'''Udon Thani''' (????????) is the provincial capital of Udon Thani Province.
''_gWaterfall from Phu Phan, Dharma Park, Five Thousand-year Civilization, Land of Mi-khit Cloth, Wonderful Nong Prachak Place, and Scented Udorn Sunshine Orchid_h''
Udon Thani is a large province and serves as a centre of transportation and tourism in the Northeast of Thailand. It portrays a land of forest temples, a gateway to Laos and the Indochina countries, and possesses one of the world_fs ancient civilisation sites. Also, it is blessed with natural tourist attractions as well as famous for Khit-styled handicraft.
The province comprises 20 amphoe:- Ban Dung; Ban Phue; Chai Wan; Ku Kaeo; Kumphawapi; Kut Chap; Mueang Udon Thani; Na Yung; Nam Som; Non Sa-at; Nong Han; Nong Saeng; Nong Wua So; Phen; Phibun Rak; Prachaksinlapakhom; Sang Khom; Si That; Thung Fon; Wang Sam Mo.
'''''Distance from the City of Udon Thani to Districts and Minor Districts'''''
'''''Distance from Udon Thani to Nearby Provinces'''''
In addition, there are regular buses leaving Udon Thani every 30-40 minutes to nearby provinces: Nong Khai, Loei, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, etc.
From Bangkok, travel along Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), switch to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Km 107 in Saraburi, drive through Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen before reaching Udon Thani. The total distance is around 564 km.
There are ordinary and air-conditioned buses plying between Bangkok and Udon Thani every day. The buses leave the Bangkok (Northeastern) Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road (Mo Chit 2). For further information, contact the Transport Company Limited, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66 and the Udon Thani Provincial Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 4222 1489, or visit www.transport.co.th.
A train service between Bangkok and Udon Thani is available every day. For more details, contact the Travel Service Unit, State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Tel. 1690; 0 2220 4334; and 0 2220 4444, or visit www.railway.co.th.
A daily flight between Bangkok and Udon Thani is offered by the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI). For detailed information, contact THAI, Tel. 1566; 0 2280 0060; 0 2282 0080; and 0 2628 2000, or visit www.thaiairways.com. In addition, there are low-cost airlines daily serviced by Thai Air Asia, Tel. 0 2515 9999 or www.airasia.com, and Nok Air, Tel. 1318 or www.nokair.co.th.
'''The Monument of Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom (??????????????????????????? ??????????????????????)''' This Monument is located in the heart of Udon Thani city. Born in 1856 as a son of King Rama IV (Phrabat Somdet Phra Chomklaochaoyuhua) and the King_fs Consort Sangwan (Chao Chom Manda Sangwan), Major General Prince Prachaksinlapakhom (Phon Tri Phra Chao Borommawongthoe Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom), as a regent to King Rama V, ruled the Northern Circle (later called the _gUdon Circle_h) during 1893 ? 1899. As the founder of Udon town in 1893, he set out the civil administration order and served important official duties for the public benefits. The Monument symbolizes the highest tribute paid to the prince by the people of Udon Thani and the ceremony to worship him is held on 18 January every year.
'''Nong Prachaksinlapakhom Public Park (?????????????????????????????)''' Located in the Udon Thani Municipality, this giant pond has existed before the establishment of Udon Thani town. Lying to the west of the town, it was formerly called _gNong Na Klue_h (pond of salty water) and later changed to _gNong Prachak_h in honor of Major General HRH Prince Prachaksinlapakhom, the founder of Udon Thani town. In 1987, the Udon Thani Municipality improved the pond as a royal tribute to King Rama IX on the auspicious occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary. On an island in the pond, a small garden is filled with decorative and flowering plants, and there is a bridge linking the island with the mainland. Within the park, there is a fountain, a clock tower, and a playground. It serves as a place of recreation and exercise for the public.
