Udon Thani Things to Do
The main sights we are going to recommend you are all located outside the city. The best way to explore them all is to have your own wheels. A car is ideal, but a motorbike will also do, though it can be quite tough to drive as far as the Erawan Cave and back to Udon Thani in one and the same day.
Nong Prajak Park
Located in the wesernt part of the city, this large park is Udon Thani’s version of NY Central Park. This is where Thai people like to go to exercise, relax, have a picnic or just escape the city traffic and noise.
The giant natural pond in the middle was artificially expanded and improved in 1987 to tribute the King that was visiting the town. The pond is full of fish and a common pastime in Udon is to feed them with food that you can buy from several stalls on site.
The park is a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon but it can get quite busy after 4pm. To get the best out of it, visit it in the morning when it’s almost deserted. If you happen to be in Udon Thani in November during the Loy Krathong festival, come here to light a lantern and to watch your krathong (a basket made of banana leaves and decorated with flower) floating in the water; and don’t forget to make a wish.
To get there you can take songthaew 7 or 14 from Central Plaza or a tuk-tuk (THB100).
Huai Luang reservoir
Located an hour drive west of Udon Thani, this huge reservoir covers an area of 20000 rai and was created for fishery and agricultural purposes.
It is a great destination for a day of fishing, rafting and canoeing. For the best experience hire a boat for a couple of hours and explore the reservoir from water. There is a beautiful waterfall which you can visit, and it’s particularly worth seeing it during the rainy season when it can become quite impressive.
The best way to get to Huai Luang reservoir is to rent a motorbike and drive west from town along highway 210 (to Nong Bua Lang Phu) for 25 km until you see English signs; turn right on 2314 and you’ll get to the reservoir after 10 more minutes. Opening hours are from 6am till 6pm.
Erawan Cave
Even if it’s a bit far away, Erawan Cave is an interesting destination for a day trip from Udon Thani. Be prepared to do some exercise since you’ll have to climb roughly 600 steps just to get to the entrance of the cave. But as soon as you get there you’ll be well rewarded; a big Buddha statue, which is meant to prevent evil spirits from entering the cave, welcomes the visitors, while a magnificent view of the valley lying at the foot of the hill will leave you speechless. Inside the cave several different chambers can be visited; weird rock formations alternate with Buddha’s images and spirits shrines. A soft electric light is enough to illuminate everything without any need for flashlight. At the very back a short but steep set of steps will lead you to an opening space on the northern face of the mountain where you can get dramatic pictures of the other side. Make sure to bring a jumper with you because it’s quite chilly inside the cave; also a pair of sturdy shoes is recommended since the ground might be occasionally slippery and flip flops can be dangerous. In the car park at the base of the hill you’ll find several stalls selling drinks, food and souvenirs.
To get to the Erawan Cave, drive west of town on highway 210 till you get to Na Wang where you have to turn right to Road 3012. The total distance is 90 km but it’s possible to combine a visit to Erawan Cave and Huay Luang reservoir in a single day making the trip more worth it.
Erawan cave can be visited every day from 8.30am till 4.30pm and admission is free of charge.
Red Lotus Sea
Red Lotus Sea is a truly spectacular sight – and many consider it the main highlight of their trip to Isan if not to the whole Thailand. In February red lotuses start blooming in the Hin Kimphawapi reservoir, covering the water with magnificent red flowers. You can rent a boat and go for a ride amid the blooming flowers – it should cost around THB500 for the whole boat. The while trip feels absolutely surreal and Instragram-junkies will have a lot of pic-opps.
The reservoir is located 40 km southeast of Udon Thani. You can make a detour to visit the Red Lotus Sea on your way to Bang Chiang.
