Udon Thani (Thai: อุดรธานี) is one of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lamphu and Loei.
Geography
Udon Thani Province is located in the north of the Khorat Plateau, between the provinces of Khon Kaen to its south, and Nong Khai to its north. The city of Udon Thani, its capital, is served by the railway line that goes northeast from Saraburi through Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and Khon Kaen to the border of Laos on the outskirts of Nong Khai city. Regular direct trains including night sleepers connect the city with Bangkok. The provincial capital, often referred to as just Udon, is Thailand's fifth-largest MSA. In Roman script it is also often spelled Udorn.
Transport
Air
Strategically important for the Isan region's infrastructure, Udon Thani's airport was raised to international standard in 2006 with the opening of a new terminal to compliment its existing domestic arrival and departure building which is now defunct. At peak times of the year there may be as many as 20 scheduled flights per day operating in and out of Udon Thani, thus making it one of the country's busiest domestic airports.[citation needed] Currently, two budget airlines, Air Asia and Nok Air, and the national carrier, Thai Airways, operate from the airport.
Road
The city is bisected by Mittraphap Road, the highway linking Bangkok with the Northeast and Laos. A modern, multi-lane ringroad system enables through traffic to bypass the city centre either to the west or the east. It connects to the airport and to the main roads leading to Nong Bua Lamphu province in the west and to Sakhon Nakhon in the east.
Rail
A station in the city centre on the main Bangkok - Nong Khai line provides the city with regular services to and from the capital and Nong Khai.
Bus
Essential local and city services are provided by songthew truck and pickup truck busses, while regional and long distance destinations are served by regular bus vehicles from several bus terminals. The long distance 'VIP' First Class busses operate from a terminal in the city centre and connect Udon Thani with daytime and overnight routes to Bangkok and many province capitals.
History
Udon Thani first marked its name in the Bangkok era's history when Anuwong staged an uprising and marched the Laotians' troops to Nakhon Ratchasrima during 1826 to 1828. Met with fierce resistance from the local troops led by Lady Mo, wife to Nakhon Ratchasrima Governor, Anuwong was forced to move the troops back to Nongbua Lampoo, the city close to the present-day Udon Thani, and the Laotians eventually lost to Siam’s troops and the local Nongbua Lampoo’s militia.[1]
Formerly known as Ban Mak-kaeng, Udon Thani was first settled as a military base led by Prince Prachak to crack down on minority uprising in then north eastern state of Lao Puan. Ban Mak-kaeng has evolved from a rural city eventually into what is known as the present-day Udon Thani, literally the northern city.
The province is most famous for the archeological site Ban Chiang with its remains of the Bronze age, located in what is now a hamlet about 85 miles east of Udon. Udon is one of the more bustling markets for agricultural goods in the relatively dry northeast of Thailand, and received its biggest economic boost in the 1960s when the US built the Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base as a joint-force military base during the Vietnam War. (the Mel Gibson film Air America refers to Udon and includes shots from the Udon military base.) Udon Thani was also the largest base in the region for CIA's anti-communism campaign.[citation needed]
The U.S. turned the base over to the Thai military in 1976, but there were three significant after-effects of the base's US presence. First, a number of the natives in the area were paid well and learned English, which helped them become more marketable to the outside world (a significant percentage of the more educated group now work in the Middle East oilfields). Second, the base created ties, including a US Consulate in Udon, which was closed in 1995, and a US Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. Finally, the base and the consulate caused the city to be viewed as a regional hub, and this impression has continued.
In recent years the province has received international attention due to the discovery of a large potash deposit in the area and some anticipate that the region will become a major exporter of the mineral. Beginning the mining process of gaining licensure has been substantially delayed due to public opposition to the mine. Many of the villagers who live directly above the proposed mine site have expressed concern that the company and its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) have not adequately addressed concerns of salinization of groundwater and soil or land subsidence. Both would threaten the economic stability of local communities that rely primarily on income derived from rice farming.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows a Hindu mythological giant (yakṣa in Thai yak), referring to Thao Kuwane (Vaiśravaṇa or Kubera), the god of the North.
The provincial tree is the Teng (Shorea obtusa), and the provincial flower is the Flame of the forest (Butea monosperma).
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 20 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 155 subdistricts (tambon) and 1682 villages (muban). The missing numbers 12–16 were the geocodes assigned to the districts which formed the province Nongbua Lamphu in 1993.
Tourism
Sights
The Monument of Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom (อนุสาวรีย์พระเจ้าบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงประจักษ์ศิลปาคม)
As the founder of Udon town in 1893, Major General Prince Prachaksinlapakhom set out the civil administration order and served important official duties for the public benefits. The Monument symbolizes the highest tribute paid to the prince by the people of Udon Thani.
