Hi All,

Congratulations on website and forums - I have learned a lot about Udon from here and hope to learn more.

I am currently in Perth, Western Australia and have been to Thailand many times (mainly Phuket, because it is close to Perth). I had a long time girlfriend (from Nhong Kai, but lived in Udon) who told me about Udon - she is soon to go to England.

My feeling is that Udon is a very nice place that is "interesting" and "not in your face" and seems to be a nice place for semi/retirement. I am planning to visit and check the place out.

I think Udon is popular with farangs because it is close to Lao border and this assists with visa issues?

I think Udon has a population of 100 000? Can anybody please advise how many of these are farangs, and where most of these farangs are from. Also, can anybody advise if the farang social life is a bit "sophisticated" or is it all about finding young girls in bars?

Sorry to sound negative, but I am not looking for a mini Phuket or Pattaya. Looking for a place to swim, play golf, meeet decent people for dinner / drinks, play pool, etc.

Looking for a nice place to chill and maybe find a nice Thai girlfriend (not ready for a wife yet). I am 50 and would be looking for lady about 35 year age group - do they exist.

Also, when is the best time (weather) to visit Udon for first time (April?)

Thank you.

Best time is in our winter, November thru February. It is the dry and cool season, ideal for golf.

Udon is indeed a nice place and certainly not, IMO, a mini Phucket or Pattaya. Whilst there are bars where the company of young ladies can be sought but I believe the vast majority of falang who live here already have a significant other therefore the social scene is much more about having a few beers, a meal and a good chat.
Not sure about the sophisticated part though
I am informed there are some good golf courses with many active players, I have yet to participate but something I hope to rectify soon. So buy shares in golf balls now!
Im not sure how many falang live in the Udon area, there was a thread about this sometime ago but can't seem to find it. My guess would be two thousand but I am sure that I will be corrected.
The mix is diverse with many Brit's, Americans, Aussies and Scandinavians with a sprinkling of every where else thrown in. I do not know many of the forum members personally but I have friends, honest I do, of all nationalities. Everyone seems to mix together.
Swimming is one of the few things I really miss, being an ocean lover pools don't really do it for me but I think it is a small price to pay for the many benefits of living here.
Yes you can find a nice lady around 35 years old. You ask if they exist, I would say there is an abundance of them
April will be hot so it's really up to your personal preference.
Hope this help's.