Udon Thani Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Udon Thani.
Healthcare System
Udon Thani has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with several hospitals capable of treating most common ailments and injuries. The city serves as a medical hub for northeastern Thailand, attracting medical tourists from neighboring Laos.
Hospitals
Aek Udon International Hospital is the top choice for international travelers with 24-hour emergency services, English-speaking doctors, and international insurance acceptance. Wattana General Hospital and Central Udon Hospital also cater to expats and tourists. Most major hospitals are located in the central city area.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant throughout Udon Thani, including chains in Central Plaza and UD Town. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Pharmacists often speak basic English and can help with minor ailments. Counterfeit medications are rare but stick to reputable pharmacies.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Most private hospitals require payment upfront or insurance guarantee before treatment. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Bangkok or home country for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Keep a copy of prescriptions and generic drug names in case you need refills
- Private hospitals may require cash or credit card deposits before treatment, even in emergencies
- Dengue fever occurs in the region; use insect repellent and seek immediate care for high fever
- Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or filtered water
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Road traffic accidents are the leading safety risk for travelers. Motorbike accidents are particularly common, with many tourists unfamiliar with Thai traffic patterns, road conditions, and left-side driving.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur occasionally, particularly targeting distracted tourists. Theft from hotel rooms is rare but opportunistic theft can occur.
Udon Thani experiences extreme heat, especially March-May when temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). Heat exhaustion and dehydration affect unprepared travelers.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can occur from unfamiliar bacteria, poor food handling, or contaminated water. Most cases are mild but can disrupt travel plans.
Dengue fever occurs in Udon Thani, particularly during rainy season. Malaria risk is very low in the city but exists in rural border areas. Zika and Japanese encephalitis are also present but rare.
While rare in Udon Thani compared to party destinations, isolated incidents of drink spiking have been reported, particularly targeting solo travelers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates, refuse to use meters (where applicable), or take unnecessarily long routes. Some claim the meter is broken or that a fixed price is standard.
Friendly locals approach tourists claiming special government sales, tax-free opportunities, or investment schemes involving gems or jewelry. The items are typically fake or worth far less than claimed. Victims are pressured to buy with promises of reselling for profit.
Tuk-tuk drivers or friendly locals claim your intended destination is closed for a holiday, renovation, or special event, then offer to take you to alternative shops, tailors, or gem stores where they earn commission.
Rental shops claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter or inflate repair costs for minor scratches. Some withhold passports as collateral then demand excessive fees.
Unlicensed agents offer visa run services to Laos border but charge excessive fees, provide poor service, or abandon clients. Some promise visa services they cannot deliver.
Fake monks or people claiming to collect for temples/charities approach tourists for donations. Real monks do not directly ask for money, especially from tourists.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use Grab or Bolt apps for reliable, metered transportation with driver tracking
- If renting a motorbike, ensure you have proper license, insurance, and always wear a helmet (police checkpoints are common)
- Avoid riding motorbikes at night or in rain due to poor visibility and road conditions
- When using songthaews (shared red trucks), confirm the destination and price before boarding
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets; traffic does not reliably stop for pedestrians even at crosswalks
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during daytime to avoid skimming devices and theft
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Keep emergency cash and a backup card separate from your main wallet
- Be discreet when handling money; avoid counting large amounts in public
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks; carry both Visa and Mastercard as backups
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with safes, good reviews, and 24-hour reception
- Check that windows and doors lock securely; use door chains when available
- Keep room numbers private; don't announce it loudly in public areas
- Store valuables in the safe, including passport (carry a copy instead)
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon check-in
Cultural Respect and Legal Issues
- Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees); remove shoes before entering
- Never touch anyone's head or point feet at people or Buddha images
- Show respect for the Thai monarchy; criticism is illegal and strictly enforced
- Drug laws are extremely strict with severe penalties including long prison sentences
- Avoid public displays of anger or confrontation; maintaining calm composure is culturally important
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Apply insect repellent regularly, particularly at dawn and dusk
- Stay hydrated but only drink bottled or filtered water
- Bring a basic first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and bandages
- Seek medical attention promptly for high fever, severe diarrhea, or unusual symptoms
Communication
- Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival
- Keep your hotel's business card in Thai to show taxi drivers
- Learn basic Thai phrases for emergencies and common situations
- Purchase a local SIM card for data and emergency calls (available at airport and 7-Eleven stores)
- Save emergency contacts including your embassy, hotel, and insurance provider in your phone
Night Safety
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Travel in groups when possible, especially in entertainment districts
- Arrange transportation before going out; know how you'll get back to your hotel
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers to secondary locations
- Keep your phone charged for emergencies and navigation
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Udon Thani is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Thai culture is relatively conservative and respectful, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Women travelers report feeling comfortable walking around during the day and in populated areas at night. However, standard precautions apply, and cultural awareness will enhance safety and comfort.
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas and at temples; this shows respect and reduces unwanted attention
- Be firm but polite when declining advances or unwanted offers from touts
- Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas; use ride-hailing apps instead
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other women travelers and 24-hour reception
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself politely but quickly
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Consider joining group tours or activities to meet other travelers
- Keep family and friends informed of your itinerary and check in regularly
- Unwanted attention is typically limited to verbal approaches; physical harassment is rare but report any incidents to tourist police
- Solo dining is completely normal and acceptable in Udon Thani restaurants
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if budget traveling
- Wedding rings (real or fake) can sometimes reduce unwanted romantic attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand with no laws against same-sex relationships. Thailand is progressive on LGBTQ+ rights compared to neighboring countries and is moving toward marriage equality legislation. However, legal protections against discrimination are limited.
- While acceptance is generally high, public displays of affection are culturally uncommon for all couples and best kept minimal
- LGBTQ+ venues exist in Udon Thani but are more discreet than in major cities; ask locals or check online resources
- Transgender individuals (known as 'kathoey' or 'ladyboy' in Thailand) are visible and generally accepted in society
- Same-sex couples can book double rooms without issue at most hotels, though some budget accommodations may have outdated policies
- Rural areas outside Udon Thani may be more conservative; adjust behavior accordingly
- Thailand's LGBTQ+ acceptance is more about tolerance than active celebration; avoid assumptions about progressive attitudes
- Use dating apps with caution and meet in public places first
- Gender markers on documents may cause confusion; carry identification and be patient with explanations if needed
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Udon Thani. While Thailand offers affordable healthcare, private hospital costs can escalate quickly, and medical evacuation to Bangkok or your home country for serious conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Most private hospitals require upfront payment or insurance guarantee before treatment. Additionally, motorbike accidents (a common tourist injury) are often excluded from coverage without proper licensing and helmets.