The first day of the "Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026" at Nong Daed Wetlands was lively, with Thai and foreign tourists lining up to buy tickets from early morning.
On 1 Nov 2026, it was reported that after Professor Dr. Yossanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister, senior executives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and representatives from the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) officially opened the "Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026" this morning, the atmosphere among tourists was equally bustling. Both Thai and foreign visitors queued from early morning to purchase entrance tickets.
Initially, at the reception building on the event entrance gate side, which serves as the drop-off point, waiting area, and ticket sales, a large crowd of locals and tourists lined up. The ticket counters were divided into six lanes and categories, priced at 199 baht per person for both Thais and foreigners. Lanes 1-2 were for Udon Thani residents, allowing a single purchase for 134 days of access, and for the 'Sabai Dee' group (Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan) with 30 consecutive days access, requiring ID card verification. Lanes 3-6 were for the general public, while lanes 7-8 offered special (free) tickets for seniors, disabled persons, children under 15, monks, and media.
Visitors must declare their category at designated lanes, where staff provide guidance. The Udon Thani local resident ticket allows unlimited visits over 134 days with ID verification and cannot be repurchased; lost cards require a police report to replace. The 'Sabai Dee' group ticket allows 30 days access per purchase; beyond that, new tickets must be bought. General public tickets can be used immediately, with a limit of 14 tickets per buyer, and ticket rights may be transferred. E-tickets must be transferred via AllTicket, while paper tickets can be handed over directly.
Tickets purchased at convenience stores are e-tickets on mobile phones and can be shown at the entrance. The ticket must be swiped in front of staff, as pre-swiping counts as used and forfeits entry rights. For Udon Thani locals or the 'Sabai Dee' group buying through convenience stores, the swipe must also be done in front of staff. Once used for the day, access rights reset the next day. Cash tickets can be bought at the venue entrance according to category.
Those with special rights must present their ID card, senior citizen card, disability card, or monk identification at the ticket counter. After verification, a stamp is applied on the arm. Thai children have ID cards from age seven; if not, visual assessment is likely used. Groups such as school excursions must submit documents in advance to receive free entry for both teachers and students. Tour operators buy group tickets directly and cannot purchase at the event entrance.
Inside, after crossing the bridge, visitors encounter the reception building where staff assist with ticket purchases and area entry. The event has information booths providing directions to destinations, medical rooms, shops, restrooms, and more. Electric trains of various sizes operate on three routes: the first, green line, serves seniors, disabled persons, and their companions, picking up at the reception building.
The second, pink line, offers an internal circuit for visitors with limited time. The third, orange line, starts at the public relations building with two routes: one going left toward the International Garden and Organization Garden, ending at the north bridge, and the other going right past the Chalermphrakiat Building, ending at the south bridge. All routes run every 20 minutes with multiple stops, allowing visitors to get on and off as they wish.
Ms. Walunthorn Hemomraipiboon, 69, from Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, said she came with her family by tour group. Her family rented a separate van specifically to visit the Udon Thani Horticultural Expo because they had planned to attend from the start. Having previously visited the expo in Chiang Mai, she was impressed and eager to see it in the Northeast. Although she had not yet entered the event, just seeing the exterior convinced her it would be grand and beautiful, managed by professional Thai organizers. She invited everyone to come see it for themselves.
Regarding the State Railway of Thailand, today was the first day of special train service, bringing the Deputy Prime Minister’s delegation to the Udon Thani Horticultural Expo Station. The train was a diesel railcar with three carriages, transporting the delegation and returning to Udon Thani Station.
Mr. Yutthapong Sisun, Assistant Inspector for Passenger Services at the State Railway of Thailand, said special trains to the expo run four times daily from 1 Nov 2026 to 14 Mar 2027: two local trains and two express trains, including regular and air-conditioned services with varying fares. For regular trains from Udon Thani Station to the expo, air-conditioned tickets cost 30 baht, and fan-cooled tickets range from 2 to 5 baht depending on distance. Express trains start at 50 baht and up.
“At the Horticultural Expo Station, we provide round-trip service. Freight trains have been instructed to slow down near the station for visitor safety. Finally, we invite tourists interested in visiting the expo to try the unique experience of traveling here by train. We hope many will come and enjoy the event, which is a grand occasion not held often. The last expo in Chiang Mai was over 10 years ago. This event is for all Thai people.”
