Song

Song (สอง) is the northernmost district of Phrae province, covering 1,625 km² with a population of approximately 54,000. It sits in the Phi Pan Nam Range, bordering Lampang, Phayao, and Nan provinces. The district is historically significant as the setting of the classic Thai love tragedy Lilit Phra Lo, which inspired the Phra That Phra Lo chedi, said to contain the remains of King Phra Lo and his two lovers.

Song was originally named Mueang Song, then briefly renamed Ban Klang in 1917, before reverting to Song (dropping the "Mueang" prefix) in 1939. The district headquarters is in Ban Klang sub-district. The landscape is dominated by forested mountains and the Yom River valley. Mae Yom National Park is the district's most significant natural attraction.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Phrae Airport (PRH), about 60 km south. A taxi takes approximately 1 hour and costs 600–800 baht.

By Train

Song has no railway station. The nearest station is Den Chai (about 70 km south), from where songthaews and buses connect north.

By Car / Road

Song is on Highway 1036, branching north from Highway 101 near Phrae city. The drive from Phrae takes about 1 hour (60 km). Regular songthaews run from Phrae's bus station.

The district is large and mountainous. A private vehicle or hired songthaew is essential for reaching Mae Yom National Park and remote villages. The town centre in Ban Klang is walkable.

• Phra That Phra Lo (พระธาตุพระลอ). A 400-year-old chedi in Ban Klang sub-district, west of Song. It is believed to contain the remains of King Phra Lo, whose tragic love story is immortalised in the classic Thai poem Lilit Phra Lo. The tale tells of Phra Lo who died together with his two lovers, Phra Phuean and Phra Phaeng.

• Mae Yom National Park. A large protected area in Song district featuring forested mountains, waterfalls, and the Kaeng Sua Ten rapids on the Yom River. The park is known for its biodiversity and scenic river gorges.

• Kaeng Sua Ten (แก่งเสือเต้น). A series of rapids on the Yom River that have been the subject of conservation activism by Living River Siam due to a proposed dam project.

• Hiking and nature walks in Mae Yom National Park.

• River scenery at Kaeng Sua Ten rapids.

• Cultural exploration of the Phra That Phra Lo legend and its connection to local Thai folklore.

Small food stalls and restaurants in Ban Klang serve northern Thai dishes. The market offers local snacks.

Basic tea and coffee shops are available in Ban Klang. Bring ample water when visiting Mae Yom National Park.

• Budget: Simple homestays and guesthouses are available in Ban Klang and near Mae Yom National Park, from 250–400 baht.

Local markets in Ban Klang sell fresh produce and basic goods. For crafts and Mo Hom fabric, visit Phrae city.

• Rong Kwang (25 km south) — Neighbouring district on the road back to Phrae.
• Phrae (60 km south, 1 hour) — Historic Lanna city with a wealth of temples and teak architecture.
• Nan (100 km east, 2 hours) — Mountain town with a well-preserved old quarter.
• Mae Yom National Park — Within Song district, worth a dedicated day trip.