kingy70

I think Udon is a great place to stay, it's a nice mix of country and big city. I'm not particularly interested in spending time with westerners regularly but it's nice to have access to some western delights when you feel the need. Burgers, KFC, Pizza's, a pub to watch the footy et etc

Udon has quite a few bars in town and an irish pub that has live music, I'm sure if you are volunteering your services you wouldn't have much trouble finding a place to jam.

I originally stayed in Nongbualamphu, about 30-40 mins drive from Udon, but now we have moved to Udon.

Most important if you're in a trusting, understanding relationship you'll enjoy yourself where ever you live.

From my experience about an hour drive from the family is a good idea.

cheers

kingy

If you are going to live in Nonbua you'll need to have a hobby. There isn't much in the way of shopping complexes or cinemas.

There are quite a few small bars in town that regularly play live music which are quite nice to have a drink and relax. There are also two bigger venues, Bao Dang that has live thai music and Rads which is a disco.

There is one farang bar owned by a german guy that on Sundays attracts quite a crowd of people from surrounding villages if you feel like catching up with some expats for a chat. Across the road from this bar is another bar with pool tables that was recently purchased by an American guy, I have only been there once since and it was a little bit quiet.

Other days it you'll see the same couple of faces who do like a drink or ten.

There is quite a nice lake in the centre of town for jogging around and it also has exercise equipment in the park if you are in to that.