Even Thais sometimes confuse the Isaan cities of Ubon (Ratchathani) and Udon (Thani), which is probably due to my pronunciation. "So, how was Udon?" someone asked me after I returned from what was then my first trip to Ubon.

The tendency to confuse city names certainly stems in part from the self-admitted linguistic laziness of the Thai people. If they simply used the full names of the cities, such mix-ups would be less likely. But I digress.

Once you disregard the similarity of the names, the comparison between Ubon and Udon is fascinating. These two cities are among the most unique in Thailand – and both are worth a visit if you have the chance!

How I got to know Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani

I never really delved into the confusion between Ubon and Udon, at least not from a nomenclatural point of view. When I first visited Udon Thani in early 2015, I didn't even know there was a place called Ubon Ratchathani. Udon itself didn't particularly interest me either: I simply wanted to go to the Red Lotus Sea, which turned out to be one of my most beautiful travel experiences in Thailand to date.

It took over two more years until I made my first trip to Udon at the end of 2017, shortly after moving to Thailand for the second time. Although this trip was less successful than my first to Udon (I was there at the "wrong" time of year for Thailand's so-called Grand Canyon), I was able to log in with my Dafabet mobile access and play my favorite casino games from the comfort of my home.

Ways to compare Udon Thani with Ubon Ratchathani

Arrival and getting around

The good news? Both Udon and Ubon are directly connected to Bangkok's two airports, with numerous daily flights from BKK and DMK to UTH and UBP. The bad news? While the city centers of both can largely be explored by bicycle (if not on foot), a car is essential for excursions to the outskirts. If you're not comfortable with a rental car in Thailand, you can order a taxi through your hotel or use the Grab app.

Sightseeing features

There is indeed plenty to see in the city centers of Ubon and Udon, with Ubon clearly taking the lead in this regard, boasting temples like Wat Thung Si Mueang and Wat Phra That Nong Bua. In Udon Thani, however, the main attraction in the city center is the Tea Kappa Train Night Market, which, as the name suggests, is located right next to the train station (and is a true paradise for local cuisine).

Eat

Speaking of food: Delicious Isaan dishes are readily available in both cities, whether in restaurants or at street stalls, and whatever you're in the mood for. In the morning, you can buy Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) with a bag of Khaaw Niaw (sticky rice), at lunchtime stop at a Gai Yang (grilled chicken) stall on the roadside, or in the evening visit a Som Tam (papaya salad) stall and enjoy Sai Krok Isaan (local sausage) with pickled ginger and chilies.

Hotels

To be perfectly honest: whether in Udon or Ubon, you won't find any award-winning accommodations. While there are a few nice hotels in both cities (for example, the De Princess Hotel in Udon and the Yuu Hotel in Ubon), they're rather average compared to Bangkok. I'd tend to prefer Udon, as Ubon's city center is a bit more spread out (making "comfort" a relative term), but overall, I'd advise you not to set your expectations too high.

Day trips and excursions

Like many cities in Isaan, Ubon and Udon are at least as worthwhile for their nearby destinations as for their city centers themselves. From Udon, you can travel north to Nong Khai, south to Talay Bua Daeng (also known as the Red Lotus Sea), or further to sacred sites such as Wat Kham Chanot and Wat Pa Phu Kon (the "Blue Temple"). From Ubon, the main excursion destination is Sam Phan Bok, which is (in my opinion, unfairly) called the "Grand Canyon of Thailand."

Other fantastic travel destinations in Isaan

I constantly rave about Isaan – and for good reason. Known as the "Texas of Thailand," it offers a wealth of incredible travel experiences for the entire country:

  • Loei is a very special and undeveloped part of Isaan, especially if you come during the rainy season when the Phi Ta Kon Festival takes place.
  • The center of Roi Et is unique and full of discoveries; it is one of the most livable city centers in Thailand outside of Bangkok.
  • The Mekong periphery between Udon and Ubon is home to many cities and provinces off the beaten tourist track, including Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom.

    • Other frequently asked questions about Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani

    Should I visit Udon Thani or Ubon Ratchathani?

    If you have the time, you should visit both Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani. Each of these cities offers a unique travel experience. Udon Thani is surrounded by cultural and natural attractions that seem magical and almost surreal, while Ubon Ratchathani feels more down-to-earth and authentic.

    Are Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani one and the same city?

    Although Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani have similar names, they are not the same city. Udon Thani is located in the northern part of the Isaan region, directly opposite Vientiane in Laos on the other side of the Mekong River, while Ubon Ratchathani lies further south and east (though also near the river).

    How do I travel between Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani?

    Despite their proximity – just over 320 kilometers as the crow flies – the journey between Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani takes quite a long time. Those without their own car or who don't want to take a taxi (approximately 6 hours) are best off traveling by bus (approximately 7 hours). To avoid the drive altogether, one could fly via one of Bangkok's airports (there are no direct flights between the airports), but in my opinion, this is unnecessarily complicated.

    Conclusion

    Comparing Ubon and Udon is more complex than you might think. Although Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani are located in the same region of Thailand (Isaan), they couldn't be more different. Udon Thani is the gateway to mysterious lotus ponds and shrines that supposedly hold the secret of great wealth, while Ubon Ratchathani is primarily known for its annual candle festivals and its proximity to Thailand's so-called "Grand Canyon." These cities are so different that visiting both is worthwhile. Need help planning your Isaan trip? I'd be happy to take care of the planning for you!