Where to Stay in Udon Thani
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The heart of Udon Thani's commercial district, centered around Central Plaza shopping mall and extending along Prachak Road. This area buzzes with activity day and night, offering the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The grid-pattern streets make navigation straightforward for first-time visitors.
- Walking distance to Central Plaza, UD Town, and major shopping centers
- Abundant dining options from street food to international restaurants
- Easy access to tuk-tuks, songthaews, and transportation
- Evening entertainment including bars and night markets nearby
- Can be noisy, especially on weekends
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
A quieter residential area surrounding the city's largest public park and lake. This neighborhood offers a more relaxed atmosphere while remaining close to the city center, approximately 2 kilometers from Central Plaza. The lakeside setting attracts locals for morning exercise and evening strolls.
- Peaceful environment with park and lake views
- Morning and evening exercise facilities around the lake
- Local food vendors and authentic Thai restaurants
- Less expensive than city center hotels
- Fewer international dining options
- Requires tuk-tuk for most attractions
The main commercial artery running through Udon Thani, lined with shops, banks, and restaurants. This area represents classic Thai urban life with a mix of old shophouses and modern buildings. Hotels here range from budget guesthouses to mid-range properties, all benefiting from the central location.
- Central location with excellent connectivity
- Best value-for-money accommodation options
- Authentic local atmosphere with traditional shophouses
- Numerous street food stalls and local eateries
- Older buildings with basic amenities in budget options
- Street noise from traffic and vendors
The developing hotel district connecting the city center to Udon Thani International Airport, approximately 5 kilometers from downtown. This area has seen significant growth with new mid-range and upscale hotels catering to business travelers and tourists seeking modern facilities with easy airport access.
- 15-20 minutes from the airport
- Newer hotels with modern facilities
- Ample parking and car rental services
- Quieter than downtown with less traffic
- Limited walking distance dining options
- Requires transportation to reach city attractions
A primarily expat-oriented neighborhood northeast of the city center, known for its international community and Western-style amenities. This area has developed around the expat population with restaurants, bars, and services catering to long-term foreign residents, creating a unique cultural blend.
- English widely spoken in businesses
- Western restaurants and familiar food options
- Expat community providing local knowledge and support
- Affordable long-term accommodation options
- Less authentic Thai cultural experience
- Distance from major shopping centers
The historic area surrounding Udon Thani Railway Station, featuring older architecture and traditional Chinese-Thai shophouses. This neighborhood maintains an old-town charm while undergoing gradual modernization, offering budget-friendly accommodation with character and convenient rail connections to Bangkok and other northeastern cities.
- Direct access to train station for Bangkok and Nong Khai
- Rock-bottom prices for basic accommodation
- Authentic local street life and markets
- Historic architecture and old-town atmosphere
- Basic facilities in most properties
- Can feel less safe at night compared to tourist areas
A quieter suburban area on the eastern side of the city, featuring a mix of local housing and small hotels. This neighborhood offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Thai life away from tourist circuits, with local markets, family-run restaurants, and a slower pace of life.
- Very affordable long-term rates
- Genuine local Thai neighborhood experience
- Peaceful residential atmosphere
- Local markets with excellent prices
- Limited English spoken
- Far from main tourist infrastructure and attractions
The trendy entertainment and dining district centered around UD Town shopping complex and extending along Nittayo Road. This area comes alive in the evenings with night markets, live music venues, and a younger crowd. Hotels here cater to travelers seeking nightlife and social atmosphere.
- Vibrant nightlife with bars and live music venues
- UD Town night market with diverse food options
- Modern hotels with contemporary design
- Safe and well-lit streets in the evening
- Noise from entertainment venues until late
- Higher prices at restaurants compared to local areas
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Udon Thani hosts several international brands including Centara, B2, and ibis, primarily clustered in the city center. These properties offer consistent quality, loyalty program benefits, and English-speaking staff with international service standards.
