Thailand Guides - Udon Thani

Udon Thani, in northeast Thailand’s upper regions boomed during the Vietnam War when it was used as a site for a major American airbase. The province is also home to one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Thailand’s history.

Overview

The city of Udon Thani thrived during the Vietnam War when it was home to a strong American military presence and today is still the location of the Voice of America transmitter, broadcasting throughout Southeast Asia. Udon Thani is a major trading centre for northern Issan and although the city itself has little to offer visitors it makes a good base from which to explore Thailand’s fascinating prehistoric cultural sites.

Attractions

Udon Thani’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly the Ban Chiang Archaeological site. The area, which was recognised as being of great cultural significance and declared a United Nations World Heritage site, comprises of two major displays. The first is the Ban Chiang National Museum which houses an impressive collection of prehistoric pottery and bronze artifacts discovered in the area and dating back over 2,000 years. The second part consists of an open air compound of excavated burial sites with the skeletons and artifacts left in situ.

The 1,200 acres Phu Phra Bat Historical Park features a myriad of strange rock formations with shrines and temples built among them. Several caves in the area have prehistoric paintings inside. A path weaves through the park and takes an afternoon to explore.