'''Udon Thani Province''' is in Isaan.

'''Udon Thani''' (????????) is the provincial capital of Udon Thani Province.

Understand

''_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.

Districts

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'''''

  • Amphoe Kut Chap 24 km.
  • Amphoe Nong Han 35 km.
  • Amphoe Nong Saeng 35 km.
  • Amphoe Nong Wua So 39 km.
  • Amphoe Kumphawapi 43 km.
  • Amphoe Phen 43 km.
  • Amphoe Phibunrak 50 km.
  • Amphoe Non Sa-at 53 km.
  • Amphoe Ban Phue 55 km.
  • Amphoe Chai Wan 62 km.
  • Amphoe Thong Fon 65 km.
  • Amphoe Sang Khom 68 km.
  • Amphoe Si That 72 km.
  • Amphoe Ban Dung 84 km.
  • Amphoe Wang Sam Mo 96 km.
  • Amphoe Nam Som 110 km.
  • Amphoe Na Yung 129 km.
  • King Amphoe Ku Kaeo 61 km.
  • King Amphoe Prachaksinlapakhom 36 km.
  • Cities

  • Udon Thani - the provincial capital
  • Other destinations

    '''''Distance from Udon Thani to Nearby Provinces'''''

  • Nong Bua Lam Phu 46 km.
  • Nong Khai 51 km.
  • Khon Kaen 115 km.
  • Loei 152 km.
  • Sakon Nakhon 159 km.
  • Kalasin 192 km.
  • 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.

    Boundary

  • North - borders Nong Khai.
  • South - borders Khon Kaen and Kalasin.
  • East - borders Sakon Nakhon
  • West - borders Loei and Nong Bua Lam Phu
  • Get in

    By car

    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.

    By bus

    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.

    By train

    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.

    By plane

    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.

    Get around

    By road

    By train

    See

    Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani

    '''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.

    Amphoe Ban Phue

    '''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:

  • '''Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok''' This Buddha_fs footprint, built during 1920 ? 1934, is on the left side of the way to the park headquarters. _gBua Bok_h is a name of the plant growing in the forest and having leaves in the shape of a lotus leaf, locally called _gPhak Nok._h The plant was abundant in the area where the Buddha_fs footprint was found, so it has become the name of the place, or the name may originate from the words _gBo Bok,_h which mean _gnot being dry._h The footprint features a bowl of around 60 cm deep in the rocky ground, 1.93 m. long and 90 cm wide. Formerly, a Mondop structure was built to house the footprint. In 1922, Phra Achan Sithat Suwanmacho replaced the Mondop with a pagoda called Phra That Chedi, and created a replica of the footprint to put on the existing one. The pagoda where Lord Buddha_fs relics are contained is in the shape of an angular lotus similar to Phra That Phanom. A fair to pay homage to Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok is held during the thirteenth waxing moon day to the full moon day of the third lunar month every year.
  • '''Phra Phutthabat Lang Tao''' This Buddha_fs footprint is located to the south of Phra Phuttabat Bua Bok. It is around 25 cm deep in the rocky ground and has a lotus image carved in relief in the centre. Since it is behind a stone shelter that looks like a turtle (Tao), the footprint is called _gPhra Phuttabat Lang Tao._h
  • '''Caves and Stone Shelters''' There is a scattering of caves and stone shelters within walking distance in the park area, such as Tham Lai Mue (Lai Mue Cave), Tham Non Sao-e (Non Sao-e Cave), Tham Wua Daeng (Wua Daeng Cave) etc. (These caves were presumed to be a shelter of people in the Stone Age, and they drew figures of things, such as humans, hand, animals, and geometric designs, found in the caves. Stone shelters beautifully created by nature include Khok Ma Thao Barot, Ho Nang Usa, and Bo Nam Nang Usa. There is also a nice rocky ground called _gLan Hin Non Sao-e._h These rocky formations enhanced an imagination of the generations after the era to compose the folk legend _gNang Usa ? Thao Barot._h In addition, fragments of boundary stone posts and sandstone carved into a Dvaravati-styled Buddha image were found at the stone shelters: Phoeng Hin Wat Pho Ta and Phoeng Hin Wat Luk Khoei.
  • 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.

