Udon Thani

Located in The Northeast of Thailand, less than a hundred kilometres away from Vientiane (Laos), Udon Thani is the 4th biggest city of the country. It became famous during the Vietnam War as it hosted one of the largest US military bases.

Moreover, the city is also renowned for its numerous surrounding parks and archaeological sites making it an ideal place for exploring nature.

Udon has a variety of sights, both in the city and the province, although most visitors make a beeline for Laos or the bronze age excavations east of Udon at Ban Chiang classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Ban Nak Ha: is a village famous for selling home-woven silk and cotton garments. It is somewhat commercialized but a walk back from the road into the village can net some great bargains on silk and cotton.

Nong Bua: a park with a lake just to the east of the railway line. It is noted for its Chinese pagodas over the lake and the dragon pole.

Nong Prajack Park: a large recreational area within the city and the primary site for locals to exercise and chill out. Consisting of a large lake/reservoir with several small islands, it features pleasant grass areas and activities such as nightly aerobics (to Thai pop music) and feeding bread crumbs to the fish.

Nong Sim: another lake/park offering quite a good location for shops and restaurants.

Phu Foi Lom Eco-Park: numerous trails and rainy season water falls are within the park. South of Udon is a large wetlands area/lake called Khumpawapi. In the October timeframe, traditional dragon boat races are held on the lake. Within Khumpahawapi is a city park with a large troupe of monkeys that have been living there for over a hundred years.

Phu Phrabat National Park: a marvellous ridge line with numerous sandstone edifices several thousand years old. Bronze age cave paintings are also within the park.

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