'''Wat Phothisomphon (?????????????)''' This temple is located on Pho Si Road in Tambon Mak Khaeng. It was built in the late reign of King Rama V. Maha Ammat Tri Phraya Sisuriyaratchawaranuwat (Phothi Netiphothi), Lord Lieutenant of the Udon Circle persuaded the villagers of Mak Khaeng to build the temple, which was commonly called _gWat Mai._h Later, Phra Chao Worawongthoe Krommaluang Chinnawonsiriwat, the Supreme Patriarch, Wat Ratchabophitsathitmahasimaram, named the temple as _gWat Phothisomphon,_h to commemorate Phraya Sisuriyaratchawaranuwat, the temple builder. Inside, there is also a museum of revered monks famous for meditation.
'''Udon Thani Museum (???????????????????)''' Located on Pho Si Road in Rachinuthit Building, this museum was initiated by Mr. Chaiporn Ratananaka, governor of Udon Thani province. It displays background aspects of Udon Thani, ranging from history, archaeology, natural science, geology, folk history, arts and culture, to the biography and honorable deeds of Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom, the founder of Udon Thani town. Opening hours are from 08.30 ? 16.30 hrs. Admission fees: 10 Baht for adults and 5 Baht for children.
'''Wat Matchimawat (?????????????)''' This temple is located in Tambon Mak Khaeng. During the reign of King Rama V, Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom commanded the construction of a new temple to replace Wat Non Mak Khaeng, the old deserted temple, and named it _gWat Matchimawat._h Within its Wihan building, there is a white stone Buddha image under Naga (serpent) protection, or commonly known as _gLuangpho Nak,_h which has been highly respected by the people of Udon Thani.
'''Chaopu ? Chaoya Chinese Spirit Shrine (??????????-???)''' This large and beautiful Chinese spirit shrine is located on Nittayo Road behind the train station near Nong Bua Market. Here, there is a small garden beside a lotus pond. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the pond, serving as a view point in pleasant and shady surroundings. The golden dragon of 99 m long, to be used during the Thung Si Mueang annual fair in December, is also kept here.
'''Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm (?????????????????????????)''' This farm is located at 127 Mu 5, Soi Kamon Watthana. It is a nursery of Udorn Sunshine, a new fragrant Thai orchid species from cross-breeding Vanda with Josephine Van Berrow. The flower was registered as _gUdorn Sunshine Orchid_h or _gMiss Udorn Sunshine_h for a copyright with the World Orchid Society in the United Kingdom in 1988. Its scent is extracted to make perfume which is branded for sale with its species name. Opening hours are 07.00 ? 18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 20 Baht per person. For more information, contact Tel. 0 4224 2475.
''Travel:'' From town, drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani ? Nong Khai) for 5 km and turn left to Highway No. 2024. The signpost to the farm is on your left.
'''Wat Pa Ban Tat (?????????????)''' This temple is located in Tambon Ban Tat. It covers an area of approximately 163 rai and generally features a shady forest. Inside its compound, wild animals are in abundance: pheasant, red jungle fowl, birds, squirrel, tree shrew, common wild pig etc. The temple is also a residence of Phra Achan Maha Bua Yannasampanno, the revered Buddhist master of meditation and a follower of Phra Achan Man Phurithatto, the late master. Here is an ideal place for those who determine to practise Dharma (Lord Buddha_fs teachings).
''Travel:'' From town, drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani ? Khon Kaen) then turn right at Ban Khong Kheng intersection and go further for about 9 km. The temple is not far from the community of Ban Tat.
'''Wat Thipphayaratnimit (????????????????)''' This temple is located on Naresuan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng, off the main road into Soi San Chao Mae Thapthim and opposite to a polytechnic school. It is another forest temple in the area of Amphoe Mueang and has a pleasant shady atmosphere. There is a large pagoda which contains Lord Buddha_fs relics. The pagoda is shaped like _gThanan,_h a utensil used in ancient times to scoop Lord Buddha_fs relics. A portrait of Luang Pu Thira Chitthammo, the present abbot, is displayed with basic living utensils for Buddhist monks in the pavilion. On the fourteenth waxing moon day of the twelfth lunar month, Thot Kathin (robe offering ceremony) and merit making to celebrate the abbot_fs birthday anniversary are held every year.
