Things To Do
in Det Udom

Det Udom is a charming district located in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, known for its lush rice fields and serene rural landscapes. It serves as a gateway to explore the rich cultural heritage of Isan, with a blend of traditional and modern Thai influences. The area is characterized by its friendly locals, vibrant community festivals, and a slower pace of life compared to bustling urban centers.

Visitors can enjoy authentic Thai experiences, including delicious local cuisine and scenic nature spots.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Det Udom's local market, where you can experience the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and street food.

afternoon
:

Visit the local temple, Wat Det Udom, to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the local Buddhist culture.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring traditional Isan dishes, followed by a stroll around the town center to soak in the local atmosphere.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

After breakfast, take a bicycle tour through the rice paddies and rural landscapes surrounding Det Udom.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Mekong River for some kayaking or a relaxing boat ride, enjoying the scenery and wildlife.

evening
:

Dine at a riverside café while watching the sunset over the Mekong, followed by visiting a local night market for some shopping and snacks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at a local restaurant$2-5
🛒Local market snacks$1-3
🚲Bicycle rental for a day$3-5
🏨Budget hotel per night$10-20
🚍Bus fare to nearby towns$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic local experiences and cuisine.
  • Friendly and welcoming locals.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Limited nightlife options for party-goers.
  • Language barrier may exist for English speakers.
  • Public transportation options can be sparse.
  • "สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ" - Hello
  • "ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ" - Thank you
  • "อันไหน" - Which one?
  • "ช่วยด้วย!" - Help!
  • "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Det Udom

Visit one of these nice places.

Wat Det Udom

A beautiful temple with intricate designs and vibrant colors, perfect for capturing the essence of local culture.

Mekong River

Stunning views of the river, especially at sunset, provide a picturesque backdrop for photography.

Rice Fields

The expansive and lush rice paddies surrounding Det Udom create a serene landscape ideal for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Det Udom

Det Udom offers a delightful culinary experience with its diverse and authentic local dishes, primarily influenced by the Isan region.

Det Udom Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad that blends sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

Must-Try!

Larb

A minced meat salad seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh herbs, often served with sticky rice.

Khao Niew Mamuang

Sticky rice served with ripe mango and coconut milk, a popular dessert.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Det Udom Night Market

A bustling market offering a variety of street food options, snacks, and local delicacies.

Morning Market

A local market where fresh produce, meats, and breakfast foods are sold, perfect for an authentic local experience.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate in Det Udom is characterized by three main seasons: a dry, cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from June to October. The dry season offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities. The hot season can see temperatures soar above 35°C (95°F), making it essential to stay hydrated. The rainy season brings frequent showers and high humidity, with temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Monks

Dress modestly when visiting temples and do not touch monks, especially women.

Wai Greeting

A traditional Thai greeting where palms are pressed together in a prayer-like gesture; it's polite to return the gesture.

Remove Shoes

Always remove shoes before entering homes and temples as a sign of respect.

Safety Guide

Safety

Det Udom is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing personal belongings. Be cautious when exploring rural areas alone and always inform someone of your plans.

Tipping in Det Udom

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely used; however, some places accept cards. Ensure to carry enough cash for small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (November to February)

Cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside.

Hot Season (March to May)

Expect high temperatures; stay hydrated and plan indoor activities during peak heat.

Rainy Season (June to October)

Frequent rain showers; bring waterproof gear and enjoy the lush landscapes.

Festive Season (Songkran in April)

Join in the water festival celebrations, a vibrant cultural experience with local customs.

Nightlife Guide

Det Udom at Night

Det Udom's nightlife is relaxed and family-friendly, with a few local bars and cafes where you can enjoy live music or traditional dance performances. The night market is a vibrant hub, filled with food stalls and shops, creating a lively atmosphere for socializing. While there are no large nightclubs, the local scene offers a cozy ambiance perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Hiking in Det Udom

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park

Located about 50 km from Det Udom, this park offers a variety of trails through lush forests and stunning mountain views.

Pha Taem National Park

Approximately 70 km away, known for its spectacular cliffs and ancient rock paintings, with several hiking trails to explore.

Airports

How to reach Det Udom by plane.

Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP)

Located approximately 30 km from Det Udom, this airport offers domestic flights to and from Bangkok and other major cities.

Getting Around

Walkability

Det Udom is relatively walkable, especially in the town center where most amenities are located within a short distance. Sidewalks are available but may not be well-maintained in certain areas. Exploring on foot allows visitors to immerse themselves in local life, but be cautious of traffic and stray dogs.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Thai locals

The majority of the population is Thai, with a rich cultural background influenced by Buddhist traditions.

Ethnic minorities

There are small communities of ethnic minorities, including Lao and Khmer, contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Muay Thai

A traditional martial art and sport that is popular in Thailand, with local gyms offering classes.

Football

Football is widely played and followed, with local matches often held in the community.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Det Udom is generally light, with most locals using motorcycles and bicycles for transportation. Public transportation options include songthaews (shared taxis) which are affordable and convenient for getting around. Be aware that rural roads may not be well-maintained, so exercise caution when traveling outside the town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Det Udom.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many local dishes can be adjusted to be vegetarian-friendly; just ask the vendor or chef.

Spicy Food

Isan cuisine is often very spicy; you can request dishes to be made less spicy if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Det Udom are limited, with a few local clinics available for minor ailments. For more serious medical issues, larger hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani city (about 30 km away) provide better services. It is advisable for travelers to have travel insurance and access to emergency medical services.

Discover Thailand

Read more in our Thailand 2025 Travel Guide.

Thailand Travel Guide