Best places within 5 hours of Udon

[tamada]

No the topic is "What is the most fabulous hotel/place within 5 hours of Udon. I want to "wow" a friend for 3 days. The place should be quiet, friendly with good views and terrific food."

If you can find somewhere near Udon that would "wow" anyone for more than 5 minutes, that person is either lying or has led an exeedingly sheltered life and never been anywhere on holiday. Udon is a wonderful place for its people and friends,but it is certainly NOT somewhere to go to visit places or scenery

Apart from all that negativity, I understand the Mukdahan Mansion is now closed.

[samster]

Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew is about 4/5 hours away and the drive there is through scenic country. Blue Sky Resort nearby is nice

[fatbob]

No the topic is "What is the most fabulous hotel/place within 5 hours of Udon. I want to "wow" a friend for 3 days. The place should be quiet, friendly with good views and terrific food."

If you can find somewhere near Udon that would "wow" anyone for more than 5 minutes, that person is either lying or has led an exeedingly sheltered life and never been anywhere on holiday. Udon is a wonderful place for its people and friends,but it is certainly NOT somewhere to go to visit places or scenery

All I saw was best places within 5 hours of Udon.
If you don't have a place that impressed you then maybe best to say nothing? Just a thought.

[Shado]

Wat Phrathat Pha Sorn Kaew is about 4/5 hours away and the drive there is through scenic country. Blue Sky Resort nearby is nice

I second this suggestion. Phu Tub Berk is in the same vicinity and is also a very interesting and scenic excursion. Blue Sky Resort can also make suggestions for local eating places and places to visit.

[ningnong]

I agree Erawan Cave and Wat Phu Toc are both nice places for a visit but keep in mind you need a reasonable level of fitness to explore them. I found some of the stair climbs at Wat Phu Toc a bit of an adrenaline rush, extremely steep with narrow treads and you'd be screwed if you lost your footing. I helped a Thai woman who froze in fear half way up one of stair sections.

On the other hand I found Phu Tub Berk disappointing. In typical Thai fashion they took a place that at one time was very beautiful and trashed it. Vendors stalls set up blocking views, the main view point littered with trash. Not worth the drive and I'd never return there.

Geographically Isaan is definitely lacking the Wow factor. The best thing going for it are the super friendly laidback locals.

[Hamma]

A fantastic resort close to the historical park in Sukhothai, very stylish, friendly:
https://sawasdeesukhothai.com/index.php?menu=home

[trekkertony]

Hi Merrill44,
Unsure how well travelled within Thailand your companion is but the area of Khao Yai meets your travel distance requirements and if you were to look up travelintern 35 magical things to do at Khao Yai, it may peak your interest. There are numerous 5 star accommodation options available that should impress.

[samster]

A fantastic resort close to the historical park in Sukhothai, very stylish, friendly:
https://sawasdeesukhothai.com/index.php?menu=home

I stayed there last year. There are more up market and expensive resorts in Sukothai but, in the price range, this was good value. Owners were very nice people.