The site of a major American air force base during the Vietnam War, Udon Thani, Thailand, about 350 mi/560 km northeast of Bangkok, makes a nice weekend retreat for those living in Laos to go shopping and fly cheaply to Bangkok. Likewise, if traveling from Thailand to Laos, its airport offers an excellent service: Buses are always waiting next to the terminal to drive new arrivals to the Friendship Bridge (border with Laos) one hour away. But the fourth most populated city in Thailand otherwise remains relatively undistinguished.
Because of the ongoing U.S. presence (the air base is now used as a Voice of America station), locals in this area speak English better than other parts of Thailand. This has allowed many Thais to find work abroad, while thousands of Western expats have settled in the area.
The tiny village of Ban Chiang, 31 mi/50 km east, is the site of an interesting archaeological dig. Workers there unearthed a village that may date from 2100 BC. At a simple exhibit built around the site, you can view bones and artifacts still half-buried. Archaeologists believe the site contains some of the world's first bronzework. An excellent museum contains other artifacts from the dig. It can be seen in about a half-hour.
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