UDON THANI

Udon is one of the more prosperous provinces in the Northeast. The bustling town is a transportation hub and a commercial and agricultural centre of northern Isan. Since the opening of the Thai-Lao friendship bridge at Nong Khai, the city has had a 15 % increase in visitors.

56 km from Udon is the province's most notable attraction, Ban Chiang village. According to archaeological discoveries at this site, the area has been inhabited for 5,000 years. The dig, which is still on display, uncovered bronze pieces which predate any other such discoveries anywhere in the world, as well as much older pottery. All are on display on site at the Ban Chiang National Museum estblished by the Smithsonian Institute - certainly the best museum in Thailand.