Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More

10 Best Things to Do in Udon Thani

1. Hike Around Phu Phra Bat Historical Park 👍 Must Do

Hiking around Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is one of my favorite things to do in Udon Thani. I can't think of any places that combine nature, history, and religion quite the same way as Phu Phra Bat. The park features a collection of massive rock formations that people throughout history, from prehistoric times to the rise of Buddhism, made into a place of shelter. You will find Buddha images carved into rocks, a shrine built on top of a tall rock, and much more.

Here’s how all these rock formations were formed: the park sits atop weathered sandstone from the Phu Phan range, at an elevation of about 320 to 350 meters. Over the course of 15 million years, erosion shaped the landscape into dramatic formations, most famously, the mushroom-shaped rock which has a shrine built inside its upper part.

According to the UNESCO website, Phu Phra Bat contains the largest in-situ collection of Dvaravati-period Sīma stones (boundary markers used in Buddhist religious precincts) in the world. The site includes over 54 archaeological locations, such as caves and rock shelters, with clear evidence of human use from prehistoric times (~2,500–3,000 years ago) through later civilizations including the Dvaravati, Khmer, Lan Xang, and Rattanakosin periods.

Although it’s a bit of a drive from Udon Thani City, it’s absolutely worth the effort. It takes about an hour to get there, and once you park at the entrance, you’ll need to buy a ticket at the office. You’ll also receive a map highlighting the main points of interest and with that in hand, you can explore the historical park at your own pace. The area is quite large to cover on foot, so I recommend setting aside at least two hours for your visit.

The highlight for me was definitely the mushroom-shaped Nang U Sa’s Tower, where a shrine is tucked inside the upper part of a towering rock that stands alone in an open clearing. It's much larger than it appears in photos and is a must-see while you're here.

Another favorite spot is Wat Look Koei, a peaceful temple built into a rock, with overgrown trees enveloping the area. It’s so peaceful that you can easily imagine monks meditating here and living off the land as they pass through this sacred place.

Many other points of interest like the hermit cave, Nang U Sa's Storage Tomb, and all the Buddha images carved into rocks that are scattered across the historical park are also worth keeping an eye out for. If you love hiking and are looking for a cool and interesting place to do so, I highly recommend you check out Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but I recommend arriving as early as possible to beat the crowds, just like I did, and enjoy having the place almost to yourself. It’s also much more pleasant to walk around in the morning before the heat sets in. The entry fee is 100 THB per person. The park is quite large, so give yourself around 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy it.

Where to Stay in Udon Thani?

Budget

La Malila Hostel

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

The Pannarai Hotel

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Centara Udon

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2. Learn About the History at Udon Thani City Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

If you're interested in learning more about Udon Thani and its history, one museum you definitely shouldn’t miss is the Udon Thani City Museum, located right in the heart of the city center. It’s housed in a beautifully restored two-story colonial-style building that was originally built in the 1920s as a girls’ school. With its yellow façade, Roman-arched windows, hip roof, and classic architectural details, the building is an attraction in and of itself.

With 26 exhibition rooms, 11 on the ground floor and 15 on the second, you’ll find all kinds of information to help you better understand the province. The displays cover topics such as geology, archaeology, natural history, local traditions, arts and crafts, and the modern history of Udon Thani.

This museum offers a comprehensive portrait of Udon Thani, from geological beginnings and ancient civilizations (with Bronze Age artifacts) to colonial shifts and modern developments, including the region’s role during the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict, all scattered across its 2 floors.

The entire exhibition is exceptionally well done, with beautifully curated displays and impressive décor that complements each section perfectly. There are bilingual descriptions in both Thai and English throughout, along with interactive technology and air-conditioned comfort, all while preserving the charm of the original school building, from its wooden floors to its elegant corridors and more.

To enter the museum, you'll first need to register at the information desk in the building next to the main museum. Once registered, you'll receive a card that can be used to activate the interactive media throughout the exhibits. Best of all, entry is completely free for everyone!

If you’re staying a few days in Udon Thani and are intrigued by its history, be sure to visit the Udon Thani City Museum to learn more. It should take about an hour at most to explore all the rooms. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 11:30 AM and again from 1:00 to 3:30 PM, except on Mondays when it is closed.

3. Stroll Around Thai-Chinese Cultural Center

One of my favorite parks to stroll around in the evening in Udon Thani is the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center. This beautiful park is built around a Chinese shrine and features a lake with a boardwalk that circles it, several stunning shrines, and a Chinese-themed zen garden with a pond full of carp fish. There are many places where you can sit and relax.

The shrine itself is called Chao Pu Chao Ya and it is stunningly decorated, reflecting how deeply Chinese culture is intertwined with Thai society. Many locals come here throughout the day to make merit and pay their respects. Surrounding the shrine is Nong Bua Public Park, where you'll find a beautiful lake and a boardwalk that leads to a pavilion in the middle of the water where you can relax and unwind.

