A cradle of civilization, Udon Thani is the fourth largest province in the Northeast. The most famous tourist destination here is Ban Chiang, Thailand's first archaeological site. The spectacular finds at Ban Chiang include human skeletons and pottery that date back between 4,000 and 6,000 years. Because of its historical significance, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Ban Chiang as a World Heritage Site in 1992.
Another wonder is the legend of the Naga at Ban Kham Chanot in Ban Dung district, where it is believed that a sacred pond found in the middle of the area is a gateway to the underwater city, the residence of the Naga King, Phaya Suttho Nak. What is surprising is that water seeps through the area all the time, but it has never been flooded.
In Udon Thani town is the Udon Sunshine Orchid Garden, a breeding source for a hybrid orchid, named 'Miss Udon Sunshine', which is remarkable as a scented orchid from which orchid perfume is made.