Udon Thani Travel

Best time to visit

Udon Thani has a tropical Savanna climate where winters are fairly dry and very warm. The temperatures rise until April beyond which come the favourable months for visiting this city. Popularly, May to November is the best months to visit this place.

Check the below table for the general idea of Udon Thani weather throughout the year.

Udon Thani’s current weather and 7-day forecast

UDON THANI WEATHER

Though Udon Thani boasts of having the largest westernized shopping malls and movie theater in the region, there are still places in the city that have retained the Thai cultural heritage. These tourist attractions draw in thousands of visitors every year. Aside from enjoying its warm savannah climate, you may want to see the following tourist sites listed below and try a few things that can only be found in Udon Thani.

1. Phu Phrabat Historical Park

Phu Phrabat Historical Park is one of the most popular attractions in Udon Thani. It is known for its unique rock formations and religious shrines scattered around the area. It is located west of the Phu Phan Mountains between Nong Khai and Udon Thani. The entire park is within Phu Phrabat Bua Bok Forest Park. These stunning and eccentric massive boulders, spires and balanced rocks form the base of some Buddhist and Hindu shrines from the 7th to 10th-century Dvarati period. Wat Phra Phutthabaht Bua Bok, the most significant shrine, is a Lao-style chedi protecting a sandstone Buddha footprint.

The prehistoric paintings on the rocks date back 6,000 years ago. Some rock paintings are overlooked during walking tours so keep a sharp eye for them. According to local lore, the rock formations are where a legendary king banished his daughter to hide her from a suitor. The rocks were the result of under-sea erosion that happened 15 million years ago.

2. Phu Foi Lom Eco Park

Phu Foi Lom Eco Park is located in Udon’s southwest at one of the highest peaks of the city. It is promoted as an ecotourism destination. Its name is taken from “Foi Lom” a Lichen variety.

A short trail that leads you to the other section of the Phu Foi Lom. You must climb a steep stairway to reach the mountainous area of the park. There are life-size dinosaur replicas and waterfalls in a forest like setting. It is ideal to visit in December and January when all flowers are blooming during the annual Daffodil festival.

3. Nong Prajack Park

Nong Prajack Park, one of the 3 reservoirs of the city, is a recreational central park named after Udon Thani’s founder, Prince Prajak Sinlapakhom. The park is situated west of the city’s center. Hospitals and the Day and Night complex are nearby. You can walk or take the Songthaew bus or tuktuk to the park.

Thais go walking, cycling or jogging in the park during the early morning and late afternoon. There are playground equipment and other activities for kids. It has an impressive landscape with two suspension bridges and beautiful footpaths. Fish feeding is a popular activity here. The park has several street vendors ,food stalls and popular restaurants. The annual Loy Krathong festival is held here.

A park highlight is the giant inflatable family of ducks floating on the lake. It was trending on social media because of the million selfies tourists take with it. These ducks symbolize Udon Thani.

4. Udon Thani Provincial Museum

Udon Thani Provincial Museum, also called Phiphitthaphan Muan Udon Thani, is an ancient colonial-style edifice located near the Nong Prajak Park. It was built and founded in 1920 by former governor Chaiporn Ratanaka. Initially, it was the first-all girl school in Udon Thani. The school moved to a larger facility so the building was occupied by social and government agencies. In 2004, the city converted it to a museum and currently managed by the city municipal office.
The museum features exhibits of the history of the city’s settlement and development. It also shows the history of Prince Prajak Silpakhom, the city’s founder and the most respected monk, Luangta Maha Bua. It displays artifacts of the city’s natural history and local culture.

5. Rabeang Pochana

Udon Thani offers various restaurants featuring international and local Thai cuisine. Several restaurants are found under a canopy of trees in an open-air or garden type setting. These restaurants offer real Thai food. Thai cuisine, among the best cuisines in the world, has it regional differences. There is the local Isan dishes and the northeastern-style hot pots called jim joom which are the more popular Thai food being served. If you want the authentic taste of Thai cuisine, the locals highly recommend a restaurant named Rabeang Pochana that serves the best of these dishes. It is located near the Prajak Lake.

