Udon Thani is a modern city that houses a multitude of ancient shrines, beautiful temples, and fascinating historical sites that serve as a constant reminder of the area’s ancient past.
A visit to this part of northeast Thailand is a visit to an exciting metropolitan mixture of the past and present with plenty to keep you interested and engaged during your trip.
Located close to the Laos border, Udon Thani is often a great stop-off on your way to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Below we have listed the Top 15 Best Things to do in Udon Thani, Thailand to get you started on planning your stay.
Visit Wat Pa Phu Temple In The Pa Nam Som National Forest
The huge Pa Nam Som National Forest stretches from Udon Thani to the nearby provinces of Nong Khai and Leoi and is a fantastic place to visit for a day of nature, fun, and breathtaking beauty.
Go for a long, peaceful walk amongst the gorgeous surroundings and then pay a visit to the truly stunning Wat Pa Phu Temple.
The exquisite traditionally designed building is made of brilliant white Italian marble, with turquoise blue tiles and gold detailing, and is host to a 20-meter statue of Buddha reclining amongst many other beautiful and inspiring relics and art pieces.
Take some time to slow down, relax and enjoy the peace, before you retrace your steps through the forest and make your way back into the city.
We highly recommend Wat Pa Phu Temple as one of the best things to do in Udon Thani.
Visit The Ancient Shrines And Rock Paintings At Phu Phrabat Historical Park
This popular tourist attraction is set within the stunning Phu Phrabat Bua Bok Forest Park and features an array of fascinating 15-million-year-old rock formations, ancient balanced rocks, and shrines dating back to the 7th century!
Even more ancient are the prehistoric paintings you will find on the rocks which date back 6,000 years.
This is a wonderful place to visit at the start of your trip, you can spend a few hours wandering around on your own or take a walking tour through this park filled with both natural and historical wonders.
The park is open from 8 am to 4.30 pm and it costs adults $3 USD to enter while children go free.
Pay A Visit To The Sea Of Red Lotuses
A truly beautiful and picturesque trip you shouldn’t miss out on during your trip to Udon Thani is a trip to the Sea of Red Lotuses.
Get in a boat and spend a few tranquil floating between the lily pads and pink lotus plants on this large, beautiful body of water.
When the plants are in season, you will be surrounded by stunningly vibrant pink lotus flowers for as far as your eye can see.
For the most relaxing visit, book the one and half hour ride on a pontoon, so you can settle back and take in all the beauty around you during a restful round trip through the waters.
The best time to visit is between November and February when the flowers are in bloom, but this is a beautiful place to drop in on at any time of the year.
The Red Sea of Lotuses is definitely a spectacle and easily one of the best things to do in Udon Thani.
Pay A Visit To The Phu Foi Lom Eco Park
Located on one of the highest peaks in Udon Thani, this eco-park is a magical, picturesque tourist destination focused on nature and eco-friendliness.
Adults and children alike will be charmed by this idyllic green area full of flowers, plants, and nature.
Walk amongst the life-size dinosaurs, botanical gardens, windmills, and waterfalls in this relaxing, countryside-themed park.
The mountainous area of the grounds is reached by climbing a steep stairway, but once you get to the top you will get a breathtaking view of the scenery all around!
This is a fantastic place to visit for both children and adults and is especially beautiful during the annual Daffodil Festival in December and January.
There is also the option to camp out in the park if you want to escape the city lifestyle for a night or two.
Spend Some Time At The Udon Thani Provincial Museum
Add a dose of culture and history to your visit by visiting this beautiful 1920s building (originally built as a girl’s school) set near Nong Prajak Park.
Learn about the founding of the city and the fascinating natural and ancient history of the area. The museum also tells the story of Prince Prajak Silpakhom who founded the town and the venerated monk Luangta Maha Bua.
This is an interesting visit to include on your trip and will help you to get a better grounding for the other attractions and areas you will visit in the area.
The museum is open from 8 am to 4 pm. Adults can enter for $0.35USD and children for $0.15 USD
Experience The Night Life In Udon Thani City Centre
When you visit Udon Thani you will be visiting the location of one of the most vibrant and busiest night scenes in the whole of Thailand!
There is a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs to suit the tastes of any visitor.
If you’re looking for a good place to start your night, you can head to either Sampantamit or Teekatanon Road, where alongside traditional Thai restaurants offering local delicacies, you will find international venues such as the Aussie Pub and Steakhouse and the Irish Clock Pub!
There is a wide variety of clubs where you can spend the night dancing and drinking with your travel buddies and then head to a karaoke bar to end the night on a great note!
Huay Luang Waterfall (Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park)
For one of the most beautiful examples of nature within the area visit this large, stunning waterfall within the Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park.
This beautiful waterfall falls over a stunning cliff scape which flows down into a trail leading all the way to Cambodia.
You can climb up to reach the top of the waterfall, but make sure to wear shoes with great grip as the rocks can be slippery and are not safe for children or people with limited mobility.