    Amphoe Nam Som

    '''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.

    Amphoe Nong Han

    '''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:

  • '''Part I:''' Wat Pho Si Nai Excavation Pit (???????????????????????) This features an open museum, the first of its kind in Thailand. There is a permanent exhibition of archaeological excavation for visitors to witness art objects in layers of soil; most of them are earthenware being buried with the corpses.
  • '''Part II:''' Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Borommaratchachonnani Building (???????????????????????????????????)
  • This building displays an exhibition of Ban Chiang which was once brought to display in the United States and Singapore. The exhibition has two segments: Ban Chiang in the Past, encompassing ancient objects and evidence found in the excavation of the Ban Chiang archaeological site; and Today_fs Ban Chiang, describing the way of life, tools, utensils, and folk arts. In addition, there is a briefing room, film and still screening, and other educational services.

  • '''Part III:*''' Ban Thai Phuan (?????????) This house is 700 m away from Ban Chiang National Museum. Formerly, it belonged to Mr. Phot Montriphithak who gave it to the Fine Arts Department. This area is an ancient site where archaeological excavation was conducted and many ancient objects were found. Their Majesties the King and Queen visited the place on 20 March, 1972.
  • ''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.

    Amphoe Ban Dung

    '''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.

    Amphoe Kumphawapi

    '''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.

    Amphoe Nong Saeng

    '''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:

  • '''Route I''' Udon Thani ? Ban Lao ? Khok Lat ? Amphoe Nong Saeng, totalling around 35 km.
  • '''Route II''' Udon Thani ? Ban Kham Kling ? Ban Tat ? Amphoe Nong Saeng, totalling around 30 km.
  • '''Route III''' Udon ? Thani ? Huai Koeng ? Amphoe Nong Saeng, totalling around 60 km.
  • '''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.

    Amphoe Wang Sam Mo

    '''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:''

  • '''Wang Yai (???????)''' This large pond has water flowing all year round. Lam Phan Chat creek flows through the pond where there are rapids and boulders amid a cool atmosphere suitable for recreation. Visitors can play in the pond or do activities: whitewater rafting, paddling and fishing.
  • '''Kaeng Mon Noi (??????????)''' These rapids are around 800 m away from Wang Yai pond, along Lam Phan Chat creek. Cascades against boulders which were eroded by water form beautiful waterfalls at certain points along their course.
  • '''Kaeng Hin Hom (??????????)''' These large split-level rapids are around 100 m from Kaeng Mon Noi. The resonant roar is heard in the distance during the rainy season when there is a lot of downpour.
  • More ponds and rapids, such as Kaeng Khan, Wang Kaeng Kham, Wang Mak Lam, etc. can be admired in the park.

    ''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.

    Amphoe Kut Chap

    '''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.

    Do

    Golf Course

  • Charoensri Driving Range (???????? ?????????????) Udon Thani ? Sakon Nakhon Road. Tel. 0 4222 3533.
  • Srithani Golf Forest (??????? ????? ???????) on the route to Wat Pa Ban Tat. Tel. 0 4229 2330 ? 1.
  • Air Division 23 Golf Course (????????? ?????? ??) Air Division 23, Thahan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4222 1111, 0 4222 1605 ext. 45456.
  • Nong Samrong Golf Course (????????? ?????????) the Military Camp Ro. 13 Phan 2, Udon Thani ? Nong Samrong Road. Tel. 0 4222 2927.
  • Udon Golf Club and Resort (???????????? ????? ???????) Km. 18, Udon Thani Road. Tel. 0 4291 0210.
  • Festival

    '''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.

