The Vietnam War transformed the sleepy provincial city of Udon Thani into a booming support center for a nearby American airbase. Since the withdrawal of American troops in 1976, it has continued to grow as an industrial and commercial center within the region. Located on an elevated plateau, the province is blessed with numerous forested hills and tributaries, but the Phu Pan mountain ranges and the Songkram River are the province’s 2 main natural resources. The province’s main attractions are its archeological sites that date back over 5,000 years, particularly the one at Ban Chiang.

Provincial Attractions

Pra Chaksillpakhom Lake is known locally as Nong Prachak. This vast stretch of water is named after the founder of Udon Thani. Colorful flowering plants lend the area much of its pleasant atmosphere. Many locals come here to relax.

Ban Chiang National Museum located some 56 kilometers east of the provincial capital. One of the oldest known Bronze producing cultures lived here. Ancient artifacts, including 5000 year old tools, utensils, pottery, and jewelry, were unearthed in the area. The distinctive pottery, with its fingerprint whorl decorations, is believed to be the world's oldest decorative earthenware. A nearby burial pit, left as it was after excavation in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai, shows how valuables, including earthenware pots, were buried with the dead. In 1992 Ban Chiang was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park sits some 68 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital. This extensive area lies in the Phu Pan mountain range and contains caves, natural rock formations, rock terraces. Civilizations 2000-3000 years ago used the rock formations in ceremonies and left behind paintings believed to represent their daily lives.

Phra Buddha Bat Bua Bok is a stupa which is a point of interest in Phu Phra Bat Historical Park. It was constructed during the 1920s and shelters a Buddha footprint (Phra Buddha Bat in Thai). Not far from the shrine are many interesting caves and rock formations. The caves are believed to have been the homes of Stone Age human being who left 3,000-year-old rock paintings of hands, human, animals and geometric designs.

Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm is located in Udon Thani and grows very unusual orchids. By crossbreeding various species, they have created a species which emits a sweet fragrance. The fragrance is also bottled in a perfume sold both at the farm and locally in Udon Thani. Through crossbreeding, gyrants (plants that can move) have also been produced. In the mornings and evenings these plants are responsive to sound. If you sing or talk to the plant, the plants will make subtle back and forth motions.

Wat Ban That is a forest monastery located 16 kilometers south of the provincial capital. The complex is situated on a densely wooded hilly area surrounded by rice paddies. The monastery precincts are defined by a concrete wall which prevents easy encroachment by abundant forest wildlife. The complex is ideal for meditation and contemplation. It is under the strict guidance of a disciple of Phra Acharn Man Phurithatto, a widely respected northeastern Buddhist ecclesiastic.

Festivals

Thung Si Muang Festival is held in December every year to showcase and sell local products, including handmade khit fabric. Celebrants also put on an unusual show in what has come to be known as Dragon Dancing.

Accommodation

Ban Chiang Hotel
5 Mukkhamontri Rd. [Tel: 0 4232 7911] 960-4800 baht

Charoensri Grand Royal
271/5 Prachak Rd. [Tel: 0 4234 3555] 1,700-28,000 baht

Udon Hotel
81-89 Mak Khaeng Rd. [Tel: 0 4224 8160] 800-6000 baht

Dining

Ban Isan specializes in Isan spicy salads and other dishes. Adunyadet Rd., dishes 30-40 baht

Rung Thong serves delicious Thai curries all day. Udon-dutsadi Rd., dishes 30-40 baht

TJ’s Family Restaurant serves the best Western food in town. Pho Si Rd., dishes 60-120 baht