TH · Udon Thani · 17.42°N 102.75°E

udon thani

Gateway to the Red Lotus Sea, best seen on an early-morning boat ride.

Best time
The lotuses bloom from about December to February and are best before mid-morning, when the flowers close. The cool, dry season also makes this the most comfortable time to visit.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Bangkok (about 2 hours), then about 1 hour on a domestic flight to Udon Thani. Trains from Bangkok take about 9–10 hours. The Red Lotus Sea is about an hour's drive from the city.
Save postcard
TH · Udon Thaniudon thani17.42°N 102.75°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Gateway to the Red Lotus Sea, best seen on an early-morning boat ride.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingUdon ThaniTH, Udon Thani
KLudon thani
≈ 1,592 km from KL, as the crow flies
The City Pillar Shrine, Udon Thani, Thailand

Photo: Stefan Fussan · CC BY-SA 3.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Udon Thani is a big, easy-going Isaan city not far from the Lao border, and most visitors come for the Red Lotus Sea. For a few months each year, a huge lake south-east of the city fills with pink-red lotus flowers. The city itself has markets, a lake park and plenty of food.

Makan

  1. Naem nueangGrilled pork wrapped in rice paper with herbs, a Vietnamese-influenced favourite in this part of Isaan.Map ↗
  2. Isaan staplesSom tam, larb and grilled chicken with sticky rice at the markets.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Red Lotus Sea (Talay Bua Daeng)Take a small boat out across the lake early in the morning, when the flowers are fully open.Map ↗
  2. Nong Prajak ParkA lake park in the city centre for an evening walk and street food.Map ↗
  3. Ban ChiangThe UNESCO Bronze Age site and museum, about an hour east of the city.Map ↗
  4. Phu Phrabat Historical ParkOdd rock formations and old shrines in the hills, about 1.5 hours north-west.Map ↗
  5. The night marketThe city's evening markets are good for snacks and cheap clothes.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Book the lotus boat for early morning. By late morning the flowers close up.
  • Halal food is harder to find in Isaan than in southern Thailand. Look for halal signs or ask your hotel.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.