The Pannarai Hotel — a 4-star hotel within walking distance of Central and UD Town at a price Udon locals recommend
Among the 4-star hotels in central Udon Thani, The Pannarai Hotel is a name guests consistently rate well for location and value — it sits on Sampanthamit Road, within walking distance of Central Plaza Udon Thani and UD Town, the city's popular night market, and close to the bus terminal and train station · It is a 79-room hotel with private balconies, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and the Pannavadee restaurant serving Thai and European dishes · A Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner · From approx ฿1,200/night.
The Pannarai Hotel is a 4-star hotel that has been part of the Udon scene for years and remains a first choice for travellers who want to stay in the city centre without paying a premium · The reason guests keep coming back is its location on Sampanthamit Road, within walking distance of Central Plaza Udon Thani and UD Town, the popular night market, just a few minutes away · It is also close to the Udon Thani bus terminal and train station, so arrivals by bus or rail can walk over easily — no car needed if your plans stay in town.
There are 79 rooms in several types, from Deluxe Double and Deluxe Twin up to King Premier and Junior Suite · Guests praise the spacious, clean rooms and comfortable beds · Every room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fridge, a safe, free Wi-Fi, and many have a private balcony and a roomy bathroom with counter space · The caveat noted in reviews is that some of the decor and furnishings are starting to show their age and are not the brand-new look of later boutique hotels — but overall condition is fine and rooms are kept clean.
"Great location — you can walk to Central and UD Town. The room was spacious and clean, the bed comfortable, the staff friendly and helpful, and the breakfast had plenty of variety. Excellent value for a city-centre hotel."
The shared facilities cover the basics well · There is an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre · The Pannavadee restaurant serves Thai and European cuisine, with a bar, meeting rooms for small to mid-size events, and free on-site parking · The buffet breakfast (roughly 6:00–10:00) is a frequent highlight, with both Thai and international options · The caveat is that the pool and poolside area look a little dated and seating is limited, so it suits a cooling-off dip more than being a highlight of the stay.
One thing to be clear about is late-night noise · Being in the city centre near a bar area, some nights bring music and crowds from nearby venues until late, especially in lower-floor rooms and those facing the street · Soundproofing between rooms is not the tightest either, so if you are a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor on the inner side · A few reviews also mention uneven shower water pressure and extra charges for some items, such as an additional towel — small things, but worth knowing in advance.
Overall, The Pannarai Hotel suits travellers who weigh a central location and value above all — sightseeing in Udon, running errands, or using it as a base for trips to Nong Khai and Vientiane · It scores 8.8 from 163 reviews on Trip.com and ranks #4 of 73 hotels in Udon on Tripadvisor, with a Travelers' Choice award reflecting consistent satisfaction · If you want a brand-new design hotel or absolute quiet, this may not be it, but for spacious rooms, a good breakfast and a walk to everything in town at a gentle price, it delivers.
A tip from following the reviews: ask for a higher floor on the inner side to avoid noise from the bar area, especially on Friday and Saturday nights · Go down to breakfast around 6:30–8:00 for the full spread without queues · Standard Deluxe rates sit around ฿1,200–฿1,800/night, rising over the cool season (Dec–Feb), the Isan high season · Booking online usually beats walk-in or direct rates, so compare a few platforms first.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ City-centre location, walk to Central Plaza and UD Town
- ✓ Spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds and private balconies
- ✓ Varied buffet breakfast with both Thai and international options
- ✓ Friendly, helpful staff and great value
- ! Noise from the nearby bar area until late on some nights, especially lower floors
- ! Soundproofing between rooms is not the tightest
- ! Some decor and furnishings are showing their age
- ✓ Walk to Central and the night market — very convenient for shopping and eating
- ✓ Large rooms with roomy, practical bathrooms
- ✓ Outdoor pool, fitness centre and free on-site parking
- ✓ Good value for a 4-star in the city centre
- ! Uneven shower water pressure in some rooms
- ! Pool and poolside area look dated, with limited seating
- ! Extra charges for some items, such as an additional towel
- 💡If you are a light sleeper who needs absolute quiet — this is near a bar area, and some nights get loud until late → ask for a higher floor on the inner side, or avoid Friday and Saturday nights.
- 💡If you want a brand-new boutique-style design hotel — this is a long-established 4-star with some aging furnishings → consider newer boutique hotels in town if style is your priority.
- 💡If you want a walkable city-centre location at a gentle price — this delivers, within walking distance of Central and the night market → book online ahead for better rates than walk-in.