Udon Thani Attractions and Travel Guide

Attractions

Than Ngam Waterfall 

A medium-sized waterfall situated amidst lush and pristine forests, the waterfall is more than perfect for swimming and relaxation. Traveling to the site can be done via Udon Thani Nong Bua Lam Phu or Udon Thani Khon Kaen route. For the first route, travel along the highway for approximately 45 kilometres, turn left to Nong Saeng District and proceed for another 5 kilometres. For the second route, travel along the highway for approximately 55 kilometres, turn right to Nong Saeng District and proceed for another 25 kilometres.

Phu Foi Lom 

Phu Foi Lom is an eco-tourism tourist destination which provides unique soft-adventurous activities for nature lovers. With an area of approximately 192,356 rai of Phu Phan Noi mountain range, Phu Foi Lom is part of the Pan Don Pa Ko National Reserved Park. Rare flora and fauna can be spotted here. As the place boasts diverse ecological systems, tourists can enjoy trekking along the provided trails. Phu Foi Lom is located approximately 35 kilometres from Udon Thanis town. Traveling there is not complicated, use Udon Thani Loei route, at km 9 marker, turn to Ban Lao and proceed for another 48 kilometres.

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site 

This archaeological site is considered to be cultural property of outstanding universal value and was nominated as a World Heritage Site in December 1992. The Site is located at Ban Chiang, Amphoe Nong Han, 55 kilometers from the province on Highway No. 22 (Udon Thani-Sakon Nakon). Turn left at the 50-km marker to Highway No. 2225 and proceed for 6 kilometers.

Ban Chiang National Museum located at Ban Chiang, Tambon Ban Chiang, Amphoe Nong Han, is comprised of two parts. The first part stores antiques. Inside the building, old artifacts, ancient Ban Chiang culture, tools and utensils that showcase ancient technology and surroundings, as well as earthenware pots from 4,000 to 7,500 years old, are displayed. The second part is an open museum in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai. The Fine Arts Department has retained the conditions of archaeological excavations to illustrate how earthenware pots and other items were buried along with the dead. Ban Chiang National Museum is considered the first open museum in Thailand. As for the Ban Chiang earthenware pots, they are known world-wide because Ban Chiang was the origin of a pre-historic civilization. Archaeologists believe the designs on Ban Chiang earthenware are the oldest pot designs in the world.

Traveling to Ban Chiang National Museum is very easy. It is only fifty-six kilometers from Muang District. The route runs along Highway 22 and turns left onto Highway 2225 at kilometer 50, where a road sign indicates the way to Ban Chiang which is six kilometers away. The museum is open to the general public every day, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an admission fee of 20 baht. The museum has a parking area with toilets and village shops located nearby.

On the way to Ban Chiang, visitors can stop at several villages where handicrafts are made. Ban Kham O located along the Udon Thani-Sakon Nakhon Road is a Ban Chiang pottery sculpture center while Ban Pu Lu is a pottery-painting place.

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’s relics. The pagoda is shaped like “Thanan,” a utensil used in ancient times to scoop Lord Buddha’s 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’s birthday anniversary are held every year.

Na Yung Nam Som Forest Park 

Yung Thong Waterfall located at Ban Sawang, Mu 2, Tambon Na Yoong, King-Amphoe Na Yung is a waterfall on the ridge of Phu Phan and Phu Ya Ou, where a stream flows through the steep rock cliff. Yung Thong Waterfall is three metres high and composed of water beautifully cascading amongst the stones, especially during the rainy season when it thunders down in torrents among the lush, green flora. Located 103 kilometers from Amphoe Muang, the route to the waterfall passes through Amphoe Ban Phue and Amphoe Nam Som. Upon reaching Amphoe Nam Som, there is a junction from Nam Suem Village, proceed on that route for seventeen kilometers in order to reach the junction that leads to the Reserve Park. The route is part of the project of the Office of Accelerated Rural Development, aimed at speeding up the development in the rural area which is in good condition and can be used all the year round.

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 “Wat Matchimawat.” Within its Wihan building, there is a white stone Buddha image under Naga (serpent) protection, or commonly known as “Luangpho Nak,” which has been highly respected by the people of Udon Thani.

Wat Phothisomphon 

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 “Wat Mai.” Later, Phra Chao Worawongthoe Krommaluang Chinnawonsiriwat, the Supreme Patriarch, Wat Ratchabophitsathitmahasimaram, named the temple as “Wat Phothisomphon,” to commemorate Phraya Sisuriyaratchawaranuwat, the temple builder. Inside, there is also a museum of revered monks famous for meditation.

Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden 

This is located in Soi Kamol Watthana on Udon Thani-Nong Samrong route (Highway No. 204). The garden produces and sells a new species of Thai scented orchid called Udon Sunshine. It is the only known vanda hybrid which is fragrant between the early morning hours and about 2 p.m., and it is the first orchid in the world to be made into a perfume. Please call 0 4224 2475 for more information.

Wat Ban Tat 

This temple is located off of the center of the province. Take Highway No. 2 (Udon Thani-Khon Kaen) and make a right turn at Ban Kong Keng and proceed for 9 kilometers. The temple is teeming with trees and small, wild animals. It is here that one of Thailand's most revered monks, Luangta Maha Bua, resides. As the place is set in a tranquil ambience conducive for practicing meditation, a numbers of Thais practice insight meditation (Vipassana) at this temple.

Udon Thani Museum

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.

Chao Pu - Chao Ya 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.

Nong Prachak 

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 “Nong Na Klue” (pond of salty water) and later changed to “Nong Prachak” 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.

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