The cultural center itself is located just outside the park's wall and is designed to reflect the peaceful atmosphere of the zen garden, featuring stone bridges, water canals filled with colorful carp swimming around, and various facilities such as teahouses and souvenir shops for you to explore.

It’s a very nice and calm area to visit, especially compared to the rest of Udon Thani City, which can get pretty hectic in the evenings. If you’re spending a night in the city, be sure to check out the Thai-Chinese Cultural Center. The park itself is open 24/7, while the cultural center is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

4. Dive Deep into the History of the Province at Ban Chiang National Museum

Ban Chiang National Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 55 kilometers southeast of Udon Thani City. The museum highlights the prehistoric period of the region, showcasing distinctive red-painted pottery excavated here that dates back between 3,000 and 5,000 years.

The red-painted pottery discovered and excavated here in the 1960s has become an iconic symbol of the province, with pottery monuments found throughout the area. You can even buy replicas of these pottery pieces as souvenirs from the shop in front of the museum.

Inside the museum, you will find several replicas of the red-painted pottery, as well as detailed reproductions of burial sites and their contents that were uncovered here. There is even a large room featuring a lifelike replica of an excavation pit, which helps visitors learn about the burial practices and daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Ban Chiang.

It's another well-curated museum with bilingual displays and a fantastic collection of unique red-painted pottery. If you're interested in diving deeper into the history of Udon Thani, be sure to check out Ban Chiang National Museum. The museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, and the entrance fee is 200 THB. Expect to spend at least an hour here.

5. Visit the Lotus Temple (Wat Santi Wanaram)

Located not far from Ban Chiang National Museum, you’ll find the Lotus Temple, or Wat Santi Wanaram, the only lotus-shaped temple in Thailand. This temple reminded me of the Lotus Temple I visited in New Delhi during my trip to India many years ago. Although smaller, it is just as stunning to see!

The drive from Ban Chiang National Museum can be a bit tricky if you follow the signposted directions, as they lead through narrow, unpaved roads. While this route is a shortcut, it often takes longer than following Google Maps, which guides you via the main road.

Once you arrive, you can park your car in the lot and walk to the temple. The exterior is quite impressive, but I also found the interior equally stunning and definitely worth seeing. The temple is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you’re visiting Ban Chiang National Museum, this nearby site is well worth a visit.

6. Enjoy the View at Red Lotus Lake Kumphawapi

Red Lotus Lake Kumphawapi is a beautiful lake covered with stunning lotus flowers. You can hire a boat to glide around the lake in solitude, enjoying the birdsong while being surrounded by these magnificent blooms.

The best time to visit is during the winter months of December and January when the lotuses are in full bloom and the weather is cool and pleasant. Arrive early in the morning to witness a spectacular sunrise reflecting on the calm surface of the lake.

You can rent a small boat for two people at around 300 THB, while larger boats for 6 people cost about 500 THB per ride. Boats operate daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, though the lake itself is open 24/7, so you're free to visit anytime. I visited during the rainy season, so there were no blue skies or blooming lotus flowers as expected, but if you want to see this place in its full glory, be sure to come in winter and aim to be there by 6 AM!

7. Swim at Namtok Than Ngam Waterfall

If you're looking for a place to cool off in Udon Thani, I highly recommend checking out Namtok Than Ngam Waterfall. This scenic cascade features a series of low cascades and shallow pools spread across a wide area where you can sit and let the water flow over you or swim around and enjoy the refreshing natural waters.

The waterfall is located just about 35 km from the city, on the way to Phu Foi Lom National Park, which is also a place I recommend you visit, and it makes for a nice side trip to make. Once you arrive at the park, you will have to walk for about 200 meters before you arrive at the waterfall.

If you’re looking for a great spot to swim and enjoy nature, be sure to check out Namtok Than Ngam Waterfall. The waterfall is located inside a forest park, so there’s a small entrance fee of 40 THB. The park is open daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM. It’s best to avoid visiting during the summer, as water levels can be very low. In my opinion, the rainy season is the best time to visit.

8. Drop By Koinang Waterfall

Located not too far from Phu Foi Lom National Park, you’ll also find Koinang Waterfall, another impressive spot featuring a beautiful series of cascades and several chill-out areas to enjoy. At the base of the waterfall, there are places where you can swim and cool off in the refreshing water. It’s quite similar to Namtok Than Ngam Waterfall, but taller, and without the shallow cascade ledges you can sit on.

Once you arrive, you can park your car at the designated lot, and from there it’s just a 400–500 meter walk to reach the waterfall. The trail is easy and straightforward, so there’s no need to worry. For the best experience, plan your visit between May and September when the water flow is at its peak.

The waterfall is located inside a forest park, and you’ll have to pass through a checkpoint to enter. While there’s no official information about this, it was free to visit when I went. There also aren’t any clearly posted opening hours, but I recommend visiting during daylight, ideally between 9 AM and 5 PM, when it should be accessible.

