Thailand Guides - Uttaradit

Once an important trading centre on the banks of the Nan River today Uttaradit is a sleepy provincial backwater attracting few visitors.

Overview

Uttaradit, meaning ‘northern port’ in reference to its forming importance as a trading centre, has a population of almost 200,000 and although the main railway line to Chiang Mai passes through the town, few alight here. Nevertheless, this quiet and unassuming town has a handful of modest attractions for visitors to explore and is a nice example of a medium-sized provincial Thai town untouched by tourism.

Attractions

The Uttaradit Cultural Centre displays a collection of various historical artifacts in a lovely old wooden building dating from the time of King Rama V.

The district of Lap Lae, six kilometres west of the town centre, is known for its outstanding natural beauty, old wooden houses and local craftsmen. In the past the area served as a secret hideout for people Phrae during periods of local conflict. Today, Lap Lae is home to a weaving cooperative and is also highly regarded for the cultivation of excellent durian and langsat fruit.

Some 68 kilometres from the town centre is the Queen Sirikit Dam. The 800 metre dam was built to hold back the Nan River and is now a popular attraction for local people at weekends. The dam is the largest in the country and forms a massive reservoir. During the cool season there are many flowers in bloom in the area. Accommodation is also available as are boating trips on the reservoir.