Uttaradit

Uttaradit sits along the Nan River in lower northern Thailand, 485 kilometres north of Bangkok. The province covers 7,838 square kilometres, transitioning from fertile alluvial river plains in the south and west to rugged mountain ranges of the Luang Prabang range along the eastern border with Laos. Its name translates to "Port of the North," designated by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in the late 19th century when the riverside settlement of Bang Pho Tha It operated as the primary transshipment port for teak timber and agricultural trade moving between the central plains and the northern valleys.

The provincial identity is closely connected to Phraya Phichai Dap Hak ("Phichai of the Broken Sword"), an 18th-century military commander under King Taksin who defended the northern frontier against Burmese forces. Agriculture forms the foundation of the provincial economy, particularly fruit orchards in Laplae district renowned for cultivating Longlaplae and Linlaplae durians as well as sweet langsat fruit. Wilderness areas in the eastern highlands center on Phu Soi Dao National Park and Sirikit Dam, the largest earth-fill dam in Thailand.

The province experiences a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), marked by three distinct seasons. The cool, dry period spans November to February with clear skies and lower humidity. Temperatures rise sharply during the hot season from March to May, while the southwest monsoon brings regular rainfall and higher river levels between June and October.

• November to February (Cool Season): The most comfortable time for travel, with daytime highs around 28 °C to 32 °C and night temperatures dropping to 15 °C to 19 °C in the lowlands. Mountain elevations at Phu Soi Dao frequently dip below 10 °C. The annual Phraya Phichai Dap Hak and Red Cross Fair takes place in mid-January.
• March to May (Hot Season): Temperatures routinely exceed 37 °C to 40 °C across the lowlands. The annual Atthamipucha Festival, featuring a rare theatrical reenactment of the Buddha cremation ceremony, is staged at Wat Phra Borom That Thung Yang eight days after Visakha Bucha (usually late May or early June).
• June to October (Rainy Season): Heavy monsoon downpours peak in August and September. Waterfalls reach maximum volume, and mountain meadows on the Phu Soi Dao plateau fill with blooming purple Murdannia giganteum flowers between August and September. The Laplae Durian Festival occurs in June, followed by the Langsat Festival in September.

By Air

• No commercial air service: Uttaradit province has no operational commercial airport.
• Phitsanulok Airport (PHS): The closest active commercial airport, situated 110 kilometres south in Phitsanulok. Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air operate multiple daily 50-minute flights from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). From PHS, passengers can rent a vehicle, hire a private taxi, or board a local bus or train from Phitsanulok city to Uttaradit (1.5 to 2 hours).
• Alternative Airports: Sukhothai Airport (THS, 90 km southwest, served by Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi Airport) and Phrae Airport (PRH, 85 km north, served by Nok Air from Don Mueang).

By Train

• State Railway of Thailand (SRT): Uttaradit is a primary stop on the Northern Main Line linking Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal with Chiang Mai. Passenger services call at both Uttaradit Railway Station (downtown) and Sila At Railway Station (2.5 km north).
• Routes & Frequency: Approximately 10 passenger trains run daily in each direction, including Special Express (trains 7, 9, 13), Express (train 51), Rapid (trains 109, 111), and Ordinary trains.
• Travel Times: 5.5 to 7.5 hours from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat); 4.5 to 5 hours from Chiang Mai; 1.5 hours from Phitsanulok.
• Fares & Classes: 3rd-class fan seats cost 150 THB to 220 THB ($4.30 to $6.30 USD); 2nd-class air-conditioned seats cost 380 THB to 480 THB ($11 to $14 USD); 2nd-class air-conditioned day/night sleepers cost 700 THB to 950 THB ($20 to $27 USD); 1st-class private sleeper compartments cost 1,300 THB to 1,500 THB ($37 to $43 USD). Reservations can be made online via dticket.railway.co.th or directly at SRT station counters.

