Udon Thani, along with Khon Kaen and several other northeast cities, 'boomed' during the Vietnam War. The influx of the US servicemen into the area helped the city to develop and prosper. Although the legacy of the Vietnam War has left its mark in the region, the legacy of a much earlier era has been revealed.
In the 60's, a discovery in the countryside by a young anthropology student would reveal the details of the region's pre-history: throwing into doubt the academics accepted agreement on the origins and development of the bronze age.


Places of Attraction

Ban Chiang Historical Park
The accidental discovery of broken pieces of pottery by Stephen Young in 1966 would lead to the excavation of the area by archaeological experts. The findings have been the most important to be discovered in Southeast Asia.
The bronzeware discovered at the site has been dated to 3600 BC, 500 years earlier than that found at the Euphrates and Tigris basin, where scholars believed that bronze metallurgy had developed.
The digs also discovered distinctive clay pottery, pots and vases which are associated with the burial sites that were found. Many of the jars contained infant skeletons. A national museum has been set up at the site, with an excellent collection of the artefacts discovered, including extensive information about the site.

Nong Prajak
A pleasant place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This man-made lake and park is located in the north-western part of town.

Phu Phra Phutthabat Historical Park
The park is located in Ban Pheu district, about 40 km to the northwest of Udon. The park has a mixture of caves with pre-historic paintings, peculiar geological formations and Buddhist shrines. The area seems to have been inhabited ever since pre-historic times: remnants of Dvaravati, Lopburi and Lang Chan religious artefacts are all located within the park's cave temples.
At the entrance to the park is Wat Phra That Phuttha Bua Bok, a 40m tall pagoda which houses a Buddha footprint. The temple is the scene of festivities from March 11-15, when the people from Udon come to pay their respects.