ActivitiesAttractionsBlog

24 check-in places to travel and eat in Phrae

Phrae is an old Lanna city with a rich history and beautiful, natural surroundings. As you enter the city, you’ll be struck by the charming atmosphere of old wooden houses, shops, and cafes lining the streets. Despite its age, Phrae also boasts a touch of modernity and features stunning temples. The area is home to a number of beautiful temples, including Wat Phra That Chom Kitti and Wat Phra That Sadet, which are both worth visiting. Some other popular tourist attractions in Phrae include Phra That Chom Kitti, the gateway to the city; Phu Faek Forest Park, a popular spot for hiking and nature photography; and the Phrae Historical Park, which features a collection of ancient ruins and artifacts.


Mueang District

Wat Phra That Cho Hae

Wat Phra That Cho Hae is a must-see destination when visiting Phrae. It is a sacred and old temple that is the birthplace for those born in the year of the Tiger. Many people believe that it brings good luck to visit this temple when in Phrae. In fact, it is said that if you come to Phrae and do not visit Wat Phra That Cho Hae, it is as if you have not truly visited the province at all.


Wat Phra That Doi Leng

Wat Phra That Doi Leng is a temple located in Cho Hae Subdistrict, Mueang Phrae District in Phrae Province. It is known for its beautiful location on a high mountain, where you can see the scenic views of Phrae city surrounded by mountains and forests. The province of Phrae has also built an observation deck near the stairs leading up to the temple, which is a great spot to watch the sunrise and the fog in the morning. This temple is considered an important sanctuary in Phrae Province and is a must-visit for those traveling to the area.


Wat Pa Buddha, Chakraphat Cave National Park

To visit Wat Pa Buddha in Chakraphat Cave National Park, you will need to make your way to the top of a sandstone mountain in Phrae. The temple cave is located in a secluded area surrounded by the rolling hills of Phrae, offering a breathtaking view of the countryside. To get there, you will need to climb up the mountain on foot using a series of steps that lead to the top. At the top, you will find a cave that serves as a place of worship, complete with a large Buddha image and a stunning view that is worth a million dollars. The path to the top is well-paved and easy to follow, but the steepness may be challenging for those who are not used to hiking. It is recommended to take your time and go at a slow pace to reach the top.


Khum Wong Buri

Khum Wong Buri, also known as Ban Wong Buri, is a historic pink building in Phrae Province that dates back over 100 years. Located on Kham Lue Road in the Muang District, the building was the favorite residence of Mae Chao, the first consort of Chao Luang Piriyathepwong, the last ruler of Phrae. The building, which is a blend of European and Thai styles, is painted in a light pink color that was favored by Mae Chao. Bua Tha, a golden teak house on the property, is a two-story structure built in the Lanna Thai-European style and adorned with intricate “gingerbread” patterns that were popular during the reign of King Rama V.


Khum Chao Luang Phrae

Khum Chao Luang is a beautiful, spacious building located in Mueang Phrae District, known for its 72 doors and windows and intricate wooden fretwork patterns on the roof, gables, and eaves. It is an example of Thai-European architecture from the early period of King Rama V and is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient architecture while visiting Phrae.


Wat Pong Sunan

Wat Pong Sunan is a temple located in the Mueang District of Phrae Province, on Kham Lue Road in the Nai Wiang Sub-district. The temple is known for its golden reclining Buddha image and its 19 Yod arch. It was originally an abandoned temple named “Wat Pong Sanuk,” but was restored in 1929 and became a family temple for the Wong Buri family.


Chom Sawan Temple

Chom Sawan Temple is a historical site that has been designated as a national treasure by the Fine Arts Department. The temple is notable for its Bagan-style architecture, with beautiful and valuable artifacts and antiquities on display. The temple is made entirely of teak wood and features 9 floors with small and large roofs.


Khum Wichai Racha 

Baan Wichai Racha is an ancient wooden house located in the old city wall area of Phrae. It is over 100 years old and is a valuable example of historical architecture. The house combines elements of Manila-style wooden construction and Lanna architecture, and is decorated with intricate perforated wood patterns throughout the building. It is a rare and beautiful sight to see.


The Golden Rock Temple

At the Mahabodhiwongsachariyaram Meditation Center in Mueang Phrae District, you can find a replica, The Golden Rock Temple in Phrae, also known as Wat Phra That Intr Kwaen, is a replica of a mountain/forest temple in Myanmar that shares the same name. It is famous for its small golden rock on a cliff and its miniature replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangoon. The temple is surrounded by a forest park where visitors can hike. It is a popular stop for travelers exploring the mountainous 1024 – 1342 highway loop and is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free.


Wat Nakuha

Wat Nakuha is a temple located in the village of Na Kuha, about 25 kilometers from the city of Phrae. Surrounded by mountains and pristine nature, it is known for its high concentration of ozone and a large Buddha image situated in the middle of a rice field. Visitors can enjoy the scenery by walking across a bamboo bridge that stretches from the Buddha image to the rice fields. The temple is a great place to experience the beauty of nature and relax in a peaceful setting.


Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park

Phae Mueang Phi is a popular tourist destination in Phrae known for its unique geological features, including eroded cliffs and pillars of soil. The sandstone and soil terrain creates a natural study route for tourists interested in geology and forests. Visitors can learn about the local forest conditions and geological features, improving their understanding and knowledge of the forest park area.