By Bus

• Intercity Operators: The Transport Co. Ltd. (BorKhorSor / 999), Sombat Tour, Win Tour, Cherdchai Tour, and Nakhonchai Air operate direct long-distance coaches connecting Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Uttaradit Bus Terminal on Highway 11.
• Frequency & Duration: Departures leave hourly between 07:00 and 22:30. The 485-kilometre journey takes 6.5 to 8 hours depending on traffic and scheduled stops.
• Fares: Standard air-conditioned express buses cost 350 THB to 420 THB ($10 to $12 USD); VIP 24-seat and 32-seat coaches cost 480 THB to 550 THB ($14 to $16 USD).
• Regional Connections: Frequent local buses and minivans run to Phitsanulok (1.5 hours, 70 THB / $2 USD), Phrae (1.5 hours, 65 THB / $1.90 USD), Sukhothai (2 hours, 90 THB / $2.60 USD), and Chiang Mai (4.5 to 5 hours, 250 THB to 320 THB / $7 to $9.20 USD).

By Car

• From Bangkok: Drive north along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Highway 32 through Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat to Nakhon Sawan. Continue north along Highway 117 to Phitsanulok, then join Highway 11 directly into Uttaradit. The 485-kilometre drive takes approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
• From Chiang Mai: Travel southeast on Highway 11 via Lampang and Den Chai to Uttaradit (230 km, 3.5 to 4 hours).
• From Phitsanulok: Follow Highway 11 north directly into Uttaradit city (105 km, 1 hour 20 minutes).

• Songthaews: Shared pickup trucks run along fixed routes connecting Uttaradit town center with the railway station, bus terminal, and district centers such as Laplae and Tron. One-way fares cost 15 THB to 40 THB ($0.45 to $1.15 USD).
• Motorcycle Taxis (Win Motosai): Stationed outside the railway station, bus terminal, and morning market. Fares for rides within the municipal area cost 20 THB to 60 THB ($0.60 to $1.70 USD).
• Tuk-Tuks and Samlors: Three-wheeled motorized and pedal rickshaws operate around the town market and central avenues. Short hops cost 30 THB to 80 THB ($0.85 to $2.30 USD). Agree on the fare before starting the trip.
• Ride-Hailing: The Grab smartphone app operates in Uttaradit town with limited driver availability during daytime hours.
• Vehicle Rentals: Motorbikes can be rented from local shops near the railway station for 250 THB to 350 THB ($7 to $10 USD) per day. Car rentals are available from local agencies in town and at Phitsanulok Airport for 800 THB to 1,500 THB ($23 to $43 USD) per day; a private vehicle is essential for visiting Sirikit Dam and outlying national parks.

• Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument and Museum (Provincial Hall Grounds, Mueang Uttaradit): A bronze statue dedicated to the 18th-century governor of Phichai who fought against invaders until his sword broke. An adjacent museum displays regional weaponry, historic artifacts, and dioramas depicting northern battles. Open daily 08:30–16:30. Free admission.
• Wat Tha Thanon (Samran Ruean Road, opposite Uttaradit Railway Station): The central Buddhist temple of downtown Uttaradit, established on the riverbank. The main hall enshrines Luang Pho Phet, a revered Chiang Saen Singh 1 bronze Buddha image cast in the late 12th or early 13th century. Open daily 07:00–18:00. Free admission.
• Wat Phra Borom That Thung Yang (Highway 102, Laplae District, 5 km west of town): An ancient religious complex dating to the late Sukhothai period. The grounds contain a Sri Lankan-style bell stupa enshrining Buddha relics, a Lanna vihara with traditional wood carvings, and the staging ground for the annual Atthamipucha Buddha cremation ceremony. Open daily 08:00–17:00. Free admission.
• Wat Thamma Thipatai (Injaimee Road, Mueang Uttaradit): Preserves the massive carved teak entrance doors salvaged from Wat Phra Fang, crafted during the Late Ayutthaya period with Kanok vine and mythical creature motifs. The temple also features the 1940s Thammasapha multipurpose assembly building and a 700-year-old Chiang Saen Buddha image. Open daily 08:00–17:00. Free admission.
• Muang Laplae Museum and Town Gate (Laplae District, 8 km west of town): Situated at the entrance to Laplae town, this outdoor cultural complex features reconstructed traditional wooden teak houses, demonstrations of Tai Yuan cotton weaving (Pha Sin Tin Chok), displays on local durian cultivation, and folklore exhibitions. Open daily 08:30–16:30. Free admission.
• Phu Soi Dao National Park (Ban Khok District, 175 km east of Uttaradit town): A 200-square-kilometre protected mountain range rising to 2,102 metres along the Laos border. Known for the five-tier Sai Tip Waterfall, highland pine plateaus, and seasonal carpets of purple Murdannia giganteum flowers during the rainy season. Open daily 08:00–16:30 (plateau trekking trail open July to January 15). Admission: 200 THB ($5.70 USD) for foreign adults, 100 THB ($2.85 USD) for children; 40 THB / 20 THB for Thai nationals.
• Sirikit Dam and Lam Nam Nan National Park (Tha Pla District, 60 km northeast of town): The largest earth-fill dam in Thailand, built across the Nan River to form an expansive 260-square-kilometre reservoir framed by forested hills. Facilities include scenic viewpoints, landscaped gardens, walking paths along the crest, and longtail boat rentals. Open daily 06:00–18:00. Free entry to dam grounds; boat rentals cost 500 THB to 1,200 THB ($14 to $34 USD) per hour.
• Ton Sak Yai Forest Park (Nam Pat District, 85 km northeast of town): A protected botanical forest containing one of the world's largest living teak trees (Tectona grandis), measuring over 10 metres in circumference and estimated to be over 1,500 years old. A wooden boardwalk surrounds the tree. Open daily 08:00–16:30. Free admission.
• Bo Lek Nam Phi (Thong Saen Khan District, 42 km southeast of town): An ancient iron-mining area whose high-grade iron ore was smelted into ceremonial daggers and royal swords for Thai monarchs since the Ayutthaya and Thonburi eras. The grounds preserve the sacred Phra Saeng and Phra Khan pits alongside a metallurgy museum. Open daily 08:30–16:30. Free admission.

• Trek the Highland Trail at Phu Soi Dao: Hike the demanding 6.5-kilometre uphill trail (taking 4 to 6 hours) from the visitor center through mountain forest to the Lan Son pine plateau at 1,633 metres. Camp overnight among highland pines; porters can be hired at the park headquarters for approximately 30 THB ($0.85 USD) per kilogram.
• Sample Laplae Durians and Local Fruit: Visit the orchards and roadside fruit stalls of Laplae during May and June to taste Longlaplae and Linlaplae durians, prized for their sweet, creamy flesh and subtle aroma, along with sweet langsat fruit in September.
• Cruise the Sirikit Dam Reservoir: Hire a chartered motorboat from the marina at Sirikit Dam for an excursion past forested islands, floating fish-farming rafts, and limestone cliffs along the Nan River basin.
• Observe the Atthamipucha Reenactment: Attend the week-long religious festival in late May or early June at Wat Phra Borom That Thung Yang to watch the ceremonial reenactment of the Buddha cremation, accompanied by traditional processions, merit-making rituals, and street markets.
• Discover Tai Yuan Weaving in Laplae: Visit weaving workshops in Ban Mon and the Laplae cultural center to watch local weavers operate traditional wooden handlooms, crafting complex geometric patterns into tin chok sarongs.

