Udon Thani is a city in the North of Thailand with a population of around 600,000 people. It’s a top choice for Western men to retire, being very cheap compared to Bangkok. One thing that is very popular around here with locals along with foreigners is a nice Cafe.
I have recently just been to Udon as my wife’s parents live here and we had a week, so I decided to check out many Cafes to give you the lowdown on the best ones. Find the list below of my favourites along with why.
1. Lhong Pa Cafe Udon Thani
This was my favourite as it’s got the illusion of the Amazon rainforest. I sat directly next to the water jets and it was so refreshing as the temperature in Udon was 31 degrees. You can sit inside with a powerful air con but it’s so much nicer to be outside.
Here you can choose from many drinks and some amazing desserts as well as dishes from around the world including Thai. I would personally recommend getting an ‘iced’ coffee of some sort with a slice of carrot cake if you are just looking for something to give you a sugar rush.
Most of the main dishes are massive so easily can be shared between 2 to save cost and also wastage of food. I would also recommend the sweet potato fries.
You are able to get pictures in the man made forest with a swing and small waterfall. You can also go out front and get pics with a VW van and other cars that have been cut in half.
Cost wise, if you are to have a drink and a dessert you will spend between 200-300 THB per person ($6-$9). If you decide to go the whole hog and get a drink, meal and dessert – probably looking close to 600 THB PP ($17), but as mentioned you could share and that will bring down to more like 450 THB.
There are just three of these cafes in the whole of Thailand currently.
Address: 308 Posri Rd, Tambon Ban Lueam, Udon Thani 41000
2. Beyond Cafe
This one is top of most lists and easy to know why, the honey toast with ice cream is to die for!!! The location is central but it’s very much ‘inside’ which is very nice with a few different areas but I just prefer being outdoors.
The drinks were also great here, I tried the strawberry smoothie…. So good and refreshing. The vibe is very chilled and seems to attract remote workers and young adults.
We also purchased Honey toast and ice cream for 179 THB ($5), drinks are about 60-90 THB ($2-3). I would say check this one out. There are another couple of branches in Udon Thani to check out, but we went to the one near the lake.
Address of the branch I went to: 54 10 Ban Noan Rd Soi 1, Tambon Ban Lueam, Udon Thani 41000
3. Bluekoff Udon Thani
Bluekoff cafe is located in central Udon. It’s a little tricky to park here as doesn’t have a car park, so have to find somewhere on the street and some of the streets around have no parking signs. Once in, it’s very calm vibes and a nice atmosphere to enjoy a drink.
I ordered an iced Mocha which was 65 THB (about $2). It was a decent drink. Unfortunately I didn’t order any dessert as just eaten but other people were enjoying a cheeky piece of cake and looked very good.
Certainly one to check out and even a good place to setup for a half day and work from there. The air con is super good. You also have an outside area to take advantage of too but can get a little nosy with traffic at peak times.
Address: Mak Khaeng Sub-district, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000
4. Dose Factory
As the name suggests this place has the look and feel of a factory, but a trendy one at that. It is a huge open plan space. It certainly has a buzz about it when there are a lot of people in there. They have a great menu to choose from drink wise. I would recommend the Dose Coffee Frappe which is 135 THB ($4).
There is also a great array of food, dishes are around 200-400 THB ($6-$12). If you just fancy something sweet then go for the Chocolate Toast at 305 THB ($8.50).
Address: 112/1 Naresuan Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng Udon Thani 41000
5. Mug Cafe & Bistro
Located next to the Charoen hotel, this is a favourite for people having afternoon tea and they do a great value set for this, starting around 599 THB ($17) for two. When I went there, I had an all day breakfast with a cup of tea included, this was 250 THB ($7).
We sat inside as the cafe itself is very nicely finished, you can sit outside but very basic seating. The atmosphere is nice and alot of people are just trying to get nice pictures of themselves with their chosen food / drink. It seems also a place for families to meet up.
Address: 549 Posri Rd, Mak Khaeng Sub-district, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000
6. Starbucks
Everyone in the western world knows Starbucks and I have to admit it’s the best coffee out of the places I’ve been in this list. Yes I have it iced and like it sweet…… Starbucks doesn’t disappoint. Certainly the most expensive and you are paying for the brand.
The cafe itself is very standard and in the heart of the city, located in UD Town (shopping mall). Seems to be a hub for many people and pretty busy when I went.
Address of the branch I went to: 99/9 UD Town, Thongyai Rd, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000
7. Amazon Cafe
No, before you think this is owned by Jeff Bezos and part of the globally dominating brand. But having said this, it does have a huge presence in Thailand (around 2,500 branches) and is known for its drinks at very reasonable prices. For around 60-80 THB is the standard price for most drinks.
They also have certain days where you can buy one drink and get a second half priced (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) from 2pm to 5pm.
The drinks themselves are good, again getting iced, I normally don’t hang around the cafe, instead just do take out and go. So perfect if you want a cold coffee but driving somewhere.
Address of the branch I went to: Ban Lueam, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000
8. 7 Eleven
Now this might sound strange but you can get coffee and smoothies here along with most other things food and drink related.
I skipped the coffee options as they all seemed very strong and of bitter taste, instead opting for a strawberry smoothie. To my surprise it was really tasty and only 35 THB ($1).
This is certainly a grab and go option, so drinking while on a journey. I supplemented this drink with a ham and cheese toastie for another 29 THB (0.85c)… That was pretty good too.
Address: to many to mention, they are everywhere
Summary
There are many great cafes to check out in Udon Thani, but I only managed to get to a few. There were so many more I passed on my way to some of these but tried to stick to the top rated from recommendations from locals as well as what I saw online when I did my own research.
I hope this list gives you an idea of the best cafes in Udon Thani!