Best for
- People married to Thais from Isaan
- Retirees who want lower costs
- Long-stayers who want an airport nearby
Not ideal for
- Beach lovers
- Remote workers who want a big cafe scene
What it is like
A busy regional city with a central lake park and a large market. It has a settled expat community. Costs are lower because it is away from tourist areas.
Getting around
A car or scooter is the norm. Songthaews and tuk-tuks run in the centre.
Weather
The rainy season usually runs from mid-May to mid-October, with heavy afternoon storms and occasional street flooding.
Immigration office for Udon Thani
Udon Thani Immigration, Phosi Road
Reported at Phosi Road in Mak Khaeng. Older guides mention the airport. Confirm before you go.
Visa notes for long stays
- Marriage and retirement extensions are common here. See /visa-rules/marriage-visa and /visa-rules/retirement-visa.
- 90-day reports can reportedly be filed online after your first in-person report. Keep a paper backup in case the system refers you to the office.
- Your landlord or hotel must file a TM30 residence notification. Ask for a copy, because offices often want it for 90-day reports and extensions.
Banks, hospitals and services nearby
Banks 25
- Government Housing Bank · Thahan Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Bangkok Bank · Pracha Raksa Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Krung Thai Bank · Prachaksinlapakhom Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Bangkok Bank · Pho Si Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Bank of Ayudhya · Pho Si Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Government Savings Bank · Pho Si Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Siam Commercial Bank · Prachaksinlapakhom Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Krung Thai Bank · Udon Dutsadi Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
Hospitals 9
- Udon Thani Hospital · Pho Niyom Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Aek Udon Hospital · Pho Si Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Bangkok Hospital · Thong Yai Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Mo Sukhum Hospital · Phan Phrao Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Wattana Hospital · Supphakit Chanya Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Mo Phairot Hospital · Udon Dutsadi Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Chai Kasem Kan Phaet Hospital · Prachasanti Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Prachak Sinlapakhom Army Hospital · Thahan Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
Language schools 1
- American University Alumni Language Center · Supphakit Chanya Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
Gyms 4
- HYBRID GYM UDON · Si Chom Chuen Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Fit Gym Udon by Fitwhey · Udon Dutsadi Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Fit Gym Udon · Udon Dutsadi Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Zeus Gym and Cafe · Adulyadej Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
Supermarkets 10
- Robinson's Supermarket Udon Thani · Prachaksinlapakhom Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Ngee Suan · Bunyahan Road, Ban Nong Hin
- Lotus's · Bunyahan Road, Ban Nong Hin
- Tesco Lotus · Udon Thani Outer Ring Road, Ban Bo Nam
- Big C · Udon Thani Outer Ring Road, Ban Nong Hin
- Sam Paeng Udon Thani · Bunyahan Road, Ban Nong Hin
- Top World · Thahan Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
- Lotus's · Thong Yai Road, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict
Living in Udon Thani: questions
Is Udon Thani good for retirees?
Many retirees live there, often with Thai family. It offers lower costs and good hospitals.
Where is Udon Thani immigration?
It is reported on Phosi Road in the city. Older guides mention the airport, so check before your visit.
Does Udon Thani have an airport?
Yes. Udon Thani International Airport has domestic flights to Bangkok.
Is Udon Thani good for families?
Some families live there. Check international school options before you move.
Sources
- Move2Thailand: Udon Thani Immigration Office (secondary)
- Immigration Bureau: notification of residence for foreigners (TM30)
- Thailand.go.th: monsoon winds and the climate of Thailand
- Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors via Nominatim (ODbL 1.0)
Last checked 2026-11-04 · Pending expert review. Immigration offices move: confirm before you travel.