I've recently come back from a 20 month trip around South East Asia. Also worked in Thailand, learn...
I've recently come back from a 20 month trip around South East Asia. Also worked in Thailand, learned the language and really got to know the people.
Member since:02.07.2000
Reviews:23
Members who trust:7
Udon Thani is situated just one hours flight from Bangkok and about one hours drive from the capital of Laos. If you want to see the real Thailand then you really have to come here.
If you’re like me, taller than six foot and have blonde hair you will get noticed very quickly. Most Thais who have lived and worked in Udon have only ever seen a “farang” on TV or at the local cinema.
Facilities here are of a modern standard with a new shopping mall, fast-food restaurants, cinema (in Thai only), swimming pool and fine hotels.
The people here are the just about the friendliest people I’ve come across in Thailand. Udon itself does not really cater for the tourist, which in itself is not a bad thing. Here prices are much cheaper than in Bangkok with many bargains too be found.
Nightlife and entertainment usually centres at a purpose built complex called “HI-TEC”. This comprises of clubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. Although a little expensive even by Western standards, this was the place to be seen. Cheaper entertainment could be found at and around the centre of Udon, but be prepared to look and use those Tuktuks.
Surrounding areas are worth seeing with many temples dotted around the area. I would recommend a guide or go with a Thai friend to show you around some of the more remote villages, as it is very easy to lose your way and miss the best places.
Annually on the 16th June at the village of Kumphavapi (pronounced Kumpa-wabi) is the Rocket Festival. Local farmers, villagers and landowners get together dress up and make much merriment. As tradition has it, the idea that firing a rocket into the clouds will bring much needed rain to the rice fields. Most, if not all don’t really believe this, but use it as an excuse to get drunk and gamble. Much like Christmas in England I suppose!
Take your mosquito repellent and insect bite cream when going out of town. I lived on a farm which had no tap water. Had to make do with an outside toilet and shower using water from a well. There were litterally thousands of mosquitos. The first night I was there, it seemed like the whole village came to see me. Out came the Thai Whiskey and I did not notice until the next morning that I had been bitten about 50 times on my feet. Thai's think its funny as they are almost immune to them. Pointing at my feet they would say. "Cee daeng mak mak" ("Oh look at his very red feet") (ha ha- not!)
I would go again just to see the many people I’ve become friends with and to wish them all well. Also next time I would probably go to the capital of Laos aswell. It’s truly one of those places that will stay with me forever.
For my photos of Udon Thani: http://uk.geocities.com/thai2001uk/index4.htm
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more details would have been good. why did you stay on the farm for example? And as its supposed to be a review of Udon more details about the town would have been good.
By the way "Si Daeng Mak Mak" is "Colour Red Very Very" in english.
Cazz 11.07.2001 00:45
This is an excellent opinion and I can't understand the rogue rating? If it is a 'revenge rate' tell Ciao and they will remove it. Cazz xx
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Jul 16th, 2000
(Jul 9th, 2001)
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