Nong Prachaksinlapakhom Public Park (สวนสาธารณะหนองประจักษ์ศิลปาคม)
On an island in the pond, a small garden is filled with decorative and flowering plants, and there is a bridge linking the island with the mainland. Within the park, there is a fountain, a clock tower, and a playground.
Wat Phothisomphon (วัดโพธิสมภรณ์)
It was built in the late reign of King Rama V. Inside, there is also a museum of revered monks famous for meditation.
Udon Thani Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เมืองอุดร)
It displays background aspects of Udon Thani, ranging from history, archaeology, natural science, geology, folk history, arts and culture, to the biography and honorable deeds of Krommaluang Prachaksinlapakhom, the founder of Udon Thani town.
Wat Matchimawat (วัดมัชฌิมาวาส)
Within its Wihan building, there is a white stone Buddha image under Naga (serpent) protection, or commonly known as “Luangpho Nak,” which has been highly respected by the people of Udon Thani.
Chaopu – Chaoya Chinese Spirit Shrine (ศาลเจ้าปู่-ย่า)
This large and beautiful Chinese spirit shrine is located near Nong Bua Market. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the pond, serving as a view point in pleasant and shady surroundings. The golden dragon of 99 m long, to be used during the Thung Si Mueang annual fair in December, is also kept here.
Udorn Sunshine Orchid Farm (สวนกล้วยไม้หอมอุดรซันไฌน์)
It is a nursery of Udorn Sunshine, a new fragrant Thai orchid species from cross-breeding Vanda with Josephine Van Berrow. The flower was registered as “Udorn Sunshine Orchid” or “Miss Udorn Sunshine” for a copyright with the World Orchid Society in the United Kingdom in 1988.
Inside its compound, wild animals are in abundance: pheasant, red jungle fowl, birds, squirrel, tree shrew, common wild pig etc. The temple is also a residence of Phra Achan Maha Bua Yannasampanno, the revered Buddhist master of meditation and a follower of Phra Achan Man Phurithatto, the late master.
Wat Thipphayaratnimit (วัดทิพยรัฐนิมิตร)
It is another forest temple in the area of Amphoe Mueang and has a pleasant shady atmosphere. There is a large pagoda which contains Lord Buddha’s relics. The pagoda is shaped like “Thanan,” a utensil used in ancient times to scoop Lord Buddha’s relics.
Ban Na Kha (บ้านนาข่า)
Located 16 km from town along the Udon Thani – Nong Khai route (Highway No. 2), opposite the Na Kha Community School.
Huai Luang Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยหลวง)
It is a large reservoir covering an area of about 20,000 rai, for the purposes of agriculture, fishery, and waterworks under the responsibility of the Royal Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ภูพระบาท)
It displays the civilisation of mankind and changes in landscape of which structure is mostly composed of sandstone having been eroded by nature to become rock formations of different sizes and patterns. There are various interesting places as evidence of human life in the past:
This Buddha’s footprint, built during 1920 – 1934. The plant was abundant in the area where the Buddha’s footprint was found, so it has become the name of the place, or the name may originate from the words “Bo Bok,” which mean “not being dry.”
Phra Phutthabat Lang Tao
This Buddha’s footprint is around 25 cm deep in the rocky ground and has a lotus image carved in relief in the centre. Since it is behind a stone shelter that looks like a turtle (Tao), the footprint is called “Phra Phuttabat Lang Tao.”
Caves and Stone Shelters
These caves were presumed to be a shelter of people in the Stone Age, and they drew figures of things, such as humans, hand, animals, and geometric designs, found in the caves. Stone shelters beautifully created by nature include Khok Ma Thao Barot, Ho Nang Usa, and Bo Nam Nang Usa.
Phra Phutthabat Bua Ban (พระพุทธบาทบัวบาน)
This is a site where there is an ancient Buddha’s footprint housed in the Ubosot (ordination hall). Many pieces of Bai Sema (boundary stone) were excavated here.
Wat Pa Ban Kho (วัดป่าบ้านค้อ)
Here, there is Phra Maha That Chedi Chaloem Barami Phra Nawamin, a pagoda that contains Lord Buddha’s relics. The temple is ideal for practitioners of Dharma (Buddha’s teachings).
Na Yung – Nam Som National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาตินายูงน้ำโสม)
This national park is located in Ban Sawang, Mu 2, Tambon Na Yung. Attractions of the park are:
Namtok Yung Thong(น้ำตกยูงทอง)
This waterfall is located on the ridge of Mount Phu Phan and Mount Phu Ya U, around 500 m from the park headquarters. Its stream flows along attractive complicated boulders amid the greenery of trees.