Isan cuisine are central Thai dishes served with chili peppers and glutinous rice (or khao niao). Northeastern Thai cuisine serves sticky rice as a side dish in most meals. Also try the Jim Joom (or sometimes called chim chum) a Northeastern dish that literally means “dip and drop”. This clear beef bone marrow broth is boiled with herbs in an earthen pot over a small clay stove. Its delicious aroma is the combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai basil (bai kraphao) and galangal and chili. There is no definite recipe for it. You can experiment and add different kinds of meats or vegetables that suits your taste.

6. Udon Thani at night

Udon Thani has one of the busiest nightlifes in Thailand. You will see vibrant colors from the lights of various establishments from sundown. Go to Teekatananon and Sampantamit Road if you are looking for pubs and restaurants to dine and drink. Aussie Pub and Steakhouse, located in Teekatananon Rd serves Australian food and beer. The Irish Clock at Sampantamit Road serves draft Kilkenny and Guinness beer. On Prajak Road is Mr. Tong’s which serves a vast selection of Thai and western dishes with local beers while hosting DJ parties. Central Plaza is where pubs and bars cater to foreigners and expats. Near the train station are Lum Udon and Center Point Night Market where you can taste Isan specialty cuisines like fried insects and street food. On weekends, Center Point has live concerts. Adulyadet Road is the location for karaoke bars.

7. Shopping at Udon Thani

Udon has its own unique snacks and handicrafts just like other provinces in Thailand. The city is popular for its hand-woven silk, pottery, Vietnamese sausage called “name neaug” and its kid textile, which is a brocade with a raised, diamond shaped pattern. The village Na Kha is where you should purchase the silk and garments made of kid. Here you can see how the craftswomen create the interesting kid patterns. To escape the summer heat, go to Central Plaza (formerly the Charoensri Shopping complex). The old mall was renovated and expanded with a bigger and more impressive shopping space. Enjoy the air-conditioning while shopping for clothes, local souvenirs and electronic gadgets.

8. Huay Luang

Huay Luang, also known as Namtok Tham Bak Teo, is a waterfall inside Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park. The waterfall is large and its water falls from a pond down a cliff, flowing down a trail that connects to nearby Cambodia.
The waterfall is divided into three sections with the bottom level the most interesting to visitors. Along the waterway is a trail that visitors can climb all the way to the top. It is not for old people and very young children to climb because it is slippery. The pools formed by the water is ideal for swimming, fishing, rafting and cruising.

9. Erawan Cave

The Erawan Cave also called Tham Chang and Elephant Cave is located in Nong Bua Lamphu province, Amphoe Na Wang. To get there, pass highway 210 coming from Loei going to Udon Thani. The cave is seen several kilometers away because it sits on a limestone outcrop. You will climb 610 steps into the main cave, cross additional sharp slopes and several steps to reach the image of Phra Buddha.

The cave entrance has panoramic views of the countryside. Inside the cave are stalagmites. A spot in the cave allows the sunlight to squeeze thru the wall and turns it into a magical place. Legend says the cave was the residence of Nang Phom Hom, the daughter of an elephant.

During a festival in the nearby temple, the locals create elaborate sculptures called “Khan mak beng” and have a colorful parade by climbing the stairs to the cave. The best Khan mak beng is chosen and the winners receive prizes. There is also a banana eating and beauty contest.

10. Ride a Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuk or “Sam Lor” is Thailand’s signature mode of transportation. This three wheeled motorized vehicle looks like a golf cart is open on all sides with a roof overhead and comfortably sits 3 passengers.

During World War II, the tuk-tuk evolved from the old-fashioned rickshaw. It is typically a ricksaw with a small motorized engine. The name came from the “tuk tuk” sound you make while knocking on the roof of the vehicle signaling the driver to stop at your destination. Others say it came from the sound the engine makes similar to the American “puft puft”.
Fares vary depending on the distance you are traveling so drivers usually quote exagerated rates. Negotiate 5 to 15 baht lower than the given rate before taking the ride. Avoid Tuk-tuks during peak hours or you’ll be stuck in traffic. There are mafia tuk-tuks lurking in tourist locations offering sightseeing tours. Avoid them and say “No thank you.” Tuk-tuks are best to ride for short distances. Though sometimes taxis are cheaper or cost the same for the same distance, you get there faster riding the tuk-tuk. The experience you get from riding one is priceless.

