The Vietnam War transformed
the sleepy provincial city of Udon Thani into a
booming support center for a nearby American airbase.
And since the withdrawal of American troops in 1976, it
has continued to grow as an industrial and commercial
center within the region. Located on an elevated plateau,
the province is blessed with numerous forested hills and
tributaries, but the Phu Pan mountain ranges and the Songkhram
River are the province’s 2 main natural resources. The
province’s main attraction is its archeological sites
that date back over 5,000 years, particularly the one
at Ban Chiang.
Located 564 kilometres from
Bangkok, the province is a prime business centre of
I-San. It stands the world heritage site for the prehistoric
culture of Ban Chiang. It covers an area of 11, 730
square kilometres and is divided into the following
districts: Muang, Kumphawapi, Nong Han, Phen, Ban Phue,
Ban Dung, Si That, Nam Som, Nong Wua So, Kut Chap, Non
Sa-at, Wang Sam Mo, Chai Wan, Nong Saeng, Sang Khom,
Thung Fon, Na Yung, Phibun Rak, Ku Kaeo, Prachaksinlapakhom.
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Thung
Si Muang Festival is held around December every year
to showcase and sell local products. The Dragon dancing
can be witnessed during the festival.