I had already traveled to Thailand a few times and on our last trip to the north of the country, looking for new routes, I found a photo on Instagram of a lake full of lotus flowers in Thailand. Is this place real? It was the first thing I thought and curious by nature I began to investigate this place. I didn't find much information, so we took a flight from Chiang Mai to see this wonder of nature.
In this post I will tell you where this place is, how to get there, what else you can visit around Udon Thani and some accommodation options.
SEA OF RED LOTUS OF THAILAND
This lake is located in the northeast of in the province of Udon Thani. It is a very rural province, and little known. It is estimated that only 5% of travelers arriving in Thailand include a stop in this place.
This province was a base for the US Army during the Vietnam War.
The capital of the province is Udon Thani, which during the years of the Vietnam War became a city full of brothels, bars and small accommodations.
Today, the city has completely changed, being a small, easy and quiet city to get around.
The main point of interest in this province is Talay Bua Daeng, or as it is popularly known, the sea of red lotuses.
When to visit the sea of red lotuses?
This huge 70 square km lake is completely covered by intense pink lotus flowers. From December to mid-March, you will be able to appreciate this wonder. The best time to visit is January or February.
The lotus flowers are open from 6am to 12am at the latest. Once the heat starts, they close.
If you can, take the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the lake and see how they open up. In addition, at dawn there are still some local boats and flower pickers, creating an even more mystical and magical atmosphere.
WHAT TO SEE IN UDON THANI LAKE, THAILAND
Lotus flowers are collected by locals to eat or sell to big cities for offerings or gifts.
If you want you can try them in a local dish made with this plant to round off our visit to the lake of lotus flowers.
Once at the lake, apart from enjoying this wonder of nature, you will be able to see small temples, payments and Buddha statues that appear on the horizon.
The visit to the lagoon is done in small wooden boats. You can go out in a group or in private.
How to get there, price, recommendations
The lake is located about 50km from the city of Udon Thani.
You can get to the lake by taxi, motorcycle or with a hired excursion. Once at the entrance, there you can hire the boat for the ride. A walk of about 45 minutes costs 300 baths.
I recommend you go by taxi and pay the cost of the boat there. Especially if you plan to arrive at dawn. The roads are not well marked, and if you go by motorcycle you will have to leave the city at night. It's not a very good idea.
For us, the round trip taxi cost about 550 baths (I don't remember very well). We had to haggle a lot because he started asking us for 2000 baths, since he said it was a night trip etc... finally we got a much better price.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE CITY OF UDON THANI, THAILAND
It is one of the least known destinations in Thailand, it was a base for the United States Army during the Vietnam War and today it is an ideal stop for a few days of rest in a rural environment. If you are going to do a route combining Thailand and Laos, this could be the last destination in Thailand until you reach Laos.
In Udon Thai there is not a wide variety of things to do, but there are some interesting places that you cannot miss:
Nong Prajak Park and Wat Phothisomphon
This park is located in the center of the city, it is an ideal park for a relaxed walk on the shore of the lake and to visit the Wat Phothisomphon.
Udon Thani Museum
If you want to know the history of the region and of Thailand, you can do so by visiting the Udon Thani museum. We couldn't visit it due to lack of time, but if you dare, its hours are from 8 am to 4 pm (every day). Admission costs 10 baths.
Erawan Cave or the Cave of the Elephant
This cave is 60 km from the city, it is one of the largest caves in Thailand. Inside is the Wat Tham Erawan. Visiting hours are from 8 am to 4 pm and admission is free.
Ban Chiang Prehistoric Site
It is the most important prehistoric site in Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Nakhon Phanom, this site will allow you to learn about the history of the first settlements in the region.
The hours are from 8 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is 150 baths.
The Footprint of Buddha or Butta Bat Bua Bok and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park
Located in the vicinity of the Phu Phra Bat Prehistoric Park, is the footprint of the Buddha.
In the area of the historical park you can find vestiges of more than 3000 years old and typical Mon sculptures, the majority ethnic group in the region. Without a doubt, it is one of the very interesting things to do in the area.
Its hours are every day from 8 am to 4 pm
The price is 50 baths.
Wat Pa Phu Kon
This temple is very far from the city, 120 km. But if you decide to spend a couple of days in the area, it is worth getting to know it. It is one of the most important temples in the province.
Crowning the top of a hill is the Wat Pa Phu Kon, it is known for housing a giant statue of a Reclining Buddha all made of white marble, being a unique statue in all of Thailand.
The temple itself is spectacular, a huge white temple with a blue roof. You can visit it every day from 8.30 am to 5 pm.
WHERE TO STAY IN UDON THANI, THAILAND
Despite being a "little tourist" area, there are plenty of accommodation options. There are great 4 star options, for little money.
We stayed at the 4-star The 8 Hotel Udonthani, and it cost us 35 euros per night in a double room. The hotel was great. You can see this hotel from the following link.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Thailand very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss the next destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!