Lying on the vast area in the valley of the Nan River, 491 km from Bangkok, Uttaradit is a naturally picturesque town. The province covers the area of 7,838 sq km and consists of 9 Amphoes, including Muang, Tha Pla, Tron, Nam Pat, Pichai, Fak Tha, Lap Lae, Thong Saen Khan and Ban Khok.
Uttaradit, translated “The Port of the North”, has a long history of commercial importance dating back to pre-historic period. Its name was given by King Chulalongkorn. In the past, people could get in only by water transport and it became a main port and center for products exchange between the north and the south. About 96 years ago, when King Chulolongkorn had a river journey to this region, he established Uttaradit Province.
Nowadays, it becomes a beautiful city with diverse unspoilt points attractive to nature lovers and trekkers as The Queen Sirikit Dam, a 250 sq km artificial lake, is the world’s largest teak tree; the Big Teak Tree Forest Park in Nam Pat district hosts the world’s largest teak tree, etc. The province also contains a lot of major historical sites as Wiang Chao Ngo, Muang Thung Yang, Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, known for their Lankan-style stupa; many old temples offer the greaceful decorative art as Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, Wat Phra Non Buddha Saiyet, Wat Phra Yun Buddha Bat Yukhon and Reclining Buddha Temple, etc.
In addition, Uttaradit offers a wide range of attractions, including cultural and historical sites as Monumet of Phraya Phichai Dap Hak, Uttaradit Cultural Centre, Sila At Bedstead, Wat PhraYun Buddha BhatYukhon monastery, Phra Boromthat Chedi pagoda, etc and natural attractions as Namtok Mae Phun waterfall, Sirikit Dam with beautiful sceneries for sightseeing, Ton Sak Yai or Big Teak Tree Forest Park, etc. Tourists can also come to visit Nam Phi village to witness the process of making steel swords which don’t rust and see the lifestyle also the customs of the people here.
With a lot of natural and historical attractions, Uttaradit is wothy to become a popular destination and an ideal place for those who want to have a perfect holiday for them simply to relax or explore the new land with new things and people.