My first visit to Udon Thani (the city) was more of a coincidence. That was over ten years ago, and I wanted to see the Red Lotus Sea; I simply stayed overnight in the city and didn't think anything more of it.

Since then, I've returned several times, both to Mueang Udon Thani and to Jangwat. And each time I've fallen in love all over again.

Whether you prefer to explore the treasures of the city or take a trip to the rural surroundings, my compilation of activities in Udon Thani will help you.

Accommodation in Udon Thani

As you can imagine, most of the good hotels in Udon Thani are located within the city limits. I've stayed several times at the cozy and comfortable "The Lion King Hotel Udon Thani" (which, despite its name, has no connection whatsoever to the Disney film). However, Udon Thani also offers more upscale accommodations, including the four-star Centara Udon Hotel near the Central Udon Thani shopping mall.

Frankly, most accommodations outside Udon's city center suffer from two main problems. First, the quality is simply not very high, which is reflected in the reviews. Second, and perhaps most importantly, staying in Nong Khai or near the Red Lotus Sea (to name just two examples) isn't ideally located for exploring other attractions – at least not if you don't want to travel unnecessarily long distances.

Things to do in Udon Thani

Indulge in the culinary delights of the Train Night Market

The so-called Train Night Market is conveniently located right next to Udon Thani train station and is a paradise for lovers of spicy Isaan cuisine. It is undoubtedly an ideal first (and perhaps last) stop for anyone arriving in or leaving Udon Thani by train – but any other traveler will enjoy it as well.

Watch the sunrise over the Red Lotus Sea

Another highlight of any trip to Udon Thani is the Red Lotus Sea, known in Thai as Talay Bua Daeng. The best time to visit is just before sunrise. So, if you'd like to go there, I recommend leaving Udon Thani around 4 pm, whether by taxi or your own car.

Welcome the Mekong in Nong Khai

The first time I "visited" Nong Khai, it was merely due to a mandatory stopover on the train journey from Bangkok to Vientiane in Laos. I was all the more pleasantly surprised, then, when I properly visited the city years later – both for its charming temples and markets and for the breathtaking views of the Mekong.

Take a trip to Wat Pa Phu Kong

Several temples in the area are among Udon Thani's tourist attractions. For foreigners, the almost viral blue temple Wat Pa Phu Kon is probably at the top of their list. I wanted to visit it on one of my first trips to the city, but it took almost ten years before I finally made it.

Or Wat Kham Chanot

The Thais, on the other hand, associate Wat Kham Chanot and its Naga depictions with good fortune and prosperity. I only discovered this place because my travel companion at the time (who, as fate would have it, is now my husband) wanted to pray there for our future. And it seems to have worked!

Other sights in Isaan

Isaan is a vast region which, although not very popular with most foreign travelers, contains some of Thailand's most fascinating destinations:

  • Ubon Ratchathani is often confused with Udon Thani due to the similar names, but this city and province are completely unique, especially because of Sam Phan Bok, also known as the Grand Canyon of Thailand.
  • Nakhon Phanom is one of the sleepiest parts of Isaan, but also very worthwhile, especially if you visit the charming town of That Phanom.
  • Stylistically and in terms of sights, Loei lies somewhere between Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom. I especially enjoy relaxing on the riverbank in Chiang Khan!

    • As you can see from reading the section above, the rest of Isaan is worth exploring, no matter how many days you spend in Udon Thani.

    More frequently asked questions about visiting Udon Thani

    Is Udon Thani worth a visit?

    Udon Thani is definitely worth a visit, even though it's not one of Thailand's most famous tourist destinations. I particularly enjoy going there in February to experience the sunrise over the so-called Red Lotus Sea and to take day trips to temples like Wat Pa Phu Kong and Wat Kham Chanot.

    What is Udon Thani most famous for?

    Udon Thani is perhaps best known for its proximity to other attractions, including the Red Lotus Sea (and, among Thais, the sacred Wat Kham Chanot temple). It is also very close to Nong Khai, the Thai city closest to Vientiane in Laos.

    How long should one spend in Udon Thani?

    The city of Udon Thani is small and can be explored in a day. However, to fully enjoy all the sights and experiences of Udon Thani province, you should plan at least 2-3 days.

    Conclusion

    Whether you're looking for things to do in Udon Thani or need a complete itinerary, you've come to the right place. Udon Thani is one of my favorite regions in northeastern Thailand and the ideal place to begin or end your Isaan trip. Stay in the city center and stroll through the night market near the train station, or take a trip to the countryside, for example to the famous Red Lotus Sea or sacred sites like Wat Kham Chanot and Wat Pa Phu Kong. Relax by the water in Nong Khai and enjoy the view of Laos across the Mekong. Need help planning your Thailand trip? I'd be happy to take care of the planning for you!