The first time I visited Udon Thani (the city, this is) my stop there was incidental. It was over a decade ago, and I wanted to see the Red Lotus Sea; I simply stayed in town overnight, and didn’t think much else of it.
Since then, I’ve returned multiple times, both to Mueang Udon Thani and to the Jangwat. And I’ve fallen more deeply in love every time.
Indeed, whether you think you’ll want to spend more time digging into the treasures of the city, or road-tripping around the countryside, my round-up of things to do in Udon Thani will get you sorted.
Where to Stay in Udon Thani
As you can imagine, the majority of quality Udon Thani hotels are within Udon Thani’s city limits. I’ve stayed multiple times at the cozy, comfortable The Lion King Hotel Udon Thani (which, in spite of its name, has no theming that relates at all to the Disney movie). Udon Thani is also home to higher-end accommodation, including the four-star Centara Udon property located near the Central Udon Thani shopping complex.
Frankly, much of the lodging outside of Udon’s city center suffers from two main problems. First, it simply isn’t very high quality, with ratings that reflect it. Secondly, and perhaps most important, staying in Nong Khai or near the Red Lotus Sea (as two example) does not situate you well for additional sightseeing, at least not if you don’t want to have to do a ton of backtracking.
Things to Do in Udon Thani
Eat your way through Train Night Market
Conveniently located next to Udon Thani Railway Station, the so-called Train Night Market is a paradise for lovers of spicy Isaan food. Obviously, this is a great first (and, maybe, last) stop if you’re arriving in Udon Thani or departing from the city by train, though any traveler will enjoy it.
Watch the sunrise over the Red Lotus Sea
Another amazing addition to any Udon Thani itinerary is the Red Lotus Sea, known in Thai as Talay Bua Daeng. The most beautiful time to come here is right around sunrise, so if you do go, I recommend leaving Udon City at around 4 PM, whether you depart in a taxi or via your own private car.
Greet the Mekong in Nong Khai
The first time I “visited” Nong Khai, it was simply due to a mandatory train stop en route from Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos. I was pleasantly surprised upon properly visiting the town for the first time years later, both due to the charming temples and markets in town, as well as the gorgeous views of the Mekong River.
Make an excursion to Wat Pa Phu Kong
Several peripheral temples rank among the options for what to do in Udon Thani. For foreigners, the quasi-viral Wat Pa Phu Kon blue temple is probably on the top of this list. I wanted to come here during one of my early visits to the city, but it ended up taking me almost a decade after the first time I came.
Or Wat Kham Chanot
Thais, on the other end, associate Wat Kham Chanot and its Naga imagery with luck and fortune. I only even discovered this place because the person I was traveling with (who is now my husband, as luck would have it) wanted to go in order to pray for our future. Looks like it worked!
Other Places to Visit in Isaan
Isaan is a massive region which, in spite of not be popular among most foreign traveler, hides some of Thailand’s most captivating destinations:
- Ubon Ratchathani is often confused with Udon Thani for their similar names, but this city and province are totally unique, particularly for Sam Phan Bok, a.k.a. the Grand Canyon of Thailand.
- Nakhon Phanom is one of the sleepiest parts of Isaan, but is also highly satisfying, particularly if you visit the charming town of That Phanom.
- Loei is somewhere between Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom in terms of ambiance and attractions on offer. I especially love relaxing in riverside Chiang Khan!
As you can see simply reading through the section above, the rest of Isaan is worth exploring, no matter how many days in Udon Thani you decide to spend.
Other FAQ About Visiting Udon Thani
Is Udon Thani worth visiting?
Udon Thani is definitely worth visiting, even if it isn’t Thailand’s most obvious tourist destination. I especially love going there in February to watch sunrise over the so-called Red Lotus Sea, as well as to take day trips to temples like Wat Pa Phu Kong and Wat Kham Chanot.
What is Udon Thani best known for?
Udon Thani is probably best known for its proximity to other attractions, including the Red Lotus Sea (and, among Thais, the holy Wat Kham Chanot temple). It’s also just a short distance from Nong Khai, which is itself the Thai city closest to Vientiane, Laos.
How long to spend in Udon Thani?
The city of Udon Thani is small and requires only a day of your time. However, if you want to experience the full range of attractions and experiences within Udon Thani province, you should plan on spending at least 2-3 days in Udon Thani.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Udon Thani or a complete Udon Thani itinerary, you’re in the right place. Udon Thani is one of my favorite areas of northeastern Thailand—it’s the ideal place to begin or end your Isaan trip. Stay in the city center and eat your way through the train station night market, or head out into the countryside, whether to the famous “Red Lotus Sea,” or to sacred spots like Wat Kham Chanot and Wat Pa Phu Kong. You can even relax along the water in Nong Khai, and enjoy views of Laos across the Mekong. Need personalized help planning your Thailand trip? Consider hiring me to plan it!
