Bar Scene & Nong Prajak

Udon Thani's bar scene is concentrated around a handful of streets near the city center, with Nong Prajak Lake providing a scenic backdrop to the surrounding guesthouses and watering holes. The scene is small by Thai standards — a few dozen bars spread across several streets — but tight-knit and welcoming to newcomers.

The bars here are mostly open-air, family-run operations. Prices are the lowest in Thailand. The girls are predominantly from the local Isaan region and tend toward longer-term arrangements rather than quick turnover. Many of the expats you'll meet here have been coming for years or have settled permanently. It's the kind of scene where you'll know the regulars' names by your third night.