16 interesting places to visit in Uttaradit
Uttaradit is a city in Thailand that is known for its natural beauty, ancient Lanna culture, and local cuisine. There are many attractions in the city that are worth visiting, including ancient temples, natural landscapes, and local markets. Some popular destinations in Uttaradit include ancient temples with beautiful Lanna architecture, picturesque natural landscapes with hiking trails, and local markets offering a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or food, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Uttaradit.
Laplae District
City Gate and Museum of Laplae City
Laplae City Gate and Museum is a popular tourist destination in Laplae District. According to local folklore, the city is known for its honest inhabitants who are unable to lie. The city gate serves as a landmark for visitors and is accompanied by a statue of a young woman holding a baby with a sad expression and a husband sitting nearby with a satchel of turmeric, symbolizing the city. Near the city gate is the Mueang Laplae Museum, which is a place to learn about the history, culture, and way of life of the people in Laplae through exhibits and models of houses.
Phra That Thung Yang
Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang is a temple located in Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, in the Uttaradit province of Thailand. It is located about 5 kilometers from the town of Uttaradit and is an important temple in the area. It is believed to have been inhabited for a long time, even before the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Inside the temple, there is a Chedi Phra Borommathat, also known as Phra That Thung Yang, which is an old Ceylon pagoda with a spherical base. The temple also houses other historical artifacts and sites.
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At is a temple located in Thung Yang Subdistrict, Laplae District, Uttaradit Province. It is considered an important sacred site for believers in the area, and it is believed that paying respects at the altar of Sila At will bring great merit. Many people in Uttaradit Province make a point of visiting the temple at least once in their lifetime, similar to the way that believers in Phra Phutthabat Saraburi also make a pilgrimage to the temple.
Wat Don Sak
Wat Don Sak is a temple located in Laplae District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand. It is named for the viharn, or chapel, that was built using a single teak tree. The temple’s door is believed to have been built during the late Ayutthaya period and features intricate wood carvings of Kanok Bai Tet and Kanok claw patterns. The doors also contain images of Himmapan creatures, and are known for their graceful and beautiful design.
Mae Phlu Waterfall
Mae Phlu Waterfall is a multi-tiered waterfall located in a forested area near the city of Uttaradit. The waterfall was created by using cement to guide the flow of a stream down a high mountain, giving it the appearance of a natural waterfall. The surrounding area features shaded forests and has amenities such as a pavilion for relaxation, a restaurant with views of the waterfall, souvenir shops, and parking. It is a popular tourist destination with easy access by road.
Huan Laplae
Huan Laplae is a restaurant and coffee shop located in Laplae District, Uttaradit Province, near the Mae Plu Waterfall. The restaurant is decorated in a Lanna style and surrounded by shady trees. It has both indoor and outdoor seating options, including seats by a stream that flows from the Mae Phlu Waterfall. There are also chairs and bamboo litters located in the middle of the stream where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a drink while soaking in the water to cool off.
Mon Laplae
Mon Laplae Restaurant is located in Laplae District and boasts a traditional Lanna-style decor, with shady gardens and comfortable, elegantly decorated interiors. The restaurant also has a coffee shop area and a shop selling souvenirs and local handicrafts, as well as seasonal fruit. The atmosphere of the restaurant is meant to evoke the feeling of being in the home of a northern lady.
Srinaphamat Municipal Market
Srinaphamat Municipal Market is an old and stylish market located in Laplae District. The front of the market is adorned with a wall painting in pastel colors that depicts the way of life of people in the past, such as an old-fashioned barbershop and coffee shop. In addition to the wall paintings, the market also sells fresh produce, items, and appliances. There is a monument of Phra Si Phanom Mat, an important figure in Mueang Laplae, located in front of the market. Visitors often take pictures of the market due to its charming appearance.
Tha Pla District
Sirikit Dam
Sirikit Dam, also known as Tha Pla Dam, is a large earth dam located in Tha Pla District, Uttaradit Province, in Thailand. It blocks the Nan River and serves as an important source of electricity through its power plant. The dam’s area is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Sumalai Park, Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge, and Matcha Palace. The dam and its surrounding area are managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
Nan River National Park
The Nan River National Park is a protected area located in the Nam Pat, Tha Pla, and Ban Khok districts of Uttaradit Province, as well as the Mueang District of Phrae Province. It is home to various types of forests and is the source of the watershed for the Sirikit Dam, which serves as a border between Phrae and Uttaradit provinces. The park’s Uttaradit Province section includes a popular tourist attraction called the Sun Moon Lake viewpoint, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and a beautiful sunset in the evening.
Nam Pat District
Ton Sak Yai National Park
Ton Sak Yai National Park is a protected area in Uttaradit Province, known for its large, thousand-year-old teak tree and surrounding small teak trees. The park’s mixed forest is the last remaining source of natural teak in the province and has been developed as a tourist and recreational destination.
Phu Soi Dao
Phu Soi Dao National Park is located in the area of Pa Nam Pat National Reserved Forest, which covers Muang Chet Ton, Na Khum, Ban Khok, Huai Mun, and Nam Pat subdistricts in Uttaradit Province and Bo Phak subdistrict in Chat Trakan District in Phitsanulok Province. The park is known for its beautiful natural forests and is a source of watershed. One of its main attractions is the field of purple flowers called “Dok Ngon Naga,” which blooms during the rainy season from August to September. The park also features colorful flowers that alternate across the pine courtyard.
Thong Saen Khan District
Canaan Vineyard
Canaan Vineyard is a picturesque, romantic spot with beautiful, eye-catching architecture. The standout feature is the Canaan Building, which is designed in the style of an Italian Tuscan building and boasts a colorful, stunning appearance. Visitors can take pictures from various angles and even climb a spiral staircase to the roof to take in the surrounding views. The vineyard also features a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, including dishes like steak and spaghetti.
Water Well
Water Well is a natural source of iron ore located in Nam Phi, which is known for its strong and holy iron. The villagers of Nam Phi have been mining this iron ore for centuries to create sacred objects like swords, amulets, and talismans, as well as other items for tourists and interested individuals. The iron ore from Nam Phi is said to have a mysterious power, and it is believed to be particularly strong. There are many steel wells in the area, and the history of Nam Phi iron ore demonstrates its significance. Today, the villagers continue to use this iron ore in their small occupation, producing a variety of items for sale.
Mueang District
Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument
Phraya Phichai Dap Hak is a historical figure who is remembered and honored in Uttaradit, Thailand. A monument to him has been built in front of the city hall in Muang District, and every year from January 7 to 13, events are held to commemorate his bravery, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. The area around the monument also houses the “World’s Largest Nam Phi Steel Sword Museum,” which contains information about Phraya Phichai Dap Hak, a battlefield model, and tools used in ancient times. The museum also reflects the way of life of people in Uttaradit during the late Ayutthaya period.
Wat Thamma Thipatai
Wat Thamma Thipatai is a temple located in the city of Uttaradit, near the intersection of Injaimee Road and Samran Ruen Road. The temple is known for its beautiful carved wooden door, which is kept in the Dharma Council Building. The door is considered one of the most beautiful in Uttaradit and is second only to the door of Wat Suthat Thepwararam. In the past, the temple was home to the National Buddhism Office of Uttaradit Province. Today, it is a place of worship for local monks and a venue for Buddhist training and other activities.