The central city of Upper Isan, starting point for the Red Lotus Sea, the Bronze Age site of Ban Chiang and the sunsets on the Mekong at Nong Khai

The offer data was updated on October 26, 2026.

About Udon Thani

Udon Thani is the up-and-coming city in Upper Isan, a former US airbase with a large Vietnamese-Thai community, a vibrant lakeside park in the city center, and two of Thailand's most striking attractions within an hour's drive. From December to February, Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake transforms into the Red Lotus Sea: thousands of acres of pink lotus blossoms, opening at dawn, can be explored by longtail boat and are among the world's most unusual lakes. Year-round, the UNESCO-protected Bronze Age site of Ban Chiang (with its burial urns and 4,000-year-old red-painted pottery) offers a glimpse into visitors' common perceptions of Southeast Asian prehistory.

The city itself is an uncomplicated and ideal base: Nong Prajak Park invites you to enjoy street food in the evenings, the Chinese-Thai shrine culture is unique, and VT Naem Nueang is known for its Vietnamese spring rolls. 55 kilometers north, Nong Khai stretches along the Mekong River with its riverside promenade, the surreal sculpture garden Sala Kaew Ku, and breathtaking sunsets all the way to Laos. Most travelers take a day trip or spend their last night in Thailand here before crossing the Friendship Bridge to Vientiane. Those looking for more than just beaches will find it here.

Thai festivals, month after month

Naga fireballs (Bang Fai Phaya Nak) on the Mekong

Phi Ta Khon, Thailand's Ghost Festival

Isan, Northeast Thailand: A Travel Guide

Visitor information

December – February (Red Lotus blooms Dec.–Feb.)

Avoid: March – May (hottest time)

Weather in Udon Thani by month: Rainfall, temperatures and humidity

Peak season: December – January (lotus bloom weekends)

Udon Thani Airport (UTH) offers regular flights to Bangkok (approximately 65 minutes). The overnight train from Bangkok to Nong Khai stops here (approximately 9 hours), and buses from Mo Chit take 8–10 hours. Vientiane (Laos) is 80 km away and accessible via the Friendship Bridge.

  • •Songthaews on numbered city routes (10–15)
  • •Grab and metered taxis in the city
  • •Minivans and trains to Nong Khai (55 km, ~1 hour)
  • •Rental car for Red Lotus Sea and Ban Chiang (both about 50 km away)

    • Accommodation in Udon Thani

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    Things to do in Udon Thani

    Udon Thani offers 184 carefully selected locations in 9 categories. Choose from 41 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 35 restaurants and bars. Visit 29 temples and cultural sites. Explore a beach and an island. Book from 15 activities and tours.

    Browse the categories below or scroll down to see the top deals in each category. Every offer includes Google reviews from verified visitors, pricing information, and, where available, direct booking links.

    The best hotels in Udon Thani

    My hotel selection in Udon Thani in every price category, based on Google's hotel classification. My top 10 hotels are displayed first, followed by the highest-rated ones. Each button takes you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where your travel dates are already entered.

  • #1 Mid-Range · 4-Star Centara Udon 4.4 (2,829 reviews) Elegant full-service hotel in Udon Thani with two restaurants, outdoor pool, spa, and ballroom. Check prices
  • #9 Budget · 3-Star President Hotel Udonthani 4.2 (657 reviews) A relaxed mid-range hotel in Udon Thani with rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant. Check prices

    • Hotels & Resorts

    Centara Udon

    Amanta Hotel

    Napalai Hotel

    The Princess Hotel Udon Thani

    Restaurants & Food

    Daeng Namnuang Nong Khai

    Café Viet

    KAO.PIAK.SEN

    Maya

    Temples and Culture

    Wat Pho Chai Phra Aram Luang

    Thung Si Muang

    Wat Pa Ban Tad

    Wat Phrathat Bangphuan

    beaches

    Sai Thong Beach

    Markets & Shopping

    Central Udon

    Tha Sadet Market

    UD Town Udon Thani

    Tukcom Landmark Plaza Udon Thani

    Activities & Tours

    Nong Prajak Park

    Red Lotus Lake Kumphawapi

    Sala Keo Kou

    Nong Khai Aquarium

    Nightlife & Bars

    Bar at the bus station

    U-Tube Bar & Restaurant

    The Museum Bar & Live Music

    Rhythm Pub & Bar

    Wellness & Spas

    YU Onsen and Spa (Udonthani branch)

    Sotara Thai Massage

    Good Relax Massage & Spa (GR Spa)

    Maninakaspa

    transport

    Udonkaewtour Nongkhai

    Arrival in Udon Thani and onward travel

    Arrival

  • Bangkok – Udon Thani: Fastest flight (1 hr 5 min to 1 hr 15 min flight time), cheapest night train (Rapid No. 133, 204 ฿ 3rd class, 327 ฿ 2nd class). Compare all 6 options.

    • Further from Udon Thani

  • Udon Thani – Bangkok: Fastest flight to Suvarnabhumi, approx. 1 hour 10 minutes. Cheapest night train: Express train No. 134, 204 Baht (3rd class), 327 Baht (2nd class). Compare all 6 options.

    • Live departures from Bangkok to Udon Thani with 12GoEvery on the route within Thailand compared

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    Frequently asked questions about Udon Thani

    The lotus blossom season lasts from approximately December to February, peaking in January. The blossoms open in the morning and close around midday, so a visit at dawn is recommended. Longboats depart from the pier in Ban Diam (about 45 minutes from the city): 300 baht for a small boat, 500 baht for a larger one, per boat, not per person. It is significantly quieter on weekdays than on weekends, which are busy with Thai tourists.

    Yes, and it's the best day trip in Upper Isan. Trains and minivans cover the 55 km in about an hour. The enormous Buddhist-Hindu concrete sculptures of Sala Kaew Ku are unique in Thailand, and the Mekong promenade at sunset, with views of Laos, is the defining panorama of the region. Many travelers stay overnight in a riverside guesthouse before crossing over to Vientiane.

    Flights from Bangkok are available throughout the day (approximately 65 minutes, from 800 baht with AirAsia, Nok Air, Lion Air, and Thai Airways). Udon is home to the main airport of Upper Isan. The classic route is the overnight train from Bangkok Aphiwat (approximately 9 hours, 2nd class 800–1000 baht) to Nong Khai. This is the connection I would choose. Bus journeys take 7–8 hours.

    Yes. The first Thai-Laotian Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai is 80 km away and is the busiest border crossing between the two countries. Direct international buses run from Udon Thani bus station to Vientiane (approximately 2 hours), and there is a through train from Nong Khai across the bridge. Citizens of most countries can obtain a Laotian visa upon arrival at the bridge. However, please check with your embassy for the latest entry requirements.

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