Baan Thung Hong

Baan Thung Hong, located in Mueang Phrae District, is known for its production of Mo Hom, a locally dyed fabric in navy blue that represents the uniqueness of Phrae. Mo Hom is a famous product throughout the country, and there is a saying that “Anyone who comes to Phrae must buy Mo Hom.” Baan Thung Hong is regarded as the largest and most famous production area for Mo Hom, and there are many clothing stores in the area that sell Mo Hom.


Kad Kong Kao

The Phrae walking street is a weekly market held on Saturdays that is located on Kam Lue Road near Ban Wong Buri and Wat Pong Sunan. It is an area of old buildings and houses, including the historic Kong gad and Phra Non gad. The market is a place for locals to sell their products and participate in recreational activities. It is also a gathering place for the community and offers a unique cultural experience. The market is open from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and visitors can park their cars near Ban Wong Buri and walk to both kads.


Den Chai District

Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri

Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is a temple located in Phrae that is known for its collection of beautifully crafted Lanna art. The temple grounds feature more than 30 Lanna-style pagodas, as well as a large lion statue and a large reclining Buddha statue. The temple also has a museum building made of teak that displays artifacts and stories about Lanna, the city of Phrae, and ancient warriors. The museum exhibits include photographs of northern lords, as well as images of events in Lanna.


Doi Khiang Duean 

Doi Kiang Duean is a wooden house located in Den Chai District, Phrae Province that offers a unique, secluded getaway experience. Its simple but chic design features a two-story layout with a bedroom and a spacious terrace on the upper floor and a seating area on the ground floor. Surrounded by a complex mountain range and green forest, the house offers a peaceful and private retreat where you can relax and listen to the sounds of nature.


Long District

Ban Pin Railway Station

Ban Pin Railway Station is a historic train station in Phrae, Thailand, known for its unique building with a European-inspired design that dates back over 100 years. The station was constructed using the Bavarian “framehouse” style, which features a wooden frame and is popular in Germany’s Bavaria region. The station also incorporates elements of traditional Thai-style Panya houses, which were popular at the time of its construction and were made possible due to the abundance of teak forests in Phrae. Despite its age, the building remains well-preserved and holds significant value as a cultural and architectural landmark.


Ancient Komol Museum

The Ancient Komol Museum is a unique yellow-colored building that is a must-see attraction when visiting Long District. It is designed in a similar style to the Ban Pin Railway Station, with a focus on displaying ancient sarongs and various antiques, as well as offering Teen Tok sarong products for sale. This museum is a great opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area and browse through some interesting and rare artifacts.


Phra That Doi Noi

Phra That Doi Noi is a temple in Long District that is home to ancient relics and the legend of the Lord Buddha’s arrival. The temple also contains the Luang Pho Phut Pinthong Nakarat and a large Buddha statue, and features a viewing deck from which visitors can take in the beautiful view of Ban Pin District. In the morning, the view from this point is often accompanied by mist.


Wat Sri Don Kham

Phra That Doi Noi, also known as Wat Huai Or, is an old temple in Long District that is home to Lord Buddha’s relics and features beautiful Lanna Buddhist art and craftsmanship. Visitors can pray for blessings at “Phra That Si Don Kham” and see the bomb bell, which was made from a bomb that did not explode during World War 2. The villagers in the area carried the bomb to the temple and made it into a bell, leading to the phrase “Phrae bomb parade city.”


Wat Salaeng

Wat Salaeng is a very old temple in Phrae, dating back to the Dvaravati period. It was once abandoned for nearly 300 years, but has since been restored and divided into the old Buddhawat area and the new Buddhawat area. The temple features Lanna-style architecture, including the ubosot and viharn, and has a museum dedicated to displaying ancient artifacts and art objects from the Dvaravati period to the late Ayutthaya period. It is known for its collection of ancient treasures from Lanna, known as Kru Chiang Chuen.


Wang Chin District

Phra That Doi Ko

Phra That Doi Ko or Phra That Mongkol Saeng Kaew Manee Doi Ko Subanphot is a temple located on top of the Doi Ko Mountain in Wang Chin District, Phrae Province. In addition to being a place of worship, it offers a scenic view of the surrounding mountains, the Yom River, and the houses and fields of the local villagers. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful mist and sea of fog that can be seen in the winter months. It is considered one of the most picturesque views in Phrae.


Mae Chok Hot Spring

Mae Chok Hot Spring is a natural sulfur mineral spring located in the mountains of Phrae, covering an area of over 10 rai. The spring water has a temperature of up to 80 degrees Celsius and is said to have therapeutic properties. The area has been developed to include a mineral water pond for egg poaching, a foot bath, a traditional massage service, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop. Visitors can relax and enjoy the hot spring while taking in the beautiful surroundings.


Sung Men District

Ban Pong Tha Kham Bamboo Bridge

Ban Pong Tha Kham Bamboo Bridge, also known as Khua Tae, is a popular tourist destination located in Sung Men District in Phrae Province. It is the longest bamboo bridge in the province, stretching over 500 meters across the green fields of Ban Pong Tha Kham. Visitors can take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while walking along the bridge. The bridge has recently become a popular spot for tourists to take photos and check in on social media. In addition to its natural beauty, the area also offers activities such as a foot bath, traditional massage, and a restaurant and souvenir shop.


Rong Kwang District

Pha Nang Khoi Cave

Tham Pha Nang Khoi is a limestone cave located in Rong Kwang District, Phrae Province. It is surrounded by lush forests that were once home to many different animals, including wild deer, which gave the district its name. However, as the area was transformed into agricultural land, the animal population dwindled, leaving only the limestone mountains behind. The cave is known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which resemble natural sculptures. According to local legend, the cave is named after a stone pillar depicting a woman holding a baby, who is waiting for her beloved man to return.