Udon Thani - the must do things

[Macca]

A number of times when I have met tourists heading to Udon for a few days I wondered what they would do.
Nice location and off the usual tourist path, but what is there for a tourist to do?

I have some friends of friends heading this way and am looking for suggestion on what they can do whilst staying here.
Other than a trip to the rice fields, local temple, night bazaar, local silk wholesaler I am struggling.

Any suggestions?

Cheers

[stattointhailand]

Party outside Ma n Pa shop ....... Large bottle of Archa to share and a bucket of ice should do the trick :-"

Oops sorry that will have to be half a bucket of ice as the Archas just gone up

Seriously though, Id take them to Nong Khai for a wander around the market, then a longtail boat trip on the river followed by a meal overlooking the river.

Kumpawapi to see the monkeys

Dinosaur place on the way to Nong Bua followed by a stroll around the market about 2km this side of it (plenty of frogs on sticks etc)

Depends on what people like/transportation options/amount of time available .........

Loie and Phu Rua if time available with a meal on a raft in the middle of the reservoir

[bamakmak]

Also . . .

Ban Chiang Archaeological (World Heritage site) about 40 km east of Udon.

Phu Phra Bat Forest Park (A recommended World Heritage site) about 80 km NW of Udon.

Kham Chanote about 60 km NE of Udon.

[Prenders88]

Talay Bua Daeng (Sea of Red Lotus)
Wat Pa Ban Tat
Worth an overnight stay is Chaing Khan, as it is bit of a trek.
Erawan Cave
Ban Na Kha
Models 59 and Mr Tongs.

[pompui]

Why not try the ferris wheel although not much mentioned ,one of the successes of Udon

[Frankie 1]

The annual longboat races in Kumphawapi town (October 25th-27th, 2013). 40 kilometers south of Udon town.

Camping at Phu Foilom park. 40 kilometers south-west of Udon town.

[douglas]

Hi,
Been to Erawan cave. Very good on a clear day. But the steps etc. killing for an old bugger like me. well over 600 steps and a lot of slopes. But on a clear day well worth the effort. Id bring a torch with you, bit dark for me inside the cave.
Well worth the effort.

[GT93]

I'd suggest getting some bicycles and riding around the small sois. I love doing this. You can nose at everyday life and see things people don't see in cars. Obviously earlier in the morning or in the late afternoon are the better times.

I'd recommend keeping some stones in your hands in case you need to deter dogs. Usually just raising your arm for a pretend throw deters them. If it doesn't I think it's better to get off your bicycle with the bike between you and the dog rather than trying to flee a dog that might have some pace.

If they haven't ridden for a while they'll probably get a sore arse. Nong Prajak is also worth riding around. I ride around sois off Kut Chap Road. You need to be careful on a road as busy as Kut Chap.

I'd also suggest watching the kids do their Buddhist chants and anthem singing at 8 am at a school or even just watching the kids go to school on Srisuk Road.

[FrazeeDK]

suggestion.. When recommending particular places to go please identify what the place is, where it is (maybe put in a googlemap link) and your good experiences there.. You could also put in any info links on the place.

[parrot]

Erawan Cave: I can't remember the time of year, but if you hit it right......in the middle of the cave, there are stalagmites that are the result of water dripping from the ceiling high above. There's a small hole in that ceiling.......at around noon, the sun will strike that hole just right and the drops of water that fall are a spectacular sight. This time of year, the surrounding rice fields should be lush green. Definitely bring a good led flashlight.

[parrot]

Pig head alley at the Tetsabahn Market across from Ban Chiang Hotel.

At the temple next to Ban Chiang Museum, walk around the temple walls. In each post there are the remains of people who have died.......last time I was there (8 years ago), ALL the containers were Nescafe Gold jars.....with the label removed (but with the distinctive lid).

Take a walk over to the huge bhodhi tree behind the city health office (near the main post office). Perhaps you'll run into the guy mentioned in the post below. He had some interesting stories to tell.
http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/t ... 22879.html

Coffee and the best desserts in town at Beyond Cafe......pop into Bubba's for the best burger in town.

[cactus]

hey guys, where is the beyond cafe located? thanks in advance

[TJ]

You might consider taking them to what I call a Thai night club that is located about a hundred meters from The City Lodge on the corner at the red light. The entertainment is comprised of varous bands with singers singing Issan songs. It is generally packed with local Thais greatly enjoying them selves. I go there for a few hours to enjoy the rustic ambiance, cold beer and some popcorn. Usually a few Thais stop to a chat with a foreigner. Likely there are a few other foreigners there also enjoying themselves.

I forget the name. It is red something.

[Prenders88]

Tawan Daeng.

[FrazeeDK]

Beyond Cafe' located here: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=udon+tha ... d&t=h&z=19

[Martyn]

If someone's on a short stay in and around Udon then there's plenty to do. Pick a few from these;

Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm
Horse Racing at Intergames Park
Nong Prajak Park
Udon Thani Provincial Museum
Ban Chiang National Museum
Wat Ban Na Kha Thevi and the silk market next door
Kamchanot
Nong Khai’s Tha Sadet Market
Erawan Caves
Central Plaza and all that it holds, bowling, cinema etc
Udon Thani football at the Physical Education Football Stadium

[WhoUrDaddy]

No wonder Udon is off the tourist map........that's one sad list.

Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm
Horse Racing at Intergames Park
Nong Prajak Park
Udon Thani Provincial Museum
Ban Chiang National Museum
Wat Ban Na Kha Thevi and the silk market next door
Kamchanot
Nong Khai’s Tha Sadet Market
Erawan Caves
Central Plaza and all that it holds, bowling, cinema etc
Udon Thani football at the Physical Education Football Stadium
Party outside Ma n Pa shop ....... Large bottle of Archa
Kumpawapi to see the monkeys
Dinosaur place on the way to Nong Bua followed by a stroll around the market about 2km this side of it (plenty of frogs on sticks etc)
Loie and Phu Rua
Phu Phra Bat Forest Park (A recommended World Heritage site) about 80 km NW of Udon.
Kham Chanote about 60 km NE of Udon.
Talay Bua Daeng (Sea of Red Lotus)
Wat Pa Ban Tat
Worth an overnight stay is Chaing Khan,
Models 59 and Mr Tongs.
Why not try the ferris wheel
Camping at Phu Foilom park.
I'd suggest getting some bicycles and riding around the small sois.
I'd also suggest watching the kids do their Buddhist chants and anthem singing at 8 am at a school
Pig head alley at the Tetsabahn Market
At the temple next to Ban Chiang Museum, walk around the temple walls. IALL the containers were Nescafe Gold
Take a walk over to the huge bhodhi tree
Coffee and the best desserts in town at Beyond Cafe......pop into Bubba's for the best burger in town.
Tawan Daeng.

[merchant seaman]

And first Sat. meet up

[WhoUrDaddy]

That's worth flying 10k miles alone.

[747man]

That's worth flying 10k miles alone.

Especially if you're wearing your COMRADES Hat.......