A hike to Lan Son, a waterfall with five tiers, and traditional weaving: Uttaradit combines experiences in nature with places where you can discover regional history and culture.
Hiking and National Parks
Phu Soi Dao National Park extends across Nam Pat District in Uttaradit Province and Chat Trakan District in Phitsanulok Province. At Phu Soi Dao, visitors can hike to Lan Son, 1,633 metres above sea level. Phu Soi Dao Waterfall offers a different natural setting: it has five tiers and is near the national park headquarters. Together, they offer contrasting natural highlights: a named hiking destination at altitude and a multi-tiered waterfall.
Lam Nam Nan National Park is also defined by its landscape, with rugged mountain ranges and well-preserved, lush forests. Sirikit Reservoir is another destination for activities on the water; it has numerous islands and is suitable for rafting and scenic boat trips. Nature-watching boat trips, kayaking and fishing are also offered at the reservoir or enjoyed by visitors. Each activity offers a different focus, from a nature-watching trip to time spent on the water.
Reservoir, Bridge and Notable Natural Landmarks
Sirikit Dam is in Tha Pla District and is Thailand’s largest earth-fill dam. The Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge at the dam is a suspension bridge over the Nan River. It offers another distinctive landmark in this part of the region; its form and the river crossing set it apart from activities on the reservoir.
In Nam Pat District, Ton Sak Yai National Park is home to the largest living teak tree discovered to date anywhere in the world. The tree is approximately 1,500 years old, up to 47 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 10.22 metres at breast height. Part of its crown has broken off naturally. These measurements give the site a tangible sense of scale, while the natural break is also part of the tree’s recorded appearance.
Ironworking and Cultural Heritage
In Nam Phi, two prominent iron wells are named Phra Saeng and Phra Khan. Historically, they are associated with iron used for royal swords. The Nam Phi Iron Well Museum introduces visitors to traditional iron-smelting and sword-forging techniques. The wells and the museum offer different points of interest: the wells are named places with a historical connection, while the museum presents the craft techniques.
In Lap Lae, traditional Tin-Jok weaving has been passed down for many generations. Also in this district, the Mae Mai Widow Monument commemorates the virtues of the widows of Lap Lae as recounted in legend; it is an important local attraction. Long Lap Lae, in turn, is a local durian variety from the district. Together, the weaving tradition, monument and local fruit offer different insights into Lap Lae’s cultural identity, though they do not represent the same kind of visitor experience.
One architectural destination is Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang in Ban Thung Yang, in Thung Yang Subdistrict of Lap Lae District. The temple has a traditional Lanna viharn with a three-tiered roof and old murals depicting the story of Phra Sang Thong. The building’s design and its narrative murals offer two specific ways to appreciate the area’s cultural heritage. The monument to Phraya Phichai Dab Hak stands in front of the Uttaradit Provincial Hall and adds another named cultural landmark to these sites.
Choose accommodation based on your travel interests
When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on hiking at Phu Soi Dao, the scenery and activities at Sirikit Reservoir, or the cultural sites in Nam Phi and Lap Lae. The locations mentioned span several districts, including Nam Pat, Tha Pla and Lap Lae. This lets you choose hotels based on your own travel plans, rather than assuming that different places can be combined into a single day’s itinerary without checking first.
Other areas of Uttaradit: Amphoe Mueang Uttaradit, Muang Chet Ton, Tha It, Fai Luang, Ban Khok.
Discover more destinations: Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ang Thong.
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