Best for: Business travelers and those prioritizing reliability and familiar standards
Small independent hotels with 20-40 rooms offering personalized service and unique design elements. Udon Thani's boutique scene is growing, with properties blending Thai aesthetics and modern comfort, particularly around the city center and UD Town area.
Best for: Couples and travelers seeking character and personalized attention
Traditional budget accommodation ranging from basic fan rooms to air-conditioned private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Many are family-run operations offering local insights and a homely atmosphere, concentrated along Prachak Road and near the railway station.
Best for: Backpackers, budget travelers, and those seeking local interaction
Furnished apartments with kitchenettes, washing machines, and living areas, designed for weekly or monthly stays. These are popular with expats and business travelers, offering better value than hotels for extended visits, with many located in quieter residential areas.
Best for: Long-term visitors, expats, and families needing space and cooking facilities
Properties on the city outskirts featuring pools, gardens, and spacious grounds, offering a retreat atmosphere while maintaining reasonable access to the city. These hotels target weekend getaway crowds from Bangkok and leisure travelers.
Best for: Families, couples seeking relaxation, and weekend travelers
No-frills mid-range properties focused on functionality with work desks, reliable Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities. These hotels cater to Thai business travelers and government officials, offering excellent value with less emphasis on leisure amenities.
Best for: Business travelers and practical-minded tourists prioritizing location and functionality
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Compare prices across Agoda, Booking.com, and direct hotel websites before committing. For stays longer than three nights, contact hotels directly via Facebook Messenger or Line app to negotiate rates that often beat online platforms by 15-20%. Many smaller properties prefer direct bookings to avoid commission fees and will offer complimentary upgrades or breakfast.
Unlike Western hotels, many Thai properties in Udon Thani offer flexible check-in times if you communicate in advance. Early check-in (before 2 PM) is often possible without extra charge if rooms are available. For late arrivals after 10 PM, inform the hotel to ensure staff will be present, especially at smaller guesthouses.
Udon Thani can be noisy with street traffic, construction, and early morning activities. Always request rooms on the 3rd floor or higher to minimize street noise. Corner rooms typically offer better ventilation and natural light, important factors in tropical climates where air conditioning costs matter.
Breakfast inclusion varies significantly across properties. Confirm whether breakfast is included, and if so, whether it's Thai-style (rice soup, fried rice) or international (toast, eggs). Airport transfers advertised as 'free' often apply only to stays of three nights or more, so clarify conditions before booking.
While most mid-range and upscale hotels accept international credit cards, budget guesthouses often prefer cash to avoid processing fees. Paying cash can sometimes secure a 3-5% discount. Keep small bills (100-500 THB notes) as many properties struggle with change for large denominations.
Thai hotels typically offer free cancellation up to 24-72 hours before arrival, but this window shortens during peak periods like Chinese New Year. Non-refundable rates save 10-15% but offer no flexibility. Given Thailand's unpredictable weather and occasional political situations, flexible rates provide peace of mind.
Stays of seven nights or more qualify for discounts of 15-30% at most properties. For monthly stays, negotiate directly with management rather than booking online. Serviced apartments offer the best value for stays exceeding two weeks, with rates dropping significantly after the first month.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 3-4 weeks in advance during November-February cool season and major festivals (Chinese New Year, Songkran). Hotels near the city center fill quickly, but availability remains better than in tourist-heavy destinations. Prices increase by 20-30% during peak periods.
March-May (hot season) and September-October see moderate demand. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for better rates and room selection. This period offers the best negotiation opportunities, with hotels willing to offer complimentary upgrades or additional nights to secure bookings.
June-August monsoon season brings the lowest rates and highest availability. Last-minute bookings often secure excellent deals, with some properties offering 40% discounts on walk-in rates. Rain typically falls in short afternoon bursts, not disrupting travel significantly.
Udon Thani maintains consistent year-round availability compared to beach destinations. Booking 1-2 weeks in advance provides good selection at fair prices. For budget accommodation, walk-in rates often beat online prices except during major festivals or long weekends.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.