    Buy

    Local Product and Souvenir

    Khit-pattern cloth, silk cloth, pottery, Kun Chiang (Chinese sausage), Mu Yong (pork floss), Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Naem (sour pork) and Maphrao Kaeo (coconut sweet).

    Souvenir Shop

  • Chipatha (??????) 7/39 Mukkhamontri Road. Tel. 0 4224 1773 (products: pottery, clocks).
  • Chuan Mai Thai (?????????) 2 Mu 13, opposite to Ban Chiang Museum, Amphoe Nong Han. Tel. 0 4220 8243, 0 4220 8019.
  • Mi-chai (?????) 206 ? 208 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 2838 (products: souvenirs).
  • Bai Mon (???????) 146 Soi Maha Mit, Thahan Road. Tel. 0 4224 4011.
  • Fai Suai ? Khram Ngam (???????-???????) Ban Na Kha Cotton-Cloth Weaving Group. Tel. 0 4221 8020, 0 4785 7659.
  • Phrathammakhan (????????????) 183 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 1154, 0 4224 4255 (products: silk cloth, Phrae Wa cloth, Khit cloth, cotton cloth).
  • Maphrao Kaeo Chanphen (?????????????????????) Prachak Road. Tel. 0 4224 6516 (products: Maphrao Kaeo (products: coconut sweet, honey banana, Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Naem (sour pork)).
  • Maphrao Kaeo Rewadi (????????????????) 123/1 Prachak Road. Tel. 0 4224 4193 (products: coconut sweet, Mu Yo (steamed pork bar)).
  • Lady Arcade (????? ?????) 201 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 2839.
  • Mi-khit (???????) 190 Udon ? Nong Khai Road, Ban Kai Thuean. Tel. 0 4224 6099.
  • Mae Pa Pha Fai (????? ???????) 169 Ban Na Kha, Tambon Na Kha. Tel. 0 4221 8106, 0 4220 6104.
  • Mu Yo Nai Toem (????????????) 324/5 ? 6 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 3835, 0 4224 0436 (products: Kun Chiang (Chinese sausage), Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Naem (sour pork)).
  • Mu Yo Phonthip (????????????) 331 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 3407.
  • Mu Yo Mae Uan (????????????) 11/12 Sang Luang Road. Tel. 0 4224 6305 (products: Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Isan-styled sausage, Kun Chiang (Chinese sausage)).
  • Naem Parinya (??????????) 287/2 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 1262, 0 4224 0114 (products: Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Mu Yong (pork floss), Isan-styled sausage, Kun Chiang (Chinese sausage), Naem (sour pork)).
  • Mai Thai (??????) 43/43 Si Suk Road. Tel. 0 4224 5700 (products: ready-to-wear silk and Matmi clothes).
  • Udon Bo?Phin Trachu (??????-??? ?????) 129 Udon ? Nong Samrong Road. Tel. 0 4224 5618 (products: ready-to-wear silk clothes, pottery).
  • Travel Agent

  • Kannika Tour (????????? ?????) 36/9 Si Sattha Road. Tel. 0 4224 0443, 0 4224 2871.
  • Thinnakon Tour (????? ?????) 11/35 Benchang Road, Soi Benchang 2. Tel. 0 4232 4298, 0 1661 0883.
  • Tho Saeng Travel (????? ??????) 546/2 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4224 8677.
  • Nice Di Travel (???? ?? ??????) 97/15 Si Chom Chuen Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4232 8127, 0 1975 8475.
  • Phontrakun Tour (Thara Air Sky) (???????? ?????) 459 Mu 1, Thahan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4234 2334 ? 5, 0 4224 7506.
  • Sirisakun Tour (???????? ?????) 125/15 Big C intersection. Tel. 0 4224 6808, 0 6636 6814.
  • Aranya Tour (?????? ?????) 2 Mu 3, Udon ? Khon Kaen Road. Tel. 0 4224 3182, 0 4234 7320.
  • Ultinet Tour (???????? ?????) 6/5 Si Sattha Road. Tel. 0 4224 8606, 0 4234 4041.
  • On Time N E (??????? ???? ??) 539/72 Pho Si Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 7792 ? 3.
  • Car Rental