11. See a UNESCO Heritage Site known as the Ban Chiang National Museum

When traveling to a place rich in history and tradition like in Udon Thani, it’s definitely a must to see its historic manifestations come to life in structure through the works of those who lived in such ancient times The Ban Chiang National Museum is a majestic world wonder, dubbed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992, this historic feat in Thailand is considered to be the most significant settlement in Southeast Asia. This site boasts early manifestations of wet-rice agriculture, as well as metalwork. The Ban Chiang Museum houses archaeological artifacts dated as far back of its discovery in 1966, these artifacts showed proof of early efforts in understanding radiometric dating. Much is there to discover at Ban Chiang National Museum, best for those who enjoy learning about history and culture during their travels.

12. Marvel in the beauty of the Red Lotus Lake in Kumphawapi

For those who enjoy the flora and taking stunning pictures for Instagram, then a trip to Red Lotus Sea in Kumphawapi. This scenic sea scattered with gorgeous pink lotus flowers on lily pads is one of Thailand’s most underrated natural attractions. Just an hour drive from Udon Thani Airport, the Red Lotus Lake is best appreciated when on a pontoon boat just for 16.48 USD for a 1.5-hour roundabout trip on the lake. However, it’s important to note that these pink lotus flower blooms are only seasonal and only happens during the colder months. Make sure to add this to your itinerary and visit this part of Udon Thani around December to February to experience a natural wonder on serene and relaxing waters.

Budget options

The One Residence 

Add: 251/5 Prajak Road, T.Makkaeng , A. Muang, Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

The One Residence is 350 m from Central Plaza Udonthani. It offers modern air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony and free WiFi. The residence also provides chargeable shuttle and laundry services.

The property is 450 m from Udon Thani Bus Terminal and approximately 1 km from both Udon Thani Railway Station and Bangkok Hospital Udon Thani. For more shopping and dining, guests can also check out UD Town, located 1.5 km away. The property is a 20-minute drive from Udon Thani International Airport.

Fitted with tiled flooring, each non-smoking room comes with a flat-screen satellite TV, refrigerator and electric kettle. Hot shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom.

At Home at Udon 

Add: 11/11 Sampanthamit Road, Mueang, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Located in Udonthani, @Home at Udon offers cosy rooms with a 32-inch flat-screen cable TV and private balcony. This non-smoking property features massage services, free Wi-Fi and free parking.

Udon @Home is a 1-minute walk from the Central Department Store and a 5-minute walk the Night Market. Udonthani International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Elegant air-conditioned rooms come with modern Thai furnishings. All are equipped with a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom with a shower.

With a 24-hour front desk, the hotel provides ticketing, fax/photocopying and shuttle services. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also available upon request.

Nuntiya Terrace 

Add: 549 Soi Prachasanti 5, T. Nongbua, A. Muang, Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Nuntiya Terrace is a 45-minute drive from UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ban Chieng. It offers modern rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a chargeable shuttle service, coffee shop and free private parking.

The hotel is a 10-minute drive to Central Department Store. It is a 20-minute drive from Udon Thani Airport.

Fitted with tiled flooring, each room comes with a cable TV, balcony and refrigerator. A private bathroom features shower facilities.

Guests can enjoy snacks and beverages at the coffee shop. Local restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk from the property.

Mid-range options

The Like hotel 

Add: 529/5 Soi Wuttianun 1 The Like hotel, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Located in Udon Thani, 2.4 km from UD Town, The Like hotel provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. With a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, valet parking and luggage storage for guests.

Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

Charoen Hotel 

Add: 549-559 Phosri Road, A. Muang, Udonthani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

A 5-minute drive from Udon Thani Railway Station, Charoen Hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. It boasts an outdoor pool, karaoke facilities and various dining options. Guests enjoy free airport transfer from Udon Thani Airport, which is a 10-minute ride away. Free Wi-Fi is available

Charoen Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Robinson Department Store. It is a within a 5-minute ride from Muang Udon Thani Museum.

Non-smoking air-conditioned rooms are fitted with wooden furnishing and a seating area. A TV, a fridge and minibar are standards in all rooms. En suite bathrooms come with a bathtub and shower facilities.

