Thailand Guides - Tak

Tak nestles in the river basin in the northwestern end of Thailand and has mountainous borders with Myanmar. The city has mountainous terrains with lush jungles boasting several adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, trekking and camping.

Overview

Founded over 800 years ago, Tak is considered one of the oldest towns in northern Thailand. The current name of the province derives from a Thai king who was a governor of the town. The king resurrected the Thai kingdom after it was sacked by Burmese army in 1767. Located about 426 kilometers from Bangkok, the province can be reached by car or a chartered flight to Umphang District, which is the location of Thailand’s arguably most beautiful waterfall Thee Lor Sue.

Attractions

Bhumibol Dam was built in 1958 and named after the current king’s name. It is the largest concrete dam in Thailand with a picturesque reservoir that expands to Chiangmai. From here, travellers go on an overnight ship that cruises along Mae Ping Lake up to the other end of the dam in Doi Tao District, Chiangmai.

About 80 kilometers from Tak city, the riverside town of Mae Sot is known for a market of gemstones, exotic foods, ethnic accessories that come from as far as China. Taksin Maharat National Park is located on the same route to Mae Sot. The park is home to a 150-feet tall tree – Thailand’s biggest tree- waterfalls and a stunning cave.

Umphang District is 164 kilometres south of Mae Sot. The scenic road leading to this district is at 1,200 metres above the sea level. It is the centre of ecotourism and adventure. The topography is mostly mountainous with lush forests, numerous rivers, caves and magnificent waterfalls - one of them is Thee Lor Sue. This waterfall expands 1,500 feet at its width and rises 900 feet above the ground. It is the world’s sixth largest waterfall and the biggest in Southeast Asia. It can be accessed by rafting and a 10- kilometre trek through a jungle trail. Several types of accommodations and trek shops are available in Umphang town.