  • Counter Budget (?????????? ???????) 224 Udon ? Nong Bua Lam Phu Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani Airport. Tel. 0 4224 6805, 0 9841 4753.
  • Nice Rot Chao (???? ??????) 8/3, beside Udon Thani Road. Tel. 0 9419 5108.
  • Mae Si Tour (?????? ?????) 37/17 Si Sattha Road. Tel. 0 4222 1856.
  • Siriphon Travel (?????? ??????) 116/1 Ban Nong Kham, Tambon Nong Bua. Tel. 0 4232 1644, 0 1768 8035.
  • Sirisakun Tour (???????? ?????) 125/15 Mu 4, Udon Thani ? Sakon Nakhon Road, Tambon Non Khon Kwang. Tel. 0 4224 6808, 0 6636 6814.
  • Udonkaeo Tour (???????? ?????) Tel. 0 4224 4747.
  • Udonkhwanchai Tour (?????????? ?????) 232/13 Udondutsadi Road. Tel. 0 4224 1298.
  • Udonrattanachai (???????????) 14/8 Pracharaksa Road. Tel. 0 4224 6621.
  • Itinerary

    '''Day Trip'''

    '''Programme I City Tour'''

  • Give morning alms at Wat Pa Ban Tat, Luangta Maha Bua Yannasampanno.
  • Pay respect to Chaopu ? Chaoya Chinese spirit Shrine.
  • Worship the Udon Thani City Pillar Shrine.
  • Visit Udorn Shunshine Orchid Farm, witness _gSao Noi Udorn_h dancing plants, and buy Udorn Sunshine perfume.
  • Sample an Isan-styled meal in town.
  • Drop by Ban Na Kha for buying silk, cotton, and Mi-khit cloth.
  • Travel back to town.
  • Visit Nong Prachak in the evening.
  • '''Programme II Ban Chiang - Kham Chanot'''

  • Depart from Udon Thani town for Ban Chiang.
  • Witness pottery making at Ban Kham O, and painting at Ban Pulu.
  • Visit Wat Pho Si Nai archaeological excavation pit.
  • Visit Ban Chiang National Museum.
  • Lunch.
  • Proceed to Amphoe Ban Dung.
  • Visit Pa Chanot (Chanot Forest) covering an area of 20 rai and hear the story of ghosts there.
  • Travel back to town.
  • '''Programme III Phu Phra Bat - Namtok Yung Thong'''

  • Travel from Udon Thani town to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.
  • Visit Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok.
  • Visit Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Ho Nang Usa, and historical paintings.
  • Lunch.
  • Travel through Amphoe Nam Som to Amphoe Na Yung and visit Namtok Yung Thong.
  • Travel back to town.
  • '''Programme IV Udon Thani ? Nong Khai ? Vientiane.'''

  • Depart from Udon Thani town for Nong Khai.
  • Pay respect to Luangpho Phra Sai, Wat Pho Chai.
  • Travel across the Thai ? Lao Friendship Bridge to Vientiane.
  • Tour Vientiane.
  • Travel back to Nong Khai and drop by Talat Tha Sadet (Tha Sadet Market) for shopping.
  • Visit Ban Na Kha for buying silk, Mi-khit, and cotton cloth.
  • Travel back to town.
  • Sleep

    Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani

  • [http://www.thaivillarent.com Green Gecko] Baan Um Jaan, A. Prajak, Udon Thai 081-9180500 Luxury Thai villa & private pool, fully catered 9,500 Baht
  • [http://www.geckovilla.com Gecko Villa]Gecko Villa Country house & private pool, catered, 3 bedrooms, spacious rural grounds, 5,500 Baht
  • Karin (?????) 37 Watthananuwong Road. Tel. 0 4232 0515-22, 0 4221 1608.
  • 130 rooms: 400 ? 900 Baht.
  • Queen (??????) 6-8 Udon Dutsadi Road. Tel. 0 4222 1451. 30 rooms: 120 ? 240 Baht.
  • King_fs (?????) 57 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 1634, 0 4224 1444, 0 4222 2919. 99 rooms: 190 ? 250 Baht.
  • Charoensri Grand Royal (???????? ?????? ?????) 277/1 Prachaksinlapakhom Road. Tel. 0 4234 3555. 255 rooms: 1,400 ? 2,500 Baht.
  • Charoensri Palace (???????? ?????) 60 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 2601, 0 4224 2611 ?3, 0 4232 8218 ? 20. 70 rooms: 340 ? 900 Baht.
  • Charoen Hotel (????? ??????) 549 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4224 8155, 0 4224 6121 ? 4. 240 rooms: 700 ? 900 Baht.
  • Chaiphon (?????) 209-11 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 1913, 0 4222 2144. 30 rooms: 180 ? 280 Baht (fan), 250 ? 350 Baht (air-conditioned).
  • Chan Mueang Resort (???????? ???????) 302 Udon Thani ? Khon Kaen Road. Tel. 0 4224 3815, 0 4224 2219. 28 houses: 400 ? 500 Baht.
  • Ton Khun (??????) 50/1 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4232 6336 ? 45. 115 rooms: 700 ? 1,300 Baht.
  • Naphalai (??????) 572 Pracharaksa Road. Tel. 0 4234 7444, 0 4234 7420 ? 46. 252 rooms: 800 ? 900 Baht, www.napalaihotel.com.
  • Ban Chiang (?????????) 5 Mukkhamontri Road. Tel. 0 4232 7911 ? 20. 149 rooms: 1,200 ? 8,500 Baht, www.banchianghotel.com.
  • Paradise (????????) 44/29 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 1956, 0 4222 1506. 65 rooms: 180 ? 500 Baht.
  • Phen Resort (???? ???????) Udon Thani ? Nong Bua Lam Phu Road. Tel. 0 4224 5355, 35 rooms: 300 ? 500 Baht.
  • Mit Pracha Palace (????????? ?????) 271/2 ? 3 Prachak Road. Tel. 0 4224 4522. 48 rooms: 140 ? 390 Baht.
  • Si Chai (??????) 480 ? 484 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 2624. 19 rooms: 150 ? 800 Baht.
  • Siri Grand (??????????) 12 Benchang Road. Tel. 0 4232 4514 ? 9, fax: 0 4220 5030. 145 rooms: 400 ? 600 Baht.
  • Siri Udon (????????) 79 ? 91 Amphoe Road. Tel. 0 4222 1658, 0 4222 2330 ? 2. 50 rooms: 180 ? 400 Baht.
  • Udon Airport (???? ?????????) 14 Mu 1, Udon Thani ? Nong Bua Lam Phu Road.Tel. 0 4234 6223 ? 4. 120 rooms: 500 ? 1,000 Baht.
  • Udon Hotel (???? ??????) 81 ? 89 Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4224 8160,
  • fax: 0 4224 2782. 191 rooms: 460 ? 1,000 Baht.
  • Silver Reef B&B 338/8 Prajack Rd. Maung Udon Thani Tel:66 42 344-081 www.silverreefudon.com
  • Brand New Hotel in the heart of city only 5 min walk to Robinson Shopping and Night Market.

