Hub of Northern Isan
The city of Udon Thani thrived as a major U.S. air base during the Vietnam War and a strong American presence remains there, including the Voice of America transmitter for all of Southeast Asia. It also functions as a trading and communications center for northern Isan.

The city itself is of little interest to tourists but provides a good base for visiting some of the unusual spots in the surrounding province.

Ancient Civilizations
About 50km east of Udon Thani is Ban Chiang, which was the site of a 4,000-year-old civilization whose artifacts are still being unearthed. The area, subsequently declared a United Nations World Heritage site, includes a museum.

Ban Pheu 42-km northwest of Udon is Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, featuring strange rock formations with shrines and temples built among them. Many of the caves have prehistoric paintings inside. A path weaves through the park and takes an afternoon to explore.

Weaving Villages
Just a few minutes ride out of Udon Thani are a couple of weaving villages that specialize in handmade khit fabrics, a geometric diamond grid pattern used in many decorative applications. Other villages near Udon also specialize in fine quality silks at prices a fraction of what you would pay at home.