Uttaradit: Landscapes, Water and Cultural Heritage

Uttaradit brings together a range of themes for a trip: hiking destinations in national parks, a large reservoir, a remarkable teak tree and cultural sites where craftsmanship and history take center stage. When planning your trip, you can take in nature and activities on the water as well as museums, temples and local traditions. Each destination gives your stay a very different focus.

National Parks, Mountain Landscapes and a Remarkable Tree

Phu Soi Dao National Park spans Nam Pat District in Uttaradit Province and Chat Trakan District in Phitsanulok Province. Visitors can hike to Lan Son on Phu Soi Dao, at an elevation of 1,633 meters above sea level. The natural scenery also includes Phu Soi Dao Waterfall, with five cascades, located near the national park office. The hiking destination and waterfall represent different aspects of the area.

Lam Nam Nan National Park offers another kind of landscape, with rugged mountain ranges and well-preserved, lush forests. In Ton Sak Yai National Park in Nam Pat, the largest living teak tree discovered to date grows. It is approximately 1,500 years old, up to 47 meters tall, and has a trunk circumference of 10.22 meters at breast height. Part of its crown has broken off naturally. The approximate age and specific measurements describe different features of this remarkable tree.

Sirikit Dam and Activities on the Water

Sirikit Dam is located in Tha Pla District and is Thailand’s largest earth dam. Activities offered or enjoyed by visitors at Sirikit Reservoir include boat trips for wildlife viewing, kayaking and fishing. The reservoir also has numerous islands and is suitable for rafting and scenic boat tours. The range of activities extends from nature-viewing trips to pursuits on the water.

The Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge is another landmark at the dam: the suspension bridge crosses the Nan River. Together with the reservoir and its islands, it offers a distinct focus for travelers who want to connect their time in Uttaradit with waterside landscapes. The dam, reservoir and bridge can be considered different facets of this travel theme.

Iron Craftsmanship and Local Culture

The Nam Phi Iron Well Museum showcases traditional iron smelting and sword-forging techniques. The Nam Phi iron wells include two clearly visible wells named Phra Saeng and Phra Khan. Historically, they are associated with iron used for royal swords. The museum and wells offer different perspectives on ironworking: traditional techniques and the material’s historic connection with royal swords.

Lap Lae also offers a glimpse of local traditions. Traditional Tin-Jok weaving has been passed down there for many generations. Another local specialty is Long Lap Lae, a durian variety from Lap Lae District. These two subjects represent different sides of local identity: a traditional craft and a local food.

The Mae Mai Widow Monument in Lap Lae commemorates the virtues of the widows of Lap Lae as told in legend and is considered an important attraction in the district. In Ban Thung Yang, in Thung Yang Subdistrict of Lap Lae District, Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang has a traditional Lanna vihara with a three-tiered roof. Old murals depict the story of Phra Sang Thong. The monument to Phraya Phichai Dab Hak also stands in front of the Uttaradit Provincial Hall.

Highlights for Planning Your Trip

Uttaradit’s nature destinations vary considerably: hiking to Lan Son is the main attraction at Phu Soi Dao, while activities on the water and scenic boat tours feature at Sirikit Reservoir. The national parks also showcase different landscape features, from mountain ranges and forests to the extraordinary teak tree. Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, can explore several subjects: ironworking, weaving, local durian, a monument, and a temple’s architecture and murals.

Discover more destinations: Amphoe Mueang Uttaradit, Muang Chet Ton, Tha It, Fai Luang, Ban Khok, Suphanburi, Sukhothai, Sakon Nakhon.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.