'''Ban Na Kha (?????????)''' Located 16 km from town along the Udon Thani ? Nong Khai route (Highway No. 2), this village is on your right, opposite the Na Kha Community School. There is Khit-cloth weaving here and Khit-cloth products are available at reasonable prices. Travel to this village can be made by bus from a bus stop in front of Udon Thani Rajabhat University and Rang-sina Market.
'''Huai Luang Reservoir (???????????????????)''' This reservoir is located on the Udon Thani ? Nong Bua Lam Phu Highway, off the main road at Km 108 for another 9 km. It is a large reservoir covering an area of about 20,000 rai, for the purposes of agriculture, fishery, and waterworks under the responsibility of the Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives. As a tourist attraction, a scenic landscape is offered with a royal palace of the late Princess Mother. Prior contact is required for those to visit the place.
'''Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (???????????????????????????)''' This historical park is located at the foot of Mount Phu Phan, covering an area of 3,430 rai in Ban Tio, Tambon Mueang Phan. It displays the civilisation of mankind and changes in landscape of which structure is mostly composed of sandstone having been eroded by nature to become rock formations of different sizes and patterns. There are various interesting places as evidence of human life in the past:
Inside the park, a visitor centre offers information and maps. For more information, contact Tel. 0 4291 0107. Opening hours: 08.00 ? 16.30 hrs. Admission fee: 30 Baht. The park is 67 km from town. Drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani ? Nong Khai), and turn left at Km 13 to Highway No. 2021. Head for Amphoe Ban Phue for 42 km, turn right and go on for 500 m. Drive straight along Highway No. 2348 for another 12 km and turn right for approximately 2 km before reaching the park.
'''Phra Phutthabat Bua Ban (????????????????)''' Located on a hill in Tambon Mueang Phan, this is a site where there is an ancient Buddha_fs footprint housed in the Ubosot (ordination hall). Many pieces of Bai Sema (boundary stone) were excavated here. They were made of sandstone and carved into images of Thewada (male spirit) and Apsara (woman spirit), which is a mixture of Dvaravati and Lop Buri arts.
'''Wat Pa Ban Kho (?????????????)''' This temple is located in Tambon Khuea Nam. Here, there is Phra Maha That Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin, a pagoda that contains Lord Buddha_fs relics. Inside the pagoda, sculptures depict the history of Lord Buddha, jataka stories, and Buddha images in different attitudes. The temple is ideal for practitioners of Dharma (Buddha_fs teachings). It has been designated by the Udon Thani Administration Office as the Udon Thani Chaloem Phra Kiat Mind Development Centre. Both Thais and foreigners usually come to practise Dharma here.
''Travel:'' From town, drive along Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani ? Nong Khai), turn left at Km 13 to Highway No. 2021 (Udon Thani ? Ban Phue) and go further for 20 km. Then, turn right and take another 3 km towards the temple.
'''Na Yung ? Nam Som National Park (?????????????????????????)''' This national park is located in Ban Sawang, Mu 2, Tambon Na Yung. Attractions of the park are:
'''Namtok Yung Thong(???????????)''' This waterfall is located on the ridge of Mount Phu Phan and Mount Phu Ya U, around 500 m from the park headquarters. Its stream flows along attractive complicated boulders amid the greenery of trees. The small three- tiered waterfall has a pond where visitors can play. In the past, it was a habitat of peafowl, so the waterfall is called _gYung Thong_h (golden peafowl).
'''Pha Daeng Viewpoint (?????????????)''' This viewpoint is around 1,500 m from the park headquarters and on the nature study trail of Namtok Yung Thong. Pha Daeng is a high steep sandstone cliff overlooking a beautiful panoramic view. Not far from Pha Daeng, there is a small cave where Luang Pu Man Phurithatto used to stay for insight development.
'''Namtok Yung Thong Nature Study Trail (???????????????????????????????)''' This walking trail is to offer nature interpretation for visitors along the way through Namtok Yung Thong, Namtok Tat Noi, and Pha Daeng viewpoint, covering the distance of around 2,000 m.
