Oh my... there was Udon Thani!
If someone asks me to recommend a place to live in the Isan region of Thailand, I would first say Udon Thani.
First of all, the charm of Udon Thani is its moderate size. Even if it is a rural city, if it is too small, it will feel desolate and alienating, making it unlivable, and if it is too big, like Khon Kaen or Korat, it will lose its rural purpose and be no different from a large city like Daejeon or Jeonju.
With a population of 150,000, Udon Thani is a medium-sized city with a relaxed and lively feel.
Many people do not know this, but... Udon Thani's Ban Chiang area is the only place in Thailand where Bronze Age artifacts have been excavated. It is a city where people have gathered and lived for thousands of years, and its history is very long.
The biggest advantage of Udon Thani is that it is a transportation hub that connects Vietnam, Laos, and northern Thailand, and the fact that it has become a crossroads connecting all directions is not unrelated to the city's long history. Many Europeans live in Udon Thani, which is probably due to the savanna climate, mild weather all year round, abundance of fruits and agricultural products, and low prices.
In the evening, you can go to Nongphachak Lake Park, which is only 10 minutes away, for a walk and exercise. Nongphachak is the most beloved and beloved resting place for Udon Thani residents.
When the night deepens, you can enjoy tens of thousands of foods at the night market in front of Udon Thani Station and enjoy the night drinking beer at Sampan Tamit Street, the center of nightlife.
In particular, there are two large public and private hospitals, so foreigners can receive sufficient treatment for most illnesses without having to go all the way to Bangkok.
If you dream of living a leisurely, vacation-like life, I am confident that there are not many cities in Thailand that are as good as Udon Thani.
Of course, as a stopover between Laos and Thailand, Udon Thani is an attractive city that backpackers should visit at least once.