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Phrae Province in Northern Thailand

It's fair to say Phrae province is awash with interesting cultural sites for foreign visitors to experience. This is one reason why it holds the reputation of being known as "The Gate of Lanna East".

This section covers everything you need to know for a memorable trip to this overlooked and relatively unexplored region in the upper north of Thailand.

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Phrae

Situated in the valley of the Yom River, the sleepy province of Phrae is straddled by two mountain ranges.

It has the Phi Nam mountain range in the west (running from north to south) and the 400 km long Phleung Range in the east.

Our Thailand provinces list shows Phrae situated in the upper north of the kingdom.

It shares its borders with five of the 76 provinces, including Phayao in the north, Nan to the east, Uttaradit in the southeast, Sukhothai to the south, and Lampang in the west.

The distance from Bangkok to Mueang Phrae by road is 563 kilometres (via Route 11) and it will take around eight (8) hours.

Different Ways of Getting to Phrae Province

It is an excellent destination for foreign visitors who want to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. But, before you jump in the car and set off, here's some helpful information about Phrae province - especially for day-trippers and foreign visitors.

In fact, Phrae is well-connected to other northern provinces in Thailand. But, most visitors take the long-distance buses from the Thai capital Bangkok. A bus journey from Bangkok can take up to ten (10) hours to the town of Phrae.
The main railway station for Phrae Province is Den Chai, which is connected to the main northern train line. It is a Class 1 railway station and about twenty (20) kilometres from the centre of town in the main district.
The nearest flight terminal is in Lampang Airport (LPT), about eighty (80) kilometres away. From there, you can either take a public bus or a private taxi to the hotspots in Phrae town.

Note: Another section contains more information about Thailand airports and some of the most popular domestic flying routes.

Cultural Highlights in Phrae Province

Phrae is a charming province in northern Thailand known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and authentic Thai atmosphere.

The region also has a multitude of traditional Lanna architecture, including wooden houses, colonial-style mansions, and historic buildings.

Visitors also enjoy unique local festivals, especially the annual Phra That Cho Hae Pilgrimage and Songkran (the celebration for Thai New Year).

Some of the typical examples of famous architectural landmarks and proud heritage in this region include:

Wat Phra That Cho Hae is a stunning hilltop temple with a golden chedi, one of the most sacred sites in the province.
Wat Chom Sawan
Khum Wong Buri
Khum Chao Luang

If you're heading to any of the northern Thailand provinces, Phae Muang Phi (a natural phenomenon of soil and sandstone) should be on your bucket list.

Phrae Natural Attractions

Vongburi House is a beautifully preserved teak mansion showcasing the area's traditional architecture and history.
Khum Wong Buri and Khum Chao Luang
Doi Pha Klong National Park is an ideal spot for hiking and enjoying the refreshing waterfalls.
Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park is an area known for its unusual sandstone formations that resemble a "ghost town."
Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri and Wat Phra That Cho Hae.
Mae Yom National Park is an area known for its scenic beauty, especially the Kaeng Sua Ten rapids on the Yom River.

Local Cuisine in Phrae

The meal known as Khao Soi contains creamy curry noodles (typical of northern Thai dishes).
Nam Prik Ong and Nam Prik Noom are made with northern Thai chili dips served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiao is another favourite that contains rice noodles with a spicy tomato-based broth.

Helpful Tips for Foreign Visitors

For the most part, the best months to visit Phrae province are the months of the cool season in Thailand (e.g. November through to the end of February).

Common and inexpensive transportation used to get around the town includes "songthaews" (a shared taxi service) and bicycles.

Of course, Thai is the primary language. Nonetheless, some of the local residents speak basic English. Even so, learning a few of the essential Thai phrases can be handy.

Always respect the local traditions, culture, and customs, especially when visiting temples (e.g. dress modestly).

In Summary

Phrae offers an authentic glimpse into northern Thai culture without the crowds of the popular destinations, such as Chiang Mai or Phetchabun.

Hence, it's an ideal getaway destination for travelers seeking tranquility, cultural exploration, and natural beauty.