Home › Information Diving › Thailand Vacation Guide › North › Uttaradit

Uttaradit Province in Northern Thailand

A journey to Uttaradit province should include the popular landmarks dotted around the district and the esteemed stone pillars.

This guide features everything you need to know for a memorable trip to this overlooked and mostly undiscovered region in the north of Thailand.

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Uttaradit

Our list of Thailand provinces shows Uttaradit situated in the Nan River valley in the upper north of the kingdom.

It shares its borders with four of the 76 Thailand provinces, being:

Nan province in the far north
Phrae province to the northwest
Sukhothai province to the west
Phitsanulok province in the south

The distance from Bangkok to Uttaradit by road is 488 kilometres (via Route 11) and it takes around six (6) hours to complete the journey.

Besides tourism, Uttaradit is famous for Laplae City Gate and its historical significance, local cuisine (e.g. a spicy jungle curry known as "Kaeng Pae"), along with the natural beauty of several national parks.

While you are there, the locals might persuade you to sample some of the regional products, especially the candy, langsat fruit (Lansium parasiticum), and one of the thirty recognised species of Durio (aka Durian).

But wait - there's more:

The province of Uttaradit hosts an annual celebration in September called the Langsat Festival. It's an opportunity for residents and tourists to celebrate this special fruit.

Pro Tip: The Laplae district of Uttaradit is known for one of the oldest and most delicious varieties of durian king of fruits, called "Long Laplae". It is small, sweet, and juicy with less of the traditional "pungent" smell.

Uttaradit Travel Guide

Despite being one of the lesser-known tourist attractions, the area combines a mix of history, natural beauty, and local charm.

For the most part, the best time of year to visit Uttaradit City is November through to the end of February. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing trips.

Tourist Attractions

Queen Sirikit Dam: You can visit the biggest earth dam in Thailand (250 km² of artificial lake) located about 45 kilometres north of the city. This embankment dam on the Nan River is a serene place for sightseeing, enjoying a leisurely boat trip, and for picnicking.
Phu Soi Dao National Park: Enjoy a day out trekking in pine forests with stunning mountain scenery. The area also contains two superb waterfalls (Saithip Waterfall and Phu Soi Dao Waterfall) and fields full of colourful wildflowers (e.g. the purple Siam tulip or "Dok Krachiao").
In ancient times, Uttaradit was once known as the "port of the north" and a key trade route between Laos and northern Thailand. Hence, there are many important Buddhist temples with historical significance, including:
- Wat Phra Thaen Sila At Shrine (a key location during the reign of King Rama V)
- Wat Phra Borommathat Thungyang
- Wat Tha Thanon
- Wat Don Sak
- Wat Phra Yuen Phutthabat Yukhon
Si Nophamat Market: The local markets and the provincial market are the best places to buy fresh produce, unique Thai candies, and unique local souvenirs and crafts.
Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument (made from teak and commemorates a local hero who fought against Burmese invaders).
Lap Lae District: Apart from the delicious durian, this charming old town is famous for local legends, teak forests, and traditional Thai wooden houses.

National Parks

Lam Nam Nan National Park
Phu Soi Dao National Park
Ton Sak Yai National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Lam Nam Nan Fang Khwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Mae Charim Wildlife Sanctuary
Nam Pat Wildlife Sanctuary
Phu Miang–Phu Thong Wildlife Sanctuary

Getting to Uttaradit Province

The nine (9) major districts (Amphoe) of Uttaradit are:

Mueang Uttaradit
Tron
Tha Pla
Nam Pat
Fak Tha
Ban Khok
Phichai
Laplae
Thong Saen Khan

One of the most scenic ways to visit Uttaradit from central Thailand is by train. The Thai railway train map shows the routes and connections from Bangkok.

An alternate method is by bus. The public buses run from Mo Chit Terminal in Bangkok and usually take seven (7) hours.

After you arrive in the city there are several easy options for getting around using the local transport, including shared taxis (Songthaews) and motorbike rentals.