Udon Thani Horticultural Expo 2026 Opens: 134 Days, 3.6M Visitors Targeted

Udon Thani is hosting its first International Horticultural Expo, scheduled to open to the public on 1 November 2026 and run until 14 March 2027 — 134 days — at the Nong Dae wetland in Mueang district. Officials expect more than 3.6 million visitors and at least THB20 billion in regional economic activity (as of 3 Nov 2026).

What the expo is

The expo is an internationally recognised horticultural show certified by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Its theme is "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living", with a focus on sustainable agriculture, conservation and Isan cultural heritage.

The site covers more than 1,030 rai (about 165 hectares), roughly 400 rai of it water, and is divided into six zones: arrival, international gardens, indoor exhibitions, outdoor academic exhibitions, gardens and key buildings, and a provincial botanical, bamboo and nursery zone. The administration building that houses the indoor gardens is designed to resemble a traditional Isan fish trap.

Highlights: gardens from around the world

• 32 international gardens from 17 countries and two international organisations — 16 indoor, 16 outdoor.
• According to The Nation, indoor participants include Russia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Bhutan, Madagascar and Egypt; outdoor gardens include Colombia, Yemen, Japan, Pakistan and Nepal.
• 16 gardens from Thai public and private bodies and more than 50 horticultural display gardens.
• Over one million flowering and ornamental plants, rotated through the run.
• More than 200 cultural performances at the Tum Home plaza and a riverside market with around 50 local vendors.
• Festival programming including Loy Krathong, Father's Day, World Soil Day, New Year and Udon Thani's 134th anniversary.

Economic stakes

Natthaphon Withee, Udon Thani's deputy governor, forecasts more than 3.6 million Thai and international visitors and at least THB20 billion in regional activity, saying the province is ready to be a gateway to the Northeast.

The Nation reports a larger projection: over THB32 billion in economic activity, more than THB20 billion added to GDP, over 81,000 jobs and over THB7.7 billion in tax revenue. The longer-term aim is to position Udon Thani as a tourism and MICE hub for the Greater Mekong Subregion.

It fits the government's wider push for domestic tourism; see our report on the latest domestic travel measures.

Getting there

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-licensed)

• By air: Udon Thani Airport is coordinating with customs, immigration and quarantine for possible international flights. Thai AirAsia flies Don Mueang–Udon Thani six times daily, with Chiang Mai and Phuket routes four times weekly.
• By rail: A temporary stop with a roughly 200-metre platform is planned near Nong Dae, between Udon Thani and Na Phu stations.
• By road: Public transport links are planned between the airport, bus terminals and the site, plus connections to neighbouring provinces and Vientiane, Laos. On site, shuttles and electric trams are planned.

Tickets and the budget

A Thai PR report says general admission is THB199, on sale since 20 October through allticket.com, 7-Eleven counters and the venue box office, capped at 14 tickets per purchase. Check the official channels for current prices and conditions.

The stated overall budget is about THB2.5 billion, including a THB48.3 million publicity contract and a THB290 million management and activities contract. After an AIPH inspection in June, a further THB250 million was requested; no contract has been signed. The Nation reports questions about overlap with existing budgets, and observers from the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) and the Comptroller General's Department are monitoring the procurement.

Sasiya Pantan, deputy director-general of the Department of Agriculture, said: "The public can be assured that every step strictly follows government regulations." She said engineering, landscaping and planting were almost 100% complete, and that the extra funding was sought because AIPH's recommendations came after the annual budget cycle.

What's next

The formal opening ceremony was scheduled for 2 November with the prime minister presiding, according to The Nation, and Thai Enquirer reports the Cabinet held a mobile meeting in Udon Thani on 2–3 November. Watch actual attendance against the 3.6 million target, and how the extra budget is handled.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-licensed)

Visitors can also reach the Ban Chiang World Heritage site in the same province — one reason locals hope a single trip to the expo becomes a multi-day stay.

Sources

• Pattaya Mail (NNT)
• The Nation Thailand — 32 international gardens
• The Nation Thailand — budget scrutiny
• Thai Enquirer — news summary, 2 Nov 2026