    Eat

  • Udon Residence. /2 Chert Sombat Road, Maakaeng, Muang, Udon Thani, Thailand. ehind Clock Tower Circle. el: (66-42) 343-296. ww.udonmap.com/udonresidence. 50. Udon Residence opened April 2008. It's located in downtown Udon Thani only a short walk from the central shopping plaza, restaurants and bars. UR offers clean and comfortable rooms and one condo style room with its own kitchen and living room. The place is fully air-conditioned with free wireless internet, cable TV, hot showers etc. Room rates are reasonable starting at 450bt then moving up to 950bt for the self-contained aparment. The place is very quiet and central to everything.

    Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani

  • Good Everything (??????????????) 43/2 Pho Niyom Road. Tel. 0 4224 5544.
  • Kai Ban Po. Tu-Pong (??????? ?.???????) Udon ? Nong Samrong Road. Tel. 0 4232 5229.
  • Khao Piak (?????????) 32/4 Si Suk Road. Tel. 0 4224 4138 (Vietnamese food: Khao Piak, Kaeng Sen).
  • Khao Tom Kan Eng (?????????????) 21 Phan Phrao Road. Tel. 0 4222 2582.
  • Khai Krata Loet Rot (??????????????) 78 Pho Si Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 0389.
  • King_fs O-cha (?????????) 22/1 ? 2 Si Sattha Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4234 3481 (Khai Krata ? panned egg).
  • Khrua Kha Takhrai (???????-??????) 663 Mu 4, Mu Ban Ban Chan. Tel. 0 4234 1515.
  • Khrua Khun Nit (??????????) 64 Soi Wat Pa Non Niwet, Udon Dutsadi Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 6128 (Papaya salad, steamed chicken, grilled fish, blanched fish).
  • Chaeo Hon Maha Sarakham 2 (Chaeo Hon Mo Yak) (??????????????????) 168/4-5 Rop Mueang Road. Tel. 0 4224 6375, fax: 0 4224 7555.
  • Chueng Sa-at (???????) 44/45 Adunlayadet (Thibet intersection). Tel. 0 4224 7623, 0 4234 3474 (Khai Krata).
  • Chup (????) 31/1 Tamrot Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 7208.
  • Chan Mueang (????????) 303/2 Ban Chan Road, Tambon Ban Chan. Tel. 0 4224 3815, 0 4224 2219.
  • Siamhai Phattakhan (???????? ????????) Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 1003.
  • Yipun Kitaro (??????? ???????) 300/7 ? 8 Prachak Road, Charoen Si Complex intersection. Tel. 0 4224 3094.
  • Nimit Suki (???????????) 49/3 Mak Khaeng Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 6273 (A la carte dishes, Suki soup)
  • Ban I-san (?????????) Adunlayadet Road. Tel. 0 4232 5229.
  • Bon Coffee Udon Thani Branch (??? ?????? ????????????) 224/55 Prachaksinlapakhom Road.Tel. 0 4224 9720.
  • Phung Ki Restaurant (??????? ????????) Mak Khaeng Road.Tel. 0 4222 2398.
  • Phuean Kan (?????????) Thahan Road. Tel. 0 4234 1724.
  • Phikkhora Roma (??????? ????) 10/31 ? 32 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4232 7546.
  • Phu Wiang (???????) within Charoen Hotel, Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4224 8155.
  • Mangkon Luang (?????????) 75/18 ?21 Thahan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 2345, fax: 0 4234 1581 (Chinese food, grilled duck, Suki soup).
  • Matcha Phasuk (??????????) 166 Mu 8 Udon Thani ? Nong Khai Road, at an entrance to Tambon Mu Mon. Tel. 0 4224 0247.
  • Mandarin (????????) Mak Khaeng Road. Tel. 0 4222 1043, 0 4222 2391.
  • Mae Ya (??????) 79 ? 81 Talat Thanarak Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4222 3889, 0 4222 2953, 0 4222 1590 (Thai, Chinese, I-san food).
  • Ming 24 No (???? ?? ?.) 13/16 Si Suk Road. Tel. 0 4224 3924.
  • Ying Udom (????????) 245 Prachaksinlapakhom Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4222 3414, 0 4224 3531.
  • Ruean Maliwan (?????????????) 42/1 Tambon Mak Khaeng, Rop Mueang Road (Khon Kaen ? Nong Bua Lam Phu). Tel. 0 4291 0092, fax: 0 1974 4178.
  • Rabiang Phatchani (????????????) 53/1 Ban Non Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng.Tel. 0 4224 1515, 0 4224 4015, 0 4232 5891.
  • Rim Nam (??????) 76/3 Supphakitchanya Road. Tel. 0 4224 2653.
  • Luk Nam (??????) 37/1 Tambon Mak Khaeng, Phan Phrao Road. Tel. 0 4224 2619.
  • V T Naem Nueang (???? ?????????) 345/1 ? 3 Pho Si Road (behind Wat Phothisomphon), Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4234 8740, 0 4234 7111.
  • Si Chomphu (???????) 286/25 ? 27 Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 1455.
  • Stamp (??????) Naresuan Road. Tel. 0 4222 3127.
  • Suan Krua Ta ? Yai (?????????-???) Thahan Road, Tambon Mak Khaeng. Tel. 0 4224 3657, 0 4234 1627.
  • Suan Ahan Bung Samran (????????????????) 57/5 Mu 9, Ban Nong Lek, Rop Mueang Road (Sakon Nakhon ? Nong Khai). Tel. 0 4220 4547 ? 8, fax: 0 4232 2299.
  • Suan Ahan Suan Mangkon and Resort (??????? ???????? ????? ???????) 89/11 Rop Mueang Road.Tel. 0 4220 4955 ? 6, fax: 0 4220 4955.
  • Hong Ahan May Fair (????????????? ????) in Charoen Hotel, Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4224 8155.
  • Enriko Pizza (????????????) 1st floor, Charoensri Grand Royal, 221/7 Prachaksinlapakhom Road. Tel. 0 4232 4528, 0 1799 7736, 0 1453 0654.
  • Udon Phochana (?????????) Pho Si Road. Tel. 0 4222 1756 (A la carte dishes, noodle).
  • Udon O-cha Branch II (???????? ???? ?) 123/2 ? 3 Prachaksinlapakhom Road, Tambon Khaeng. Tel. 0 9944 6826, 0 4234 4155.
  • Em-ot (Khai Kratha) (?????? ????????) 118/7 Prachaksinlapakhom, Tambon Mak Khaeng.Tel. 0 4222 3992 (Khai Kratha).
  • YingUdom (?????????????????) PreechaMarket