The remaining ground level is an equally fun option – go for a swim in the pond, do some fishing, or float on a raft while you luxuriate in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
This is a lovely way to spend an afternoon and costs only $3.30 USD to enter while children go free.
The beautiful Huay Luang Waterfall is one of the best things to do in Udon Thani.
Make Your Way To The Ancient Sacred Shrine Of Kham Chanot
For a unique and memorable experience of local culture and customs make your way to Kham Chanot.
The sacred site has long been revered by Lao and Isan people who believe this to be the gateway to the Underwater World featured in the ancient tale of the Serpent King (the Great Naga.)
The shrine is set amongst beautiful palm trees and close to a nearby scared pool.
This is a fantastic place to spend an hour or two and gain a sense of the ancient locations and practices which this busy, modern city was founded upon.
Spend Some Time In The Ban Chiang Museum
For some more culture and history, pay a visit to this fascinating museum which was awarded UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE status in 1992.
This museum houses some fascinating ancient pottery and archaeological artifacts dating back to 2100 BC and allows you to get an idea of what this area was like during the bronze age.
This is a fascinating trip into the past and is a must-see for all those interested in history and discovering the roots of Thai civilization.
Go For A Stroll In Nong Prajak Public Park
This is one of the most popular public parks in the city and is a great place to visit for an hour or two in the evening once the heat has subsided.
The park stands on the location of a former ancient swamp and is now the site of a beautiful lake with a gorgeous flower-filled garden island in the middle.
Walk to the island using the bridge, take a stroll around the fountain, pick up a snack from one of the many vendors and sit down for a relaxing picnic.
This is a pleasant way to spend some time enjoying the fresh air, setting sun, and people watching as locals go for their evening walks – Without doubt one of the best things to do in Udon Thani.
Delve Into The Depths Of The Elephant Cave
Escape the frenetic energy of the city and head into this cool cavernous limestone rock formation.
Spend some time in this truly stunning area which was used by ancient monks as a peaceful place to meditate.
Enjoy your own sense of peace as you explore the cave and climb your way to the top where you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the scenery around you.
Make sure to wear some shoes with a good grip due to the slippery stones and only attempt the climb to the top if you are athletic and capable.
Spend Some Time At The Wat Tung Toomkam Temple
For a picturesque taste of the local Buddhist culture spend some time visiting this beautiful small Buddhist temple.
The stunning traditional architecture, religious artifacts, and artwork will allow you to experience the Buddhist religion up close in a natural park setting.
The city has a multitude of temples for you to visit, another beautiful site you may want to look at is the Chinese Temple located on the southern shore of Lake Nong Bua, another beautiful example of religious architectural features full of beauty and interest.
When visiting temples and religious areas please remember to behave respectfully and dress accordingly.
Visit The Vibrant And Colorful Textile Market
While away some time with a relaxed stroll through the Ban Na Kha Textile market, a parade of more than 30 stores selling every conceivable form of textile and clothing using local Khit traditional weaving techniques.
Each item you see is created using the traditional Khit techniques and bears the iconic shiny, colorful silken finish which identifies it as Isan Cloth.
Pick up a beautiful shawl, bag, dress, purse, or a wide variety of other practical souvenirs which you can use in your daily life as a beautiful and durable reminder of your trip to the area.
Smell The Flowers At The Udon Sunshine Fragrant Orchid Farm
Spend some time at this charming Orchid farm, walking amongst the beautiful plants, speaking to the knowledgeable and friendly owner, and enjoying this serene setting.
There is a wide variety of stunning orchids of every color for you to stroll amongst and is a must-visit for fans of flowers and gardening.
Once you have finished admiring the flowers visit the small shop where you can take the scent of the orchids home with you in the form of perfumes, fragrances, and oils.
Partake In Some Retail Therapy In The Central Plaza Udonthani
Round up your trip with some retail therapy at the large, air-conditioned Central Plaza Mall.
There are a wide variety of clothing and department stores where you can pick up some very reasonably priced clothes and accessories.
The food court has a wide range of food options for when you need to rest your feet for a while.
Spend some time out of the sun and pick up a few bargains to bring home with you.
Summary: 15 Best Things To Do In Udon Thani, Thailand
As you can see from our list of the Best Things To Do In Udon Thani, the city has a lot to offer tourists with beautiful natural scenes, ancient historical sites, and modern conveniences all at close hand.
This area is a taste of modern Thailand interspersed with constant reminders of its ancient roots.
The city is a fantastic place to visit and isn’t yet entirely geared to the tourist trade, so you are likely to gain a more authentic taste of modern Thai lifestyles and trends.
This is an often overlooked but extremely interesting area that you should be sure to include in your trip to the country.
For more ideas, recommendations, and inspiration on where to visit in Thailand, make sure to check out the Best Places To Visit In Thailand.
