Mountain & Mekong Loop

Main stops

Along the way: Extra stops that add 20 minutes of driving or less.

1. Udon city centre

   69.4 km · 1 h 16 min drive

   Wat Pa Ban Kho+16 min detour

2. 

   Phu Phrabat Historical Park (UNESCO)

   Strange sandstone rock formations with Dvaravati-era boundary stones and prehistoric paintings. UNESCO World Heritage since 2024.

   Best time: Morning, before the heat. Wear walking shoes.

   Suggested visit: 2 h 30 min

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   55.6 km · 1 h 32 min drive

3. 

   Wat Pha Tak Suea Glass Skywalk

   Hilltop temple with a glass-floor skywalk over the Mekong valley.

   Best time: Early morning for mist in the cool season.

   Suggested visit: 1 h

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   80.7 km · 1 h 24 min drive

   Wat Pho Chai (Luang Pho Phra Sai)+1 min detourTha Sadet Market & Mekong Promenade+3 min detourWat Hin Mak Peng+7 min detourThai–Lao Friendship Bridge (to Vientiane)+8 min detourWat Phra That Bang Phuan+13 min detour

4. 

   Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park

   A surreal garden of giant concrete Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, including multi-headed Nagas.

   Best time: Late afternoon light is best for photos.

   Suggested visit: 1 h 15 min

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   55.9 km · 52 min drive

   Ban Na Kha Textile Market+1 min detour

5. Udon city centre

Where to stay

Areas we recommend for this route. Links open our booking partners.

• 

  Udon city centre (UD Town / Nong Prajak)

  Best base for day trips. Walk to the night market, train station and plenty of restaurants.

  Find stays · Agoda

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• 

  Nong Khai Mekong riverside

  River views, a relaxed evening on the promenade and an easy crossing to Vientiane next morning.

  Find stays · Agoda

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