Discovering the Archaeological and Natural Treasures of Udon Thani

Sep 4, 2026

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Discovering the Archaeological and Natural Treasures of Udon Thani

Udon Thani, a major city in Thailand’s Upper Northeastern (Isan) region, is renowned for its rich and picturesque cultural and natural heritage. Its abundant natural resources have attracted human settlement since ancient times. With fertile land, plentiful water sources, and surrounding mountainous plains, the area has long been well-suited for agriculture. Consequently, it is unsurprising that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings. Examples include the Ban Chiang World Heritage Site and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, which reveal evidence of continuous community life since prehistoric times (over 3,000–4,000 BP). These early settlements evolved over the centuries, preceding the rise of more complex communities, economic expansion, and wars among various kingdoms. Their histories became intertwined with those of neighbouring regions such as Vientiane, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya, continuing through to the present Rattanakosin period.

The Siam Society, under the leadership of Assoc Prof Dr Thanik Lertcharnrit, warmly invites members and friends to explore and experience this remarkable heritage. Highlights include two World Heritage Sites and their associated cultural complexes, a unique prehistoric village and ritual site, the region’s largest freshwater lake with its spectacular red-lotus bloom and sedimentary records, striking ancient rock paintings, and vibrant community textile traditions and craftsmanship.

When

Friday, 11 to Sunday, 13 December 2026

Leader

with Associate Professor Dr Thanik Lertcharnrit

International Program in Architectural Heritage, Creative Industries, and Tourism Management, Faculty of Architecture, Silpakorn University

 

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Friday, 11 December 2026:  Bangkok – Udon Thani – Sakhon Nakhon – Udon Thani
08:35 Meet at the boarding gate in Don Mueang International Airport.
10:35 Depart Bangkok for Udon Thani by AirAsia flight FD3354
11:45 Arrive at Udon Thani International Airport. Then proceed to the restaurant.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to Ban Don Thong Chai Archaeological Site, one of the Ban Chiang Culture sites in Sawang Daen Din District, Sakhon Nakhon Province, about 20 km east of Ban Chiang.
– Then proceed to visit the Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, including the Ban Chiang National Museum and the site museum.
Evening: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Centara Udon.
Day 2: Saturday, 12 December 2026: Udon Thani
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Full-day visit to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park and associated sites, one of Udon Thani’s World Heritage Sites. The visit will include key locations within the park and surrounding areas, such as prehistoric rock art panels, early historic Buddhist temples, and a Dvaravati boundary-stone complex.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Return to Udon Thani city, stopping en route at Ban Na Kha Market, renowned for its ‘Mi-Khit’ textiles featuring geometric patterns characteristic of the Isan region. Visitors can stroll from boutique to boutique, discovering a wide range of traditional designs.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Centara Udon.
Day 3: Sunday, 13 December 2026: Udon Thani – Bangkok
05:00 Depart the hotel for Red Lotus Lake Kumphawapi, where we will take a boat tour across the shallow lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Thailand, famed for its spectacular red lotus blooms.
– Return to the hotel for breakfast and relax at the hotel.
– Late check-out and proceed to visit the Udon Thani City Museum.
Afternoon: Late lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to Udon Thani Airport.
16:25 Depart Udon Thani for Bangkok by AirAsia flight FD3355.
17:30 Arrive at Don Mueang International Airport.

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– As the trip involves light hiking at certain sites, we kindly ask that you ensure you are in suitable physical condition and able to move comfortably.

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

– In the event of cancellation by a participant, or if The Siam Society cancels or postpones a trip due to circumstances deemed to pose a risk to the safety or well-being of participants, all expenses already incurred or committed, including air tickets, accommodation, transportation, deposits, and other related arrangements, will not be refunded. The Siam Society will refund only the unused portion of the trip cost, after deducting all non-refundable expenses and other costs incurred or committed.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 26,500 (THB 28,500 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 2,000. The contribution covers the air ticket, transportation, meals as mentioned in the programme, accommodation, gratuities, insurance, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payments to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once payment has been made, please email the deposit or transfer the docket to us.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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