Udon Thani expo to feature 32 international gardens from 17 nations

Thailand’s Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 is expected to generate more than THB32 billion in economic activity during its 134-day run, as preparations gather pace for an international showcase of horticulture, biodiversity and agricultural innovation.

The event will take place from November 1, 2026, to March 14, 2027, at the Nong Dae Wetland in Udon Thani province, northeastern Thailand, under the theme “Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living”.

Economic projections indicate that the expo could contribute more than THB20 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), create over 81,000 jobs and generate more than THB7.7 billion in tax revenue.

Expo to feature 32 international gardens and over one million plants

The expo’s main attractions will include 32 international gardens representing 17 countries and two international organisations.

The displays will comprise 16 indoor and 16 outdoor gardens, presenting different horticultural traditions, landscape designs, cultural identities and agricultural innovations.

The indoor gardens, housed in an administration building designed to resemble a traditional fish trap, will feature displays from 14 countries and one international organisation. Participating countries include Russia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Bhutan, Madagascar and Egypt.

The outdoor section will comprise 16 gardens representing 14 countries and one international organisation, including contributions from Colombia, Yemen, Japan, Pakistan and Nepal.

Visitors will also be able to explore:

• 16 gardens created by leading Thai public and private organisations.
• More than 50 botanical and horticultural display gardens.
• Over one million flowering and ornamental plants displayed on a rotating basis throughout the event.

The international gardens will showcase plant diversity, traditional knowledge and innovations in horticulture.

Transport Ministry prepares air, road and rail connections

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit outlined preparations to improve access to the expo through coordinated air, road and rail transport services.

The Ministry of Transport is working with relevant agencies to develop public transport connections linking Udon Thani Airport, bus terminals and the exhibition grounds.

Officials at Udon Thani Airport are also coordinating with customs, immigration and quarantine authorities to prepare for potential international flight services during the event.

The Department of Airports has been instructed to provide designated areas for public buses and pick-up and drop-off points for tour groups and other passengers.

A temporary railway stop near Nong Dae is also planned to provide direct rail access to the expo.

The facility will feature a platform approximately 200 metres long and 1.1 metres high, while two level crossings are planned between Udon Thani and Na Phu railway stations.

Transport preparations will also cover connections with neighbouring provinces and Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Plans to widen the access road serving the airport's departure area are also being expedited to accommodate the expected increase in traffic.

Thai AirAsia expands services to Udon Thani

Department of Airports Director-General Danai Ruangsorn reported that Thai AirAsia had increased the number of flights to Udon Thani to provide more travel options for visitors.

The expanded services include:

• Don Mueang–Udon Thani: Six flights daily.
• Chiang Mai–Udon Thani: Four flights weekly.
• Phuket–Udon Thani: Four flights weekly.

Thai AirAsia also offers Fly-Thru connections to seven additional destinations: Krabi, Surat Thani, Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Tokyo.

These services are intended to make Udon Thani more accessible to domestic and international visitors during the expo.

Six exhibition zones across the 165-hectare site

The expo will cover approximately 1,030 rai, or about 165 hectares, including 400 rai of water and 630 rai of land.

The grounds will be divided into six principal zones:

• Arrival and entrance zone: Visitor information services, ticket counters and entrance facilities.
   
• International garden zone: Outdoor gardens representing participating countries and international organisations.
   
• Indoor exhibition zone: A greenhouse, rotating educational exhibitions, plant competitions and international indoor gardens.
   
• Outdoor academic exhibition zone: Displays covering royal tributes, fruit cultivation, agricultural technology and carbon credits.
   
• Gardens and key buildings zone: Landscaped gardens and major exhibition structures highlighting botanical diversity and innovative garden design.
   
• Provincial botanical garden, bamboo garden and nursery zone: Exhibitions focusing on regional plant species, bamboo varieties and plant propagation techniques.

The six zones are designed to combine horticultural attractions with educational displays on agricultural practices and technology.