Udon Thani, one of Isan’s major cities, is located in north-east Thailand and has one of the largest expat communities in the kingdom.
The city was home to one of the largest US air bases during the Vietnam conflict and it has subsequently became the region’s primary transport hub and commercial centre.
Udon Thani is probably best known for its archaeological wonders, paramount among them is the hamlet of Ban Chiang where the world’s first Bronze Age civilisation is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago.
Udon Thani borders Nong Khai to the north, Khon Kaen to the south, Sakon Nakhon to the east and Nong Bua Lam Phu and Loei to the west. Consequently, Udon Thani is a major transportation hub for Northeastern Thailand.
Geographically, the province is located on a plateau which is approximately 187 metres above sea level. Most of the area is covered with rice fields, forests, and hills; the Phu Pan mountain range and the Songkhram River are the area’s two primary natural attractions.
STAY
Centara Hotel & Convention Centre
For shopping enthusiasts this really is the place to stay being only steps away from Udon Thani’s largest shopping complex Central Plaza and only minutes away from Udon Thani train station. The hotel also has two restaurants, a bakery and a karaoke bar and lounge offering live music. The hotel also has a large outdoor pool, gym and spa.
The Pannarai Hotel
The Pannarai is ideally located in the centre of Udon Thani only a five minute walk from major bus terminals and Central Plaza. The boutique hotel has a superb Thai restaurant, The Pannawadee, within and outdoor dining as well as a large swimming pool.
EAT
Irish Clock Pub & Restaurant
The Irish Clock is a family-run pub and restaurant serving all your traditional Thai favourites as well as an extensive western menu. The breakfasts here are legendary along with their Sunday roasts.
Established in 2004, the pub really is a focal point for expats and families living in and around Udon Thani and there’s nowhere better to enjoy a cold pint of Guinness with your meal than this place.
Wine Society
Wine Society is a superb wine and dine experience in a great venue with the added bonus of live music.
The upscale bar and restaurant sits agreeably inside UD Town – unquestionably the city’s number one entertainment and social setting, and Wine Society is a blue-chip dining experience among UD Town’s eclectic mix of designer shops, bric-a-brac market stalls, sushi and suki restaurants, fast food outlets, beer park and live entertainment zone.
The upmarket second floor bar and restaurant has live music, fine wines and a wide range of food with discount savings and specials on selected days of the week.
SEE & DO
The province of Udon Thani has numerous places to visit, including those often mentioned in Thailand travel guides such as:
Huai Luang Reservoir – a favourite place for fishing and rafting
Than Ngam Waterfall
Udon Sunshine – home to unique orchids
Ban Na Kha, a silk, cotton and knit-weaving village
Ban Chiang – the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Museum
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park – at the foot of Phu Phan hill, with prehistoric cave paintings, Buddha images and footprints.
Wat Pa Ban Tad – a famous forest monastery
However, perhaps the most fascinating things to do and places to visit are not marked on travel itineraries, getting out of the city and into the countryside around Green Gecko will reveal a whole panoply of interesting sights, sounds and experiences.