Thap Than

Thap Than (ทัพทัน) is a district (amphoe) in northern Uthai Thani Province, about 25 km north of the provincial capital. Its name means "arriving troops" — according to local history, during an Ayutthaya-era war with Burma, Siamese troops pursued Burmese forces to this area, defeated them, and the site became known as Ban Thap Than. Originally called Nong Kradi, the district was renamed Thap Than in 1906 and was incorporated into Uthai Thani Province in 1917.

Today Thap Than is a quiet agricultural district, its landscape a patchwork of rice paddies and sugar-cane fields. The district town has a small covered market and a handful of temples, but its most distinctive feature is the Thalaad Kwai Thap Than (Thap Than Water Buffalo Market), one of the few dedicated water-buffalo trading markets in central Thailand. The district is also known for Ban Khok Mo, a weaving village where Thai-Lao descendants produce traditional silk and cotton textiles.

The cool dry season (November–February) is the best time to visit. The hot season (March–May) is intensely hot, and the rainy season (June–October) brings regular downpours that can make rural roads muddy.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), about 230 km east. Reach Thap Than by road via Uthai Thani town or Nakhon Sawan.

By Car / Road

From Uthai Thani town, take Highway 333 north for approximately 25 km (25–30 minutes). From Nakhon Sawan, head west on Highway 333 for about 40 km. Buses and minivans running between Uthai Thani and Lan Sak pass through Thap Than.

Thap Than town is compact and walkable. To reach Ban Khok Mo weaving village or the water-buffalo market (which may be located on the outskirts), a motorbike or songthaew is desirable. Songthaews run regularly between Thap Than and the surrounding districts.

• Wat Thap Than (วัดทัพทัน) — The district's main temple, notable for its carved wooden doors depicting an angel holding an arrow standing on a serpent, and another of an angel tending a deer while holding a pike on a lion. Fine examples of traditional Thai woodcarving.

• Thalaad Kwai Thap Than (ตลาดควายทัพทัน) — A market specifically for water buffaloes, one of the few remaining livestock markets of its kind in central Thailand. Farmers bring their buffalo to buy and sell, especially during the cooler months. Not held daily — ask locally for schedule.

• Ban Khok Mo Weaving Village (บ้านโคกหม้อ) — A village of Thai-Lao residents whose ancestors migrated here during the Rattanakosin period. After the rice harvest, villagers weave Sin Tin Chok silk, Mat Mi silk, and traditional floral-pattern fabrics. Visitors can watch the weaving process and buy directly from the artisans.

• Prehistoric colour drawings at Khao Pla Ra — Ancient cave paintings stretching approximately 9 metres, depicting humans and animals in red and black pigments. Located near the boundary with the Huai Kha Khaeng area.

• Bung Khok Chang Ancient City (เมืองโบราณบึงคอกช้าง) — An archaeological site of a moated ancient town with earthen walls and a sacred pond at the outer corner of each wall. Artefacts found here include stone tools, utensils, and a Mon-language stone inscription.

• Visit the water-buffalo market — A unique rural experience. Even if you're not buying, the market offers a rare glimpse of traditional livestock trading in Thailand.

• Weaving demonstration at Ban Khok Mo — Watch silk weavers at work and learn about the traditional patterns passed down through generations. The village is quiet outside of harvest season (roughly December–April), when weaving activity peaks.

• Explore the ancient city site — The Bung Khok Chang ruins are worth a short detour for history enthusiasts. The site is unstaffed and free to enter.

• Morning market (talad sot) — Located in the town centre, the market has grilled chicken, som tam, sticky rice, noodle soups, and fresh fruit. A filling breakfast costs 30–50 baht.
• Local restaurants — Simple eateries along Highway 333 serve Thai staples: khao phat (fried rice), pad Thai, and tom yam. Expect to pay 40–60 baht per dish.

• Bottled water and soft drinks are widely available. Tap water is not safe to drink. There are no dedicated bars or cafés.

Thap Than has limited accommodation. Most visitors stay in Uthai Thani town (25 km south) and visit Thap Than as a day trip.

• Budget — Simple rooms near the market: A few basic guesthouses may offer rooms (fan, cold water) for around 200–300 baht/night. Inquire at local shops.
• Backup — Uthai Thani town: 25 minutes south, with a range of mid-range hotels and better dining.

• Handwoven silk and cotton from Ban Khok Mo — The village's Sin Tin Chok silk and Mat Mi patterned fabrics are the best souvenir from Thap Than. Prices are reasonable compared to tourist-oriented shops in Bangkok.
• Local produce — Thap Than's agricultural setting means fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant at the morning market.

• Uthai Thani town — 25 km south, with riverside markets, floating houses, and Khao Sakae Krang.
• Nong Chang — 15 km west, the neighbouring district with a lively morning market and easy access to Lan Sak.
• Lan Sak — 20 km northwest, gateway to Hup Pa Tat hidden valley and the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Nakhon Sawan — 40 km east, the regional transport hub with the Pak Nam Pho riverfront and Chao Phraya headwaters.
• Ban Khok Mo — The weaving village itself, within Thap Than district, is an easy side trip of 10–15 minutes by motorbike.