Guests of Charoen Hotel can work up a sweat at the fitness centre or arrange sightseeing trips at the on-site tour desk. For convenience, a 24-hour front desk, and meeting facilities are provided.

All day dining restaurant, Mayfair offers a variety of Thai dishes. Enjoy tea/coffee and dinner at Poo Vieng Restaurant. Suan Rim Nam Restaurant features soft music while offering Thai cuisine for dinner. Refreshing beverages are served at Pool Bar, Flamingo Lounge and Yellow Bird Pub & Bar .

Prajaktra City Hostel 

Add: 106/45 Srisuk Road T.Makkaeng A.Muang Udonthani 41000, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand 

Prajaktra City Hostel is located in Udon Thani. Guests may enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and bread every morning. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.

Each air-conditioned room here will provide you with flat-screen cable TV, a balcony and a minibar. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer.

Guest can enjoy complimentary coffee/tea, and light snacks in the morning. At Prajaktra City Hostel you will find a chargeable airport shuttle and a 24-hour front desk. The property offers free parking.

Kitlada Hotel Udonthani 

Add: 510 Moo7 Amphur Rd, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Centrally located, Kitlada Hotel Udonthani is a convenient 10-minute drive to Udonthani city center. The hotel offers modern air-conditioned room with free Wi-Fi. Free private parking is available.

Central Plaza department store is 15 minutes’ drive away. It takes 20 minutes to drive from Udonthani Airport.

Spacious and modern, each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge and en suite bathroom with shower facilities. Selected rooms include a sofa and bathtub.

To unwind, guests can enjoy a soothing massage. For extra convenience, there is a 24-hour front desk. Meeting facilities and laundry services are available. Staff can offer assistance with shuttle service arrangements.

Kitlada restaurant serves a wide range of Thai and International dishes from 7am-11pm. Drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.

Deluxe options

The 8 Hotel Udonthani 

Add: 14/5 Samphan Thamit Road ,Mak Khaeng , Udonthani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Located in Udon Thani, 600 m from Bus station 1, The 8 Hotel Udonthani provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a shared lounge. A hot tub and a car rental service are available for guests. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel each room includes a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

A continental breakfast is available daily at The 8 Hotel Udonthani.

Banbua Grand Udon 

Add: 10/24 Sumpuntamit Road, Tambon MakKhang, Udon Thani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Set in Udon Thani, 600 m from Bus station 1, Banbua Grand Udon offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. The property is situated 3.1 km from Udon Thani Provincial Mesuem, 5 km from Nongprajak Public Park and 10 km from Tesco Lotus Udon thani. The property features city views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Banbua Grand Udon offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.

Civilize Hotel 

Add: 396/28 Posri Road, Makkhaeng, Mueang, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand 

Offering free WiFi, Civilize Hotel is situated in Udon Thani, a 12-minute walk from Bus station 1 and 900 m from Central Plaza Udon thani. The property is around a 10-minute drive from Udon Thani Provincial Mesuem and 4 km from Nongprajak Public Park. The restaurant serves Asian cuisine.

At the hotel, the rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Civilize Hotel offers some units with garden views, and all rooms are fitted with a kettle. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.

Speaking both English and Lao, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay.

Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Udon Thani 

Add: 277/1 Prajaksillapakhom Road,, 41000, Udon Thani, Thailand

Located in Northeast Thailand, Centara Hotel & Convention Centre is linked to the largest shopping and entertainment centre in Udon Thani. It offers comfortable accommodation and leisure facilities.

Rooms at Centara Hotel are decorated in warm and contemporary style. They are also equipped with facilities including air conditioning, a spacious bathroom with rainforest shower and cable television. 24-hour room service is also offered.
Keep fit at Centara's health club, which offers a fitness centre with an aerobics room. You can also take a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool. To pamper yourself, soak in the hot tub or have a session in the sauna or steam room.
You can also have a relaxing massage and body treatment at SPA Cenvaree. Other facilities include a business centre, currency exchange and beauty salon.

Dine at Centara Hotel & Convention Centre's 2 on-site restaurants offering Thai and international cuisine, as well as delicious Chinese fare. To unwind, head to the lobby lounge for a quick snack or have some fun with Karaoke at Cencio.

