Anyone know of or frequent non-farang venues? I'm thinking of one place which I have always referred to as "Country Pub" which is at the north end of the Robinsons Complex road, across from the Grand Chareonsri Hotel on the corner. I usually see a farang face or two in there but not many despite its being right down town... The music is straight Issan style and the atmosphere is interesting to say the least and I'm been to similar places in Sakhon Nakon, Kalasin and Rayong (ok not quite Issan) and its always cheap and decent place to meet locals in a more natural environment (no I'm not an anthropologist) ... Anyone know the name of the above mentioned place or have opinions on local venues?

Your probably refering to Tawengdeng

Oh and I don't ever remember anyone here mentioning Hi-Tech plaza or whatever that place is across from Rahjabaht University, seems like that whole area is neglected by farangs although the Thai go crazy there on weekends... I used to live on Soi Katoey (not that many katoeys actually, just lots of R-uni girls... though a few did have rather deep voices ) so I was just wondering if anyone had any experience in that part of town, I remember it being somewhat sketchy at night though... my land lady also warned me of muggers or some such though I never had a problem.

Do you mean - Dawaeng Daeng? - on the corner with Wattana Nuwong Road.

I've always found Hi Tech not worth the effort until about 12:30 .... never had any probs with muggers etc;

Thanks Arjay .... couldn't remember how to spell it, so I spelt it wiv a cockney accent.

Tikattanon and Wattana Nuwong Road is the place.... I never bothered trying to read the name of the place, my Thai reading is ok but slow... plus I've been fairly lite each time I go there

It sounds like Tawan Daeng has some good bands there, a good night out, and the food ain't bad for a club.
Carabao have performed there. Nightlife in Udon has changed beyond reqognition over the last few years, with much more choice. You would not know it if your only source of information were the guide books like Looney Planet, and DK. Udon is covered by a few lines. My wife does worry about the Nak Leng, on the streets and always picks me up in the car, if I have had a night on the sauce. I think what puts off the muggers when they see me is my size. 1.96cm, 6feet five inchs in the old money.

Prenders88 wrote: My wife does worry about the Nak Leng, on the streets and always picks me up in the car, if I have had a night on the sauce. I think what puts off the muggers when they see me is my size. 1.96cm, 6feet five inchs in the old money.

Yea, actually my worst encounters around Soi Katoey have been with some viscous packs of dogs near the temple back in 2006, the area has since been developed a bit and I don't see so many of those evil village type dogs (you know the ones that change from Fido to Cujo when the sun goes down). If not for my Thai GF I probably would have engaged them in mortal combat on my drunker nights... they started it of course

Can we assume that they are growling and dribbling at the thought of giving you a good fight, when she walks up, says a few CHOICE words in Thai ........ sounding something like McQuoi oi, and they change from ferocious beasts to little puppy dogs, and run away with their tails between their legs

Prenders88 wrote:(some text removed) ... when they see me is my size. 1.96cm, 6feet five inchs in the old money.

I am not sure that I would brag about the 1.96 cm!

But it would make Tom Thumb feel tall.

If it is the place I think, my wife and I go. Went once and a Thai soap/rock guy was the attraction. Went in May and the wife and her lady friends "turned me in" for having a b-day. Had to go up to the stage, then cake, lights, yak yak, "happy b-day" song and a free bottle of booze (the ladies drank it, understand the trick...lol). Sometimes a few farangs, one was picking up on the nephew, who apparently is not going to be a manly man...lol. Always have a good time, but damn I need to learn Thai and Lao. Usually cheap, but when they have special attraction the cover charge can get pretty steep, somehow the ladies always seem to get us a discount . We go to the Thai places, have only been to one "farang bar" and that was because a lady and her husband from village owned it. I tell all my friends that there are no bars and no women in Udon.

[quote]Can we assume that they are growling and dribbling at the thought of giving you a good fight, when she walks up, says a few CHOICE words in Thai ........ sounding something like McQuoi oi, and they change from ferocious beasts to little puppy dogs, and run away with their tails between their legs /quote]

Hmmm does that refer to the 'animal control officers' you see rolling over from Sakhon Nakhon??? I always feel a bit sorry for those pooches who are off to be in some Vietnamese stew or whatever they do with'em!

Hi Tec h has 1 large pub / club called Climax, it starts to really get going from midnight onwards. Mainly hip hop and a bit of Thai stuff also. Has had some good Guest bands and DJ's eg DJ Titanium,

Closes approx 0230, so it attracts the crowd from Soi Thai and other spots like Day and Night etc.

Its the pub that the gays /Toms ( Thai's ) like best.

Worst thing is they only sell Singh Lite and Aishi beer !!

Got some coyote dancers , and its full by 0100 !