    '''Vegetarian Restaurant'''

  • Krua Sukkhaphap Kwan Yin (????????????????) opposite to Bangkok Bank, Prachak Road. Tel. 0 4224 6490.
  • Krua Isan Ahan Che (????????? ???????) Pho Si Road, beside Siam Commercial Bank, Pho Si Road Branch.
  • Pang Mangsawirat (?????????????) 52/12 Phonphisai Road. Tel. 0 4232 4248, 0 9186 9287.
  • Ahan Che Phuea Sukkhaphap (??????????????????) 586 Mu Ban Ban Lueam, Tambon Ban Lueam. Tel. 0 4234 7636.
  • Call

  • Provincial Public Relations Tel. 0 4222 3708
  • Udon Thani Provincial Administration Office Tel. 0 4222 3304
  • Bus Terminal Tel. 0 4224 7950-2
  • Udon Thani Train Station Tel. 0 4222 2061
  • Udon Thani Hospital Tel. 0 4224 4252-3
  • Panyawet Hospital Tel. 0 4234 3111
  • Khai Prachak Hospital Tel. 0 4234 1710
  • Ek Udon Hospital Tel. 0 4234 2555
  • Udon Thani Police Station Tel. 0 4222 2285, 0 4222 3304
  • Highway Police Tel. 1193
  • Tourist Police Tel. 1155
  • Get out