🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Nong Prajak sits within Udon Thani city limits, just a few minutes from the city centre and the train station. It started as a natural marsh that was turned into a public park, named after Major General Prince Prajak Silpakhom, the founder of Udon Thani. The draw is simple: a big green space in the middle of the city that's free to enter every day. If you're in Udon for even a couple of days, you'll almost certainly pass through here at least once — whether you're into exercise, photography, or eating.
How to get to Nong Prajak and opening hours
Nong Prajak is central and very easy to reach. If you're staying in town, a songthaew (shared truck), a Grab, or a motorbike taxi will get you there in a few minutes. The park itself is an open space and is free to enter every day — no admission fee. People come at two times of day: early morning before the sun gets harsh, and from late afternoon (around 4pm) onward, when it cools off and the whole loop fills up with walkers and runners.
- Location — central Udon Thani, near the train station and the city markets, just a few minutes from in-town accommodation.
- Park hours — it's an open space, free to enter any day. The busiest and best-feeling times are early morning and evening (roughly 4pm onward).
- Parking — there are several parking spots around the lake; weekend evenings get crowded and harder to park, so arriving before dusk is easier.
- What's nearby — UD Town and the in-town food areas are very close, so it's easy to carry the evening on from here.
The best time to come
If you want a good shot of the yellow duck in soft light, come near sunset when the water is still and the sky looks great. If you'd rather run or walk without the heat, early morning before 7am is best — cooler air and the loop isn't packed yet.
Want more out of Udon Thani? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
The giant yellow duck, the city's landmark
The thing that put Nong Prajak on the map is the giant yellow duck floating in the middle of the lake. Right now there's one big duck as the star plus several smaller ducks flanking it, and it's become the photo everyone visiting Udon ends up taking. The best angle is from the waterside that faces the duck — walk around until the duck sits right in the centre of your frame. In the evening the light is nicer and the still water gives you a reflection on the surface that beats a midday shot.
Beyond the duck, there are other photo spots scattered around the lake: the bridge over to the island, garden arbours, and waterside corners that open onto the wide lake view. You can wander the loop and shoot plenty of angles without rushing.
Walking, running and cycling the lake loop
For locals, the heart of Nong Prajak is the walking-and-running loop, about 3.2 kilometres around the lake. The surface is smooth, there's shade in stretches, and one lap is a solid distance. Come evening, the loop gets lively — runners, walkers, cyclists, and groups doing aerobics by the water. It's everyday life in Udon, and a lot of visitors end up loving the atmosphere.
- Loop distance — about 3.2 km per lap, smooth and comfortable to walk or run, lit at night.
- Peak times — late afternoon (4pm) to dusk is busiest, with waterside aerobics; early morning is quieter and cooler.
- Cycling — you can cycle the loop, but the evening crowds mean you should ride slowly and watch for people crossing.
- Water and restrooms — there are service points around the park, but weekend evenings get busy, so allow time for a queue.
Make the run count
If you're here to run, bring your own water or buy some from a stall around the lake before you start — a single lap is already over 3 km. In the evening, some sections share the same path between walkers and runners, so the grass-side lane tends to be clearer.
Pedal boats and the island
Another activity kids and families love is renting a pedal boat and heading out onto the lake. You get a view of the yellow duck and the park from the water that's different from walking the shore. The boats are pedal-powered for two or more people, charged by time slot at a friendly price, and they're ideal for taking kids out in the evening when the sun isn't strong.
In the middle of the lake there's an island you can reach by crossing a bridge. It's planted with flowering and ornamental plants and has a small garden to stroll through — a quiet spot to sit away from the bustle of the loop. You can cross over for photos and easily walk back to pick up the loop again.
Pedal-boat rental
Pedal boats for rent by the lakeshore. Cruise the middle of the water for views of the yellow duck and the park from angles you can't get on foot. Charged by time slot, great for kids and families.
The island
Cross the bridge onto the island, with a small garden, flowering and ornamental plants, and quiet corners to rest. A photo spot most people don't bother walking all the way into.
Yellow duck plaza
The waterside that faces the duck — the most popular photo spot. In the evening the light is lovely and the water is still, giving you a reflection on the surface.
Exercise area
In the evening, aerobics groups and runners fill the loop. It's real Udon daily life — even just sitting and watching is pleasant.
Restaurants and evening food around the lake
Come evening, the area around Nong Prajak is a genuine food destination — lakeside restaurants, chill-out spots, and snack carts scattered along the paths. Plenty of people finish their run or walk and head straight to eat. We've picked the restaurants and snacks you can find around the lake and the nearby area, focusing on places that are actually open and where locals actually eat.
Udon Miang Pla Joom
A well-known spot in the Nong Prajak area. The draw is its miang pla joom (fish hot pot) and punchy Isan dishes — a proper sit-down dinner. Both locals and visitors know it well. It's on Phibun Road near the lake.
Krua Maitri (beside Nong Prajak)
A made-to-order and Isan restaurant right by the lake — bold, spicy flavours at local prices. Good for dinner after a lap around the lake, and a place the Udon review pages mention often.
Som tam and grilled chicken around the lake
The classic Udon pairing, found at several vendors around Nong Prajak: spicy papaya salad and fragrant grilled chicken with sticky rice. An easy dinner you shouldn't skip.
Meatball and grilled-skewer carts
Snack carts along the lakeside paths: fried meatballs, grilled pork, Isan sausage. Grab some and eat as you wander and take in the view. Easy on the wallet.
Noodles and clear-broth soup around the lake
Lakeside noodle shops for when you want something warm and brothy in the evening. There are several to choose from — a light meal after a workout.
Cafés by Nong Prajak
Several new cafés and milk-tea shops have opened around the lake. Sip a coffee or an iced milk tea with a lake view — good for resting your legs before or after the loop.
Desserts — shaved ice and roti
Cool-down desserts around the lake: shaved ice, roti, and sweet treats from carts. Kids love them, and they round off dinner nicely.
Breakfast spots across from Nong Prajak
For early-morning runners: across the lake there are breakfast spots open from 5am — rice-noodle soup, congee, pan eggs, and bakeries. Fill up before or after your run.
Carry the evening on at UD Town
If you're still not done, hop from Nong Prajak to UD Town, an open-air market-mall in the city (open roughly 10am–10pm) with lots of food and places to sit. It's close by and an easy continuation from the lake — a popular evening plan for visitors to Udon.
Making the most of Nong Prajak in one evening
Walk, photograph and eat around the lake
Morning run and breakfast
Before you go
- Pick your time — evening has a great atmosphere but bigger crowds; early morning is shadier and quieter; midday is hot and harsh, so avoid it if you can.
- What to wear — sneakers or running shoes if you plan to walk the loop; a hat and water help a lot before the sun goes down.
- Cash — snack carts, pedal boats, and the small shops around the lake mostly take cash, so bring small notes.
- Mosquito repellent at dusk — there are mosquitoes by the water at night, so if you're sitting down to a long meal, packing spray makes it more comfortable.
- Check closing days — some popular places around the lake have a weekly day off, so check ahead if you've set your heart on a particular one.
Straight talk
Nong Prajak isn't a flashy attraction with big rides. Its strengths are a pretty lake in the middle of the city, a relaxed atmosphere, and evening food. If you come expecting thrilling activities, you might find it underwhelming — but if you come to stroll, photograph the yellow duck, and eat around the lake, you'll understand why locals come here every evening.
Want a full-day Udon Thani plan to follow on from Nong Prajak?
See the Udon Thani travel guide →