De Princess Hotel Udonthani 

Add: 135/135 Moo 14 Bankaojan, Makkaeng, Udonthani, 41000 Udon Thani, Thailand

Situated in Udon Thani, 1.8 km from UD Town, De Princess Hotel Udonthani features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can make use of a garden.
The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms at De Princess Hotel Udonthani have air conditioning and a desk.

The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

For guests' convenience, De Princess Hotel Udonthani has a business centre.

Udon Thani restaurants are mostly open air restaurants, located beneath the trees, serving main Thai dishes like Jim Jhoom (hot pots), Rabeang Pochana and several other delicious items. Here’s a few of them:

1. The Irish Clock

The northeastern part of Thailand does not really have plenty of bars. There are some but there bars which are not up to the standard. The Irish Clock is one of the best Udon Thani restaurants for tourists to have their food and relax. This bar was opened many years; after which Trevor Garrard and his wife Ann (the owner of Irish Clock) took over a well running business in the year 2010. This restaurant holds a history of serving lip smacking traditional Thai food.

2. The Bookhouse Coffee Shop and Restaurant

The Bookhouse Coffee Shop and Restaurant is also one of the renowned Udon Thani restaurants. This restaurant was first opened for the public in the year 2009. They offer variety of food like Jalapeno Crème Cheese Bagel with Crispy Bacon, Burritos, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos and Nachos, Monster Bookhouse Pie, beef, pork, lamb and turkey are some of the best highlights of the restaurant.

3. Los Amigos Tex Mex Bar & Grill

Los Amigos Tex Mex Bar and Grill is not easy to locate in Udon Thani, but the efforts worth the count when you relish its delicacies. They offer a wide variety of dishes, snacks and chilled beers. Their crux is to serve high quality and quantity food at an affordable price. It has its own share of visitors and word of mouth popularity is doing the rounds. Pizza, pasta, burgers, kebabs, chilli con carne, enchiladas along with a list of best beers are some of the best highlights of this restaurant.

4. Khaosoi Tai

Khaosoi Tai is not a well-known name among the Udon Thani restaurants circuit, but it is slowly gaining popularity among local and foreign tourists. Recently the restaurant has changed its location and can now be found in Chiang Phin. They offer a wide variety of dishes like Burmese and Lao, egg noodle curry soup, Chicken khao soi, battered taro corn and Chinese potato are some of the delicacies of this restaurant. The food served is hot and a quick service pleases you.

5. The Sea Side 2 Restaurant

A fast approaching name in Udon Thani, Sea Side 2 Restaurant is gaining fast popularity. It is not heavy on the pockets of the visitors and the list of dishes is endless. They offer light tasty snacks to full course heavy meal. This restaurant is not at a much distance from the busy streets of Soi Sampantamit. They offer meals of different variety like English and Thai etc. beef stew, bangers and mash, cottage pie, liver bacon, fish and chips, chicken curry, spaghetti Bolognese and desserts are some of the best offered dishes of this restaurant.

6. Steak Baan Tung Restaurant

This restaurant is located some 40 km away from the city. It is a very open and spacious restaurant scattered in the outskirts of the city. They have large parking space and the quality standards are pretty high. The interiors of this restaurant are different from the regular Udon Thani restaurants. T-Bone steak, large Creole Pork Chop, pork steak and sweet corn are some of the best served dishes of this restaurant.

7. Harmony Restaurant and Bar

Udon Thani is one of the best examples of diversity and when it comes to diversity in food Harmony Restaurant and Bar is one good example. This restaurant was first opened in the year 2008, is at walking distance from the Central Plaza and night entertainment area of Thailand. This restaurant specializes in German and Thai food along with some western cuisines.

8. Taw Baw Pla Pao Restaurant

Udon Thani restaurants are known for their fish dishes. Farms are located in the city thus ensuring the availability of fresh fish all times. This restaurant is away from the hustle and bustle of city life and if one wants to have one of the best foods of Udon Thani then you need to spare some time. Variety of fresh water fish dishes like Pla Pao (salt crusted roasted fish), papaya salad and laab pla etc. are some of the best served dishes of this restaurant.

