Northeastern Thailand might not spring to mind first, the way the North’s Chiang Mai or the South’s Phuket often do. But Isan — and especially Udon Thani — is just as compelling.
In the heart of Thailand’s largest region, the city offers everything you’d want on a trip. History buffs can explore the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a prehistoric settlement on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Nature lovers will be wowed by the beauty of Red Lotus Lake. Foodies can savor not only the signature heat of Isan dishes, but also Vietnamese and Laotian flavors that have harmoniously coexisted for centuries.
To help you make the most of your visit, the MICHELIN Guide has crafted a two-day itinerary packed with the best places to eat, stay and explore. Let’s dive into the fun Udon Thani has to offer.
Day 1: Dive into history, savor the present
Morning
We recommend an early flight so you have more time to explore the history and the city. It’s only an hour ride from Udon Thani Airport to Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Nong Han District. This 5,000-year-old prehistoric settlement has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Learn about its history and archaeological processes at Ban Chiang National Museum, where excavated artefacts, pottery, tools, and skeletons are exhibited. You can spend the morning to learn about the culture of the Thai Phuan who settled around Isan as well.
Afternoon
Get back to the city for lunch at Krua Khun Nid (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025). Menus from freshwater fish are the highlight. There are also seasonal ingredients. Staple menus regulars love include the crispy pla som tod (Deep-fried pickled fish) and tom yam pla chon (tom yam with snakehead fish). The restaurant has been serving locals and tourists for more than 4 decades. After refuelling, it’s time to visit the Udon Thani City Museum. Learn more about Udon Thani and take photos with the classic architecture in the background.
Evening
When the sun is hanging low, take a stroll at Nong Prajak Park, where locals come to relax and exercise. Add cuteness to your day with the giant yellow duck floating on the lake. Enjoy contemporary tastes of Isan at Samuay & Sons (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025). The restaurant is committed to sourcing local and organic ingredients. There are even ingredients from foraging. We recommend the tasting menu (reservations are required). You’ll be impressed by how high creativity and contemporary techniques can elevate local food and wisdom.
Day 2: Explore the wondrous Red Lotus Lake and Vietnam Town market
Morning
Get your day started with the traditional Khao Piak Sen (Wet rice noodle with broth). Kao.Piak.Sen (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025) offers this Isan staple, shaped by Vietnamese influence, every day since 5:30 am. Enjoy the signature khao piak in a comfortable décor. With an 8-hour simmer, the broth is uniquely aromatic, and the pork is tender. Grilled lemongrass pork skewers with Vietnamese sausage are another must-have menu item. Then, it's time for Red Lotus Lake. The lake is a part of Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake, a natural water source covering 36 m² with abundant biodiversity. It’s a habitat for species of fish, birds, and aquatic plants. The lotus’s blooming season is between December and February. Visitors will be amazed by the sea of red flowers in full bloom, making Red Lotus Lake one of Thailand’s most famous attractions.
Afternoon
Get back into the city for lunch at Rabiang Patchanee, featured in the latest MICHELIN Guide. The must-try menus include ped savoey nuea pu (Duck roasted with herbs topped with crab meat and gravy) and khanom bueang yuan (Vietnamese-style stuffed omelette). After refuelling, take a stroll along Vietnam Town Market on Srisuk Soi 2 Road. It’s the neighbourhood of Vietnamese descendants. The market opens on weekends between 6 a.m.–3 p.m. You can enjoy Vietnamese street food as well as Vietnamese coffee in a retro vibe, with countless Instagrammable spots.
Evening
Udon Thani is also a land of Dhamma. Be in awe and get blessed at the sacred Wat Pothisomphon. This royal temple has been Udon Thani’s spiritual anchor for more than a decade. The highlight is Buddha Rasmi, a 600-year-old Maravijaya (attitude of subduing Mara) Buddha statue, and a 1,300-year-old laterite Buddha statue in the attitude of giving a blessing.End your trip at Lab Mu Worachai. Our Inspectors praise its quick service while maintaining the flavourful tastes. The restaurant is renowned for traditional pork menus such as the eponymous larb mu (spicy minced pork salad).
Now that you know where to eat and explore, it’s time to book your flights. For updates on travel destinations, dial 1672 for the TAT Call Center Travel Buddy.
CONTINUE READING: 2 Days in Bangkok for First-Time Visitors
Illustration image: © Tourism Authority of Thailand
Illustration image: © Tourism Authority of Thailand
This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