''Travel:'' From town, go along Udon Thani ? Nong Khai Highway for 15 km. Turn left to Amphoe Ban Phue and head for Amphoe Nam Som. Turn right at Ban Sam Liam to Amphoe Na Yung and go further for around 15 km. Turn right at Ban Sawang and take another 2 km towards the park headquarters.
'''Ban Chiang National Museum (????????????????????? ?????????)''' This museum is located in Ban Chiang, Tambon Ban Chiang. It is an important historical site of Northeast Thailand and Southeast Asia. The Fine Arts Department surveyed and excavated the Ban Chiang archaeological site during 1974-1975. The evidence found revealed the pre-historical age of the site of around 5,600 -1,800 years ago. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) registered the site as a World Heritage Site of history at Carthage, Tunisia in December 1992. The museum is divided into three parts:
''Travel:'' From Udon Thani town, the total distance is around 55 km. Take Highway No. 22 (Udon Thani ? Sakon Nakhon). After slightly passing the intersection to Amphoe Ban Dung, a signpost to the museum is on your left. Go on for around 8.2 km before reaching the museum. It opens daily from 09.00 ? 17.00 hrs. Admission fee: 30 Baht. For more information, contact Tel. 0 4220 8340 ? 41.
'''Kham Chanot (???????)''' Located at Wat Sirisuttho in Tambon Wang Thong, this sacred place gains respect from villagers in neighbouring areas. It is said to be an entrance to the water world, a legendary place concerning the great Naga (serpent) according to a belief among Lao and Isan villagers. Nowadays, the place is densely covered with Chanot trees, which resemble a mixture of palm and coconut trees. Inside, there is a shrine of Chaopu Sisuttho and a sacred well for worship.
''Travel:'' From Udon Thani town, the total distance is around 101 km. Take the Udon Thani ? Sakon Nakhon route and turn left to Amphoe Ban Dung, for 84 km. From Amphoe Ban Dung, drive on another 17 km before reaching Kham Chanot.
'''Phrathat Don Kaeo or Phra Maha That Chedi (?????????????? ????????????????????)''' Located in Mu 5, Ban Don Kaeo, this pagoda stands in the centre of Wat Maha That Chedi (Wat Phrathat Don Kaeo). It is an angular pagoda resembling Phrathat Phanom, with a height of over 18 wa. The main body was built into 2 tiers: each has sculptures of Lord Buddha_fs history and heaven ? hell story. This square sandstone pagoda is around 1 sok long and has an outer mortared surface. It was presumed that Wat Phrathat Don Kaeo, Bai Sema (boundary stone), and Sao Hin (stone post) were built in around 12 ? 13 A.D.
''Travel:'' From Udon Thani town, take Highways No. 2 and No. 2350 to Amphoe Kumphawapi. Turn left at the natural garden and drive on for another 3.4 km. The total distance is 50 km from Amphoe Mueang.
'''Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park (???????????????????)''' This forest park is located in Tambon Nong Saeng in the forest areas of Khun Huai Sam Thak and Khun Huai Kong Si, covering an area of 78,125 rai. It was declared as a forest park on 19 December, 1984. Around Than Ngam Waterfall is Mixed Deciduous Forest; major species are Ta baek, Pradu, Daeng, Makha mong, Chingchan, and Krabok. The waterfall contains water at certain times; there is a lot of water during the rainy season.
Interesting points in the forest park include a cliff, a beautiful cave and a stone ground. The stone ground, or commonly called _gLae,_h covers a large area with a scattering of overlapping giant rocks, and overlooks a scenic view. No accommodation is provided by the park.
''Accommodation:'' Visitors are required to bring their own tents for an overnight stay. For more information, contact Tel. 0 4222 1725.
''Travel:'' The park is 6 km away from Amphoe Nong Saeng. Three routes are available:
'''Phu Foi Lom (???????)''' This ecotourism site is located in Pa Phan Don ? Pakho National Forest Reserve, covering an area of 192,350 rai on the Phu Phan Noi Range in Tambon Thap Kung. It is considered as one of the best nature study centres of the Northeast region: there are demonstration beds of plants, the Garden of Wild Plants in Celebration of Her Majesty the Queen_fs Sixtieth Birthday Anniversary and a viewpoint overlooking Udon Thani town. Accommodation and camping sites are available for an overnight stay. For more information, contact Tel. 0 4224 6715, 0 4291 0935-6.