• Huen Lom Yen (Lom Yen Restaurant) (Highway 11, Tha Sae, Mueang Uttaradit) — Spacious garden restaurant set in traditional timber pavilions with antique decor. Serves northern and central Thai dishes including northern curry egg noodles (khao soi), fried Nan River fish with garlic, tom yum soup, and spicy pork dips (nam phrik ong). Mid-range (main dishes 80 THB–220 THB / $2.30–$6.30 USD).
• Mon Laplae (Laplae Road, Laplae District) — Established Lanna-style open-air restaurant and cafe set among shaded gardens on the route to Mae Phun Waterfall. Specializes in northern dishes, fresh herbal drinks, local Laplae noodle variations, and seasonal durian desserts. Mid-range (dishes 60 THB–180 THB / $1.70–$5.15 USD).
• Khao Phan Phak Indy (Laplae Town, Laplae District) — Renowned specialty eatery serving khao phan phak, a Laplae culinary staple made of thin steamed rice batter rolled around seasoned stir-fried morning glory, glass noodles, cabbage, and egg, dipped in spicy chili sauce. Budget (meals 30 THB–60 THB / $0.85–$1.70 USD).
• Ban Tak Ngern Restaurant (Phahonyothin-Tha It Road, Mueang Uttaradit) — Family-run local restaurant popular for regional central Thai cooking, signature three-color steamed rice, stir-fried spicy river fish (pad cha), and sour tamarind soups. Budget to mid-range (main dishes 70 THB–160 THB / $2–$4.60 USD).
• Leng Lueat Moo (Downtown Uttaradit, near morning market) — Busy morning breakfast shop known for clear pork bone soup with tender pork slices, minced pork balls, and coagulated pork blood cubes served with hot jasmine rice. Budget (bowls 40 THB–60 THB / $1.15–$1.70 USD).

• Hobby Hotel (14/19 Samran Ruean Road, Mueang Uttaradit) — Modern budget hotel located 1.5 kilometres from the city center. Features clean air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private balconies, a garden terrace, and off-street parking. Budget (standard double rooms 500 THB–750 THB / $14–$21 USD per night).
• Friday Hotel (172 Barom-Asana Road, Tha It, Mueang Uttaradit) — Central multi-story hotel located within walking distance of the clock tower and evening food stalls. Offers 122 air-conditioned rooms, on-site restaurants, a lounge, and event halls. Mid-range (standard double rooms 700 THB–1,100 THB / $20–$31 USD per night).
• Seeharaj Hotel (163 Barom-Asana Road, Tha It, Mueang Uttaradit) — Long-standing 3-star property in the city center featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, meeting rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Mid-range (standard and deluxe double rooms 750 THB–1,300 THB / $21–$37 USD per night).
• Baan Suan Palm Resort (Baansuan Palmsiri) (Pa Sao, Mueang Uttaradit, 5 km south of town) — Low-rise garden resort offering detached air-conditioned bungalows with private carports, manicured lawn surroundings, and inclusive breakfast. Mid-range (bungalows 800 THB–1,400 THB / $23–$40 USD per night).
• Sirikit Dam Guesthouses & Bungalows (Tha Pla District, 60 km northeast of town) — Government-run lakeside resort accommodation managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Offers scenic lakeside bungalows, a golf course, tennis courts, and a clubhouse restaurant. Mid-range (rooms and chalets 900 THB–2,200 THB / $26–$63 USD per night).

• Phitsanulok (105 km south via Highway 11): Historical lower-northern provincial hub on the Nan River, site of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and the venerated Phra Phutthachinnarat bronze Buddha, alongside the Chan Royal Palace historical center.
• Sukhothai (90 km southwest via Highway 102 and Highway 101): The ancient 13th-century first capital of Siam, featuring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park with dozens of preserved brick stupas, chedis, and royal palace foundations.
• Phrae (75 km north via Highway 11 and Highway 101): Traditional northern province known for its preserved teak mansions, including the 1892 Khum Chao Luang residence and Ban Wong Buri, as well as indigo tie-dye cotton workshops (mo hom) in Ban Thung Hong.
• Si Satchanalai (70 km west via Highway 102 and Highway 101): Satellite historic city of the Sukhothai kingdom along the Yom River, showcasing ancient temple ruins, laterite stupas, and celadon ceramic kiln excavations at Si Satchanalai Historical Park.
• Nan (190 km northeast via Highway 11 and Highway 101): Mountainous province bordering Laos, celebrated for Wat Phumin and its famous mural paintings, traditional longboat races on the Nan River, and scenic highland driving routes through Doi Phu Kha National Park.