9. Enjoy the Blooming Flowers at Phu Foi Lom National Park

Phu Foi Lom National Park is another great national park to visit in Udon Thani. Located atop the Phu Phan Noi mountain range, it’s about 45 km southeast of Udon Thani city center and covers roughly 30,760 hectares, sitting at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level. The climate here is noticeably cooler, making it a popular spot for locals looking to escape the city’s heat.

The cooler climate up here also allows the national park to grow and cultivate several kinds of flowers like the greenish-white lichen, which is where the national park got its name from, Phu Foi Lom, meaning "mountain of lichen". The widespread lichen growing here is an indication of how clean the air quality up here is.

When you arrive at the park, you will see its beautiful Botanical Garden first. At the garden, you will find many flower beds and landscaped areas showcasing a range of plant species. An awesome place to stop and stroll around while enjoying the cool breeze.

There are also many awesome viewpoints you can drive to and enjoy the expansive view of the surroundings like this Phu Foi Lom viewpoint or Pharab Aroon Viewpoint, which is a popular sunrise spot. All in all, it's a great trip to make if you are in Udon Thani for a few days. The national park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily and the entry fee is 100 THB per person, plus 30 THB per car.

10. Enjoy the View from Wat Phu Thong Thep Nimit

Last but not least, just before you head back to Udon Thani City from Phu Foi Lom National Park, be sure to stop by Wat Phu Thong Thep Nimit, a forest temple perched atop a small mountain. It features a giant white Buddha statue at the summit and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that you can hike to.

The hike is fairly easy, with about 180 steps, but you can also drive most of the way up and then climb just the stairs leading to the White Buddha. The view from the top is breathtaking, with flat rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

The temple also houses incredible, colorful murals on the ceiling at the base of the Buddha statue, depicting the life cycle of Buddha in vivid detail. It’s definitely worth a visit. The temple is open 24/7, but it’s best to visit during daylight hours. Entry is free.

What to Eat & Drink in Udon Thani?

1. Eat Vietnamese Food at Kao Piak Sen

Udon Thani has a ton of great restaurants, and since it is in Isaan and has a ton of Vietnamese influence due to decades of migrations via the Mekong River, you can often find many great Vietnamese restaurants here. One of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Udon Thani is Kao Piak Sen.

The restaurant is a modern take on the usual Thai-style Vietnamese cuisine, with many dishes you can select from like Pho or Bun Cha. I ordered a bowl of Bun Cha, and they serve it in quite a big portion with plenty of fresh vegetables and delicious grilled pork.

The restaurant is definitely more on the expensive side, but you are definitely getting your money's worth here. The restaurant is open from 5:30 AM to 6 PM, making it a perfect place for breakfast and lunch. If you are looking for a nice place to eat in Udon Thani, be sure to check out Kao Piak Sen.

2. Have Breakfast at King Ocha

One of the most popular breakfast spots in Udon Thani, favored by locals for a quick Vietnamese-Thai style breakfast, is King Ocha. It’s often packed in the mornings as both travelers and locals flock here to get their breakfast and coffee fix.

They serve classic Thai-Vietnamese breakfast dishes like *khai kata* (fried eggs served in a pan), Vietnamese baguettes, chicken soup, spare rib soup, and more, all at very affordable prices. It’s an old, family-run restaurant that has been around for generations and is a must-try when you’re in Udon Thani.

The restaurant is open daily from 4 AM to 10:30 AM, making it the perfect place for early risers like me 😉 Be sure to drop by and check out King Ocha while you're here!

How to Get to Udon Thani?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Udon Thani is to fly from Bangkok to Udon Thani Airport operated by AirAsia, and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

Once you arrive, you can rent the car from the airport and drive to Udon Thani City, taking about 15 minutes. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars or one of the many car rental kiosks near the airport's exit.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Udon Thani. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Udon Thani Bus Terminal in about 9 hours. The price is about 550 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

From the bus terminal, you should be able to find a motor-taxi or Sam Lor (3-wheels) to take you to your accommodation, or you can rent a motorbike or a car from Happy Motorbike Rental located not too far from the bus terminal.

By Train: You can also take a sleeper train that departs from Apiwat Central Station at 8:25 PM and arrives at Udon Thani Train Station at 5:39 AM, taking about 9 hours and 15 minutes. It takes roughly the same amount of time as the bus but is quite a bit more expensive. If you prefer a relatively smooth night’s journey (relatively speaking 😂), you can spend a bit more for the comfort of a sleeper train. You can check the schedule and book online here.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Udon Thani. The journey should take about 8 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Udon Thani?

By Motorbike: The cheapest way to get around Udon Thani is to rent a motorbike from Happy Motorbike Rental near Udon Thani Bus Terminal for 300 THB per day with a 2000 THB deposit. Once you got the bike, you can drive around the city and beyond, but keep in mind that you will be driving on a highway and cars do tend to go pretty fast. It also gets really hot in the summer in Isaan so be sure you know what you are signing up for.

By Car: The most convenient way to get around Udon Thani is to rent a car and drive around the province. You should be able to rent a car from Udon Thani Airport or you can rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. It's a long drive, but if you have time, there's a lot to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.