Pha Daeng Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวผาแดง)
is a high steep sandstone cliff overlooking a beautiful panoramic view. Not far from Pha Daeng, there is a small cave where Luang Pu Man Phurithatto used to stay for insight development.
Ban Chiang National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ บ้านเชียง)
It is an important historical site of Northeast Thailand and Southeast Asia. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) registered the site as a World Heritage Site of history at Carthage. The museum is divided into three parts:
Wat Pho Si Nai Excavation Pit (หลุมขุดค้นวัดโพธิ์ศรีใน)
This features an open museum, the first of its kind in Thailand. There is a permanent exhibition of archaeological excavation to witness art objects in layers of soil; most of them are earthenware being buried with the corpses.
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Borommaratchachonnani Building (อาคารสมเด็จพระศรีนครินทราบรมราชชนนี)
This building displays an exhibition of Ban Chiang which was once brought to display in the United States and Singapore. The exhibition has two segments: Ban Chiang in the Past, and Today’s Ban Chiang.
Ban Thai Phuan (บ้านไทพวน)
This area is an ancient site where archaeological excavation was conducted and many ancient objects were found.
Kham Chanot (คำชะโนด)
This sacred place gains respect from villagers in neighbouring areas. It is said to be an entrance to the water world, a legendary place concerning the great Naga (serpent). Inside, there is a shrine of Chaopu Sisuttho and a sacred well for worship.
Phrathat Don Kaeo or Phra Maha That Chedi (พระธาตุดอนแก้ว หรือพระมหาธาตุเจดีย์)
It is an angular pagoda resembling Phrathat Phanom, with a height of over 18 wa. The main body was built into 2 tiers: each has sculptures of Lord Buddha’s history and heaven – hell story.
Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกธารงาม)
Around Than Ngam Waterfall is Mixed Deciduous Forest; major species are Ta baek, Pradu, Daeng, Makha mong, Chingchan, and Krabok. The waterfall contains water at certain times; there is a lot of water during the rainy season.
Phu Foi Lom (ภูฝอยลม)
This ecotourism site is located in Pa Phan Don – Pakho National Forest Reserve. It is considered as one of the best nature study centres of the Northeast region.
Wang Sam Mo Forest Park (วนอุทยานวังสามหมอ)
Most of the area is a plain being covered with Pa Daeng or Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest, Yang, and Ta khian thong. There are creeks and islets where water flows all year round. Wild animals found are Malayan flying lemur, palm civet, civet, green pigeon, etc. Interesting places include:
Wang Yai (วังใหญ่)
This large pond has water flowing all year round. Lam Phan Chat creek flows through the pond.
Kaeng Mon Noi (แก่งมนน้อย)
These rapids are around 800 m away from Wang Yai pond. Cascades against boulders which were eroded by water form beautiful waterfalls at certain points along their course.
Kaeng Hin Hom (แก่งหินฮอม)
These large split-level rapids are around 100 m from Kaeng Mon Noi. The resonant roar is heard in the distance during the rainy season when there is a lot of downpour.
Tham Sing (ถ้ำสิงห์)
Attractions inside the cave are:
Sam Ton Mak (ซำต้นหมาก)
This is an area where a lot of betel palm trees grow. During the rainy season, the area is always flooded. Villagers usually take their cattle to lap water here.
Lan Thap Khwai (ลานทับควาย)
This is a broad ground with a roof-shaped rock formation and surrounding wild plants. Lan Thap Khwai literally means a cattle rest ground. In the old days, villagers brought their cattle to feed and took shelter here for a lunch break.
Tham Khok Ma (ถ้ำคอกม้า)
This stable cave is a shelter of overlapping rock formations with a hole that a person can walk through. Its name relates to the legend of Usa-Barot.
Tham Ruesi (ถ้ำฤาษี)
This hermit cave features a boulder of 2.20 m high with an entrance in the shape of a shelter of overlapping rock formations.
Local Products
Khit-pattern cloth, silk cloth, pottery, Kun Chiang (Chinese sausage), Mu Yong (pork floss), Mu Yo (steamed pork bar), Naem (sour pork) and Maphrao Kaeo (coconut sweet).
Culture
Festivals
Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok Worship Fair (งานนมัสการพระพุทธบาทบัวบก)
This annual fair is held during the13th – 15th waxing moon days of the 3rd lunar month with booths of goods and local products for sale.
Thung Si Mueang Udon Thani and Mi-khit Cloth Fair (งานทุ่งศรีเมืองอุดรธานีผ้าหมี่ขิต)
This annual fair is held around December. There are booths of goods and local products, such as silk cloth, Khit-pattern woven cloth, hand – woven cloth, Mi-Khit cloth, and a golden dragon show from the Chaopu – Chaoya Chinese Spirit Shrine.
Source: Wikipedia
