Historic Building
The City Pillar
Location : Amphoe MuangLocated in the Tung Sri Muang field,
in middle of the city, San Lak Muang was established in 1999. The place
is where the city's guardian deity is believed to reside. Built in contemporary
Isan style of architecture, the compound also houses God Wetsuwan, the provinces
protecting God (as depicted in the provincial seal), along with the city
pillar which is highly respected by the townspeople.
Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument
Location : Amphoe MuangThe 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’s
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 "Udon
Circle") 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.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Location : Amphoe Ban PhueThe site is located in a thriving
forest called Pa Khua Nam. In addition, within the site are many rocks of
peculiar shapes which resulted from glacial movement millions of years ago.
It can be seen that most of the ancient buildings and objects found in this
area were modified from what was naturally available and not built entirely
by human beings. For instance, a rock was decorated to make a stupa or was
chiseled into the shape of a foot.
The site was declared a historical park by the Fine Arts Department in
1991. Archeological evidence found at the site includes Phra Phuttabat Bua
Bok, Phra Phuttabat Lang Tao, Phra Phutta Bat Bua Ban, religious buildings
modified from rocks, sandstone bai-sema (leaf-shaped stones marking the
limits of a Buddhist temple), sandstone images and idols, cave paintings
and stone axes. Admission fee is 100 baht.
Religious site
Wat Thipphayaratnimit
Location : Amphoe MuangThis 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.
Wat Phothisomphon
Location : Amphoe MuangWat 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.
Wat Matchimawat
Location : Amphoe MuangThis 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 Ban Tat
Location : Amphoe MuangThis 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 kilometres. 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.
Phra Phutthabat (Holy Footprint) Bua Ban
Location : Amphoe Ban PhueLocated on the Phu Phan hill, approximately
12 kilometres south of Phu Phra Bat Historical Park. Also discovered and
unearthed here at the sight are battlements carved in Dvaravati and Lop
Buri arts.
Wat Pa Phu Kon
Location : Amphoe Na YungA Buddhist park located in Ban Na
Kham, Tambol Ban Kong, the temple covers an area of 1,000 rai of teeming
forests. The place is perfect for practicing Buddhist meditation. Located
next to the temple is the Prathom Rattanamahaburaphachan Chedi where the
holy Buddha relics are enshrined. The chedi is of Lanka style, is 25 metre
high and is decorated with golden mosaic.
Museum
Udon Thani Museum
Location : Amphoe MuangUdon 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 Pho Si Nai
Location : Amphoe Nong HanIt is the site of the open museum
section of the Ban Chiang National Museum where the conditions of the archaeological
excavations have been maintained in order to illustrate how earthenware
pots and other items were buried along with the dead.
Wat Pa Ban Kho
Location : Amphoe Ban PhueThis temple is located in Tambon
Khuea Nam. Here, there is Phra Maha That Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin,
a pagoda that contains Lord Buddha’s 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’s
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.
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.
Market
Ban Na Kha
Location : Amphoe MuangThis village is situated 16
kilometres
from town on the Nong Khai route. It is a center of cotton, silk, and khit
silk trading. To get there from the Udon Thanis city, take the buses operated
on route Udon Thani Na Kha which leave from the stops in front of the Rajabhat
Udon Thani Institute and Rangsina market.
Sightseeing Place
Than Ngam Waterfall
Location : Amphoe Nong SaengA 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.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
Location : Amphoe Nong HanBan Chiang Archaeological site has
been on UNESCO World heritage list since 1992. The discovery of the site
was in 1966. The site displays a great cultural evolution in pre-historic
period of over 5,000 years ago. It is one of the greatest evolutions in
Southeast Asia. It shows many aspects of the developed cultures in particular
in skills and intellect that has been passed on from generations to generations.
Ban Chiang is known for the beautiful pottery made by the ancient villagers
and it also includes more than 100 archaeological sites in northeast region
which has been a settlement for thousands years. The site includes burials,
ceramics, crucibles, metals and other artifacts.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 09.00 am – 04.00 pm.
Admission: 150 Baht for foreigners
and 30 Baht for Thai citizen
How to get there: The site is 55
kilometres from the town centre. Take Highway No. 22 (Udon Thani-Sakon Nakon).
Turn left at the 50 km marker to Highway No.2225 and continue for 6 km.
Na Yung Nam Som Forest Park
Location : Amphoe Nam SomYung 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
kilometres 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
kilometres 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.
Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden
Location : Amphoe MuangThis 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.
Chao Pu - Chao Ya Chinese Spirit Shrine
Location : Amphoe MuangThis 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
Location : Amphoe MuangLocated 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.
Huai Luang Reservoir
Location : Amphoe MuangThis reservoir is located on the Udon
Thani-Nong Bua Lam Phu Highway. Approximately at the km. 15 marker, get
onto the road which leads directly to the reservoir and proceed for approximately
10 kilometres. With an area of 20,000 rai of land, the reservoir was built
for agricultural, fishery, and electricity generation purposes. Activities
for tourists include rafting, fishing, and canoeing. For those nature lovers
wishing to relax amidst scenic backdrop, you can charter a boat that will
take you to see interesting spots of the reservoir. The huge reservoir under
the oversight of the Irrigation Department offers beautiful scenery.
Ban Kham Chanot Wang Nakhin
Location : Amphoe Ban DungLocated in Ban Muang, Tambon Wang
Thong, approximately 93 kilometres from Udon Thani's town is an area called
Wang Nakhin (Naga Palace) a place believed and regarded by the locals as
a mystical and holy place where the door to the underworld of Naga is located.
Covering an area of over 20 rai of land, Wang Nakhin (locally dubbed as
Dong Chanot) is nothing but an islet surrounded by water. It is teemed with
dense palm trees called Chanot. Traveling to the place is easy by Udon Thani
Sakon Nakhon route. At Ban Nong Mek, turn left and proceed approximately
84 kilometres to Ban Dung, and another 9 kilometres to Ban Kham Chanot.
Yung Thong Waterfall
Location : Amphoe Nam Som103 kilometres from the province,
Located in Na Yung Nam Som National Park, it is a three-layer waterfall
surrounded by number of trees and valleys.
Natural Attractions
Phu Foi Lom
Location : Amphoe Nong Saeng
Phu Foi Lom lies on the Phu Phan Noi Mountain with the height of 60 metres above
sea level. The name derives from a species of lichen which was found on the branches
of big trees. But at present, there are much less than before due to the deforestation
and it has been set up as ecotourism for nature conservation. It is comprised of
honourary plants commemorating 60th anniversary of Majesty the Queen as well as
prehistoric park including dinosaur sculpture, fossil museum as well as study
forest trail of mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen forest, dry dipterocarp
forest with savanna, small waterfalls and caves.
How to get there: Take Khon Kaen – Udon Thani Road, pass Amphoe Non Sa-ard, turn
left at the intersection at Ban Huay Kerng to Phu Foi Lom. It is located
approximately 35 km from Udon Thani town centre.
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