Get in

By plane

Udon Thani International Airport (UTH), currently has domestic flights to Bangkok (Nok Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Lion Air, Air Asia), Chiang Mai (Nok Air, Bangkok Airways) and Phuket (Air Asia).

Flights to Bangkok take about one hour.

To get to town there is a "limousine service" (actually a minibus) for 80 baht/person that will drop you and other passengers to the place of your choice. If there are more than 2 of you, it may be cheaper to get a Taxi. Minibus tickets are available in the booth just to the right before you leave the terminal building. Some of the hotels and car rental in udon thani have pick-up service.

There’s a songthaew #15 that circles between the city and outside the airport, by the 7-11 next to Udonpichairakpitaya School for ten baht. 

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By bus

There are now two bus stations in the city. Bus station #1 is in the city centre, near Central Plaza, a large mall, and a more active area. Another is in the outskirts of town on the road in from Loei towards Nong Khai (bus station #2).
From Nong Khai, there is a bus station on Prajak Rd which has buses that go to both Udon stations. They are close in price, but they go to very different areas of Udon: 40 baht to station 2 (not preferred). Old bus, no A/C, far from the city centre, and it makes many stops. 45 baht on a newer, first class bus to station 1 is preferred.

If you end up at station 2 and want to go to station 1, there is a songthaew for 10 baht (it may be slow as it picks up other riders) or you can catch a tuk-tuk into town for around 80 baht. But you have to flag down the songthaew #6 or 7 on the main street, not in the bus station 1.

Buses from Bangkok (Mo Chit), an 8-hour journey, arrive at the BKS station in the city.

Regular busses go from Vientiane to Udon Thani at the bus station in Vientiane at 08:00, 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:30 and 18:00 and cost 22000 Kip. Best buy your bus ticket a day in advance because the busses are sold out quickly (3 hours or more before departure). The alternative to go from Vientiane to Udon Thani is a minibus with air condition for 130000 Kip (price negotiable) to the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai and from there with another minibus to Udon Thani (300-1000 Baht, price negotiable).

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By train

Daily trains go to Nong Khai and over the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to Laos. There are also frequent trains to Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok. The overnight express sleeper to Bangkok is scheduled for 9.25 hours but usually takes longer. Nevertheless, it is still quite comfortable and pleasant, especially when taken in a sleeping berth or compartment. A daytime express railcar to Bangkok traverses a causeway over the large and scenic artificial lake created by the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (in Lopburi Province). Connections to the major centres of Southern Isaan (Buriram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani) can be made in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) for those who like to travel by rail.
In all, there are daily daytime trains, and three daily nighttime trains from Bangkok to Udon Thani and vice versa (most of which normally originate or terminate at Nong Khai), and several local trains to other destinations, including Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

Get around

Navigation around Udon Thani is made easier by three large roundabouts on the central road, Hwy 2: the clock circle, the fountain circle, and the Prince Prajak Circle. It's also possible to orient yourself with Central Plaza, city centre, or Nong Prajak Park. There is a bypass road that goes around the city.

By taxi

The main bus station, near Central Plaza has a taxi stand. Limousine service also available www.udontaxi.com

By bicycle taxi

Udon Thani has many samlors (three-wheeled bicycle taxis), although as elsewhere, they are slowly succumbing to the pressures of internal combustion engines.

By tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks, three-wheeled motorcycles, are readily available in most commercial areas. Negotiate a price before taking the ride. Note that in Udon Thani the locally made vehicles (called skylabs) differ from those in most of Thailand outside Isaan in that their fronts are adapted motorcycles. If you travel to Laos, you will see such vehicles (called jumbos) there, also.

By songthaew

Udon Thani has a bus-like network of numbered pick up trucks with 2 benches in the back songthaews; cost is 8 or 10 baht per trip (10 baht outside the ring road).

By bus

There are limited city bus routes.

Buses depart at least once per hour after 11:00 to Nong Khai on the Lao border, (40 baht, 1 hour, non-air-conditioned 3rd class bus.

You can follow the locals and hop on the waiting #6 songthaew to the bus station or take a tuk-tuk.

By bicycle

Bicycles are available for rent at the northeast corner of Nong Prajack Park for 20 baht/hour.

By motorcycle or car

Udon Thani motorcycle and scooter rentals here