.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Udon Thani has a variety of Karaoke bars, beer bars and western bars. The area between Central Plaza and the railroad station houses some of these. Bar names and ownership are fluid, particularly for western bars.

Many of the hotels in town have lively nightlife with restaurants and music.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are many hotels in town. Prices vary, and as with most things, you get what you pay for. Rates can range from 200 to 2,000 baht or more per night. Apartment rentals from 1800 baht/month. Private pool villas can be rented for catered stays of two nights or more.

Central Plaza, bus station, train station area-

• The Pannarai Hotel (เดอะพรรณรายโฮเต็ล), 19/8 Sampantamit Road, Udon Thani (300m from Central Plaza shopping mall), ☎ +66 -42-345-111, 042-344-999, 088-057-6785, [1]. checkin: 13:00pm; checkout: 12:00pm. Beautiful city view with private swimming pool and restaurant. 2 meeting rooms and private car park. 5 minutes walk to bus and train stations. Located in the middle of Udon Thani, next to night market, UD Town and Paolo Memorial Hospital. 1280+ baht include ABFs.  edit

• Top Mansion, 35/3 Sampantamit Road, Udon Thani (200m from Central Plaza shopping mall), ☎ +66 -42-345015 (topmansion@yahoo.com). Convenient for bus and train stations, night market, UD Town and Paolo Memorial Hospital. On the street with foreigner-oriented bars and pubs. 450 baht.  edit

• Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Udon Thani (formerly Charoensri Grand Royal Hotel, Udon Thani), (Next to the main shopping centre), [2]. The main hotel used by foreigners. From 1,300 baht.  edit

• Charoen Hotel, 549 Phosri Road. 250 standard rooms, 3 superior rooms, and 2 suites, on a 10 acre area surrounded by garden and beautifully landscaped with swimming pools. It is only a few hundred metres to the south-west of the central bus station. From 950 baht..  edit

• Silver Reef Bed & Breakfast, 338/8 Prajack Rd. Muang (5 min walk to Robinson Shopping), ☎ 66 42 344-081, [3]. Central, close to the bus station and Robinson complex. New, rooms have 29” TV, air-con, Wi-Fi. Cheerful theme with cartoon characters. Canadian management. 500+ baht.  edit

Around Town-

• Karin Hotel, (Watthananuwong Road). Somewhat aging, but cheap and convenient location (in the middle between Nong Prajak and Robinson/train station. 460 to 800 baht.  edit

• Ruysuk Mansion Hotel, 249/1 Adunyadet Rd. - Udonthani, [4]. Popular inexpensive hotel for long and short stay with English speaking management. Discount for long stayers. Wi-Fi available. Air-conditioned rooms. From 300 baht.  edit

• Phimonrat Mansion, Phimonrat Mansion 38/9 M.5 Robmuang R.d. Nong Bua A. Muang Udon Thani (crossing of Mittraphap, Nong Bua Rd. 100m Eastwards Nong Bua Rd.), ☎ +66-42-243389, [5]. Rooms with air con, TV and fridge, WiFi in and outside. Thai food & drinks are available (30-200 bath) and laundry is done on place. Staff speaks little English but good Japanese. Thai owner visited Europe extensively. 350 bath.  edit

• TaNiTa (Lagoon) Resort, 113 Baan Nong Huaw Mue, Nadee, Muang (2 km from airport), ☎ +66 -81-8846334, [6]. 9 standard rooms in big area surrounded by nice lagoon and beautiful garden.  edit

• Nuntiya Terrace, 549 Prachasanti Rd. Muang (Center of city), ☎ 66 42 321-282, [7]. Central, close to UD Town. New, Clean, TV, Air-con, Wi-Fi, Parking lot, daily rate and monthly rate are available, more info please visit our website.  edit

[edit] Outside

• Gecko Villa, (free transfers provided from Udon Thani), [8]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. Set in the countryside out of Udon Thani,has a swimming pool and offers fully serviced stays with freshly prepared Thai food at no additional cost.Sleeps 2-6.  edit

• Green Gecko, (free transfers provided from Udon Thani), [9]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. A traditionally styled Thai house, has a swimming pool and offers fully catered and serviced holidays. Sleeps 2-4.  edit

• Rice Paddy Villa, (25 minutes from Udon Thani, from where complimentary transfers are offered), [10]. checkin: flexible; checkout: flexible. Looking directly over the surrounding rice fields, has a swimming pool and sleeps two-four guests. Finished in the Thai style with modern conveniences.  edit

• Paradise Hotel. Staff are friendly but only speak a little English. Fan rooms with double bed cost 200 baht but smell a bit funny. Inclusive of two bottles of water per day and maps of the city.  edit

• Udon Airport Hotel, 14 Moo 1, Udon-Nongbua Lampoo Road (500m from airport), ☎ 66-42-346223-4, 66-42-346513-4 (udonairport.hotel@gmail.com, fax: 66-42-346514), [11]. On a 7 acre 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, colour TV and Internet access. From 800 baht including breakfast..  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

• Nong khai (หนองคาย) is well worth a visit. To get there, take a tuk tuk to the Nong Khai bus station towards the north of town. Should cost about B50 from the centre. Ask for "sa tar knee rot may Nongkhai" (this is a better transliteration than what they normally give you)
• Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is about one and a half hours away across the Mekong. Express Air conditioned buses leave the Udorn Central bus station six times daily for Vientiane. Bus Fare one way as of 04/2008 is 80 baht. A visa on arrival for Laos at the Friendship Bridge costs $35 for 30 days (two passport photos are required or there is an additional $1 charge).

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!