''Travel:'' Drive along the Udon Thani ? Loei route and take a turn at Km 9 to Ban Lao.
'''Wang Sam Mo Forest Park (?????????????????)''' This forest park is located in Tambon Nong Kung Thap Ma in Pa Bayao ? Pa Hua Na Kham ? Pa Nong Kung Thap Ma ? Pa Na Yung ? Pa Nong Ya Sai National Forest Reserve. It was declared as a forest park on 19 January, 1984, covering an area of around 18,750 rai. Most of the area is a plain being covered with Pa Daeng or Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest, Yang, and Ta khian thong. There are creeks and islets where water flows all year round. Wild animals found are Malayan flying lemur, palm civet, civet, green pigeon, etc.
''Interesting places include:''
''Accommodation:'' No accommodation is provided by the park. Visitors are required to take their own tents for an overnight stay. Contact the chief of the Wang Sam Mo Forest Park for advance permission. For further information, contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Tel. 0 2562 0760.
''Travel:'' From Udon Thani town, take the Kumphawapi ? Si That ? Wang Sam Mo route (Highway No. 2023). Turn left to Highway No. 227 and drive on to Tambon Nong Kung Thap Ma. Follow the lane of the main road towards the park for 9 km. The park is 20 km away from Amphoe Wang Sam Mo. The total distance from Udon Thani town is 120 km.
'''Tham Sing (????????)''' This lion cave is located on the Phu Phan Range in Ban Nong Charoen, Mu 7. Attractions inside the cave are:
'''Sam Ton Mak (?????????)''' This is an area where a lot of betel palm trees grow. During the rainy season, the area is always flooded. Villagers usually take their cattle to lap water here. It is a shady and pleasant place.
'''Lan Thap Khwai (??????????)''' This is a broad ground with a roof-shaped rock formation and surrounding wild plants. Lan Thap Khwai literally means a cattle rest ground. In the old days, villagers brought their cattle to feed and took shelter here for a lunch break.
'''Tham Khok Ma (?????????)''' This stable cave is a shelter of overlapping rock formations with a hole that a person can walk through. Its name relates to the legend of Usa-Barot.
'''Tham Ruesi (???????)''' This hermit cave features a boulder of 2.20 m high with an entrance in the shape of a shelter of overlapping rock formations.
Other interesting places are Bo Nam Phayanak, Tham Sahai Kep Sabiang, Lat Khom, Lat Kha Noi, Bo Nam Manora, Tham Nok Yung, Suan Hin Mahaisawan, etc.
''Travel:'' The cave is 45 km away from Udon Thani town. Take Highway No. 2263 (Udon Thani ? Kut Chap). Pass Ban Nong Khong, Ban Nong Charoen, and Ban Nong Mek. Turn left at the T-junction of Wat Charoen Sattha Samakkhi to the Phu Lon Sangha abode. Go further for around 3 km to the foot of Mount Phu Phan and walk another 3 km to the cave.
'''Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok Worship Fair (?????????????????????????)''' This annual fair is held during the13th ? 15th waxing moon days of the 3rd lunar month with booths of goods and local products for sale. Many visitors from Udon Thani and nearby provinces come to join the fair.
'''Thung Si Mueang Udon Thani and Mi-khit Cloth Fair (?????????????????????????????????)''' This annual fair is held around December. There are booths of goods and local products, such as silk cloth, Khit-pattern woven cloth, hand ? woven cloth, Mi-Khit cloth, and a golden dragon show from the Chaopu ? Chaoya Chinese Spirit Shrine.
'''Day Trip'''
'''Programme I City Tour'''
'''Programme II Ban Chiang - Kham Chanot'''
'''Programme III Phu Phra Bat - Namtok Yung Thong'''
'''Programme IV Udon Thani ? Nong Khai ? Vientiane.'''
'''Vegetarian Restaurant'''