Though it’s one of Thailand’s most picturesque provinces, Tak is rarely visited by foreign travelers. However, domestic visitors flock here, particularly in the cool season, to take a rafting trip to the country’s biggest waterfall - Thi Lor Su.
Besides this jaw-dropping sight, Tak Province is also home to Thailand’s biggest dam and a number of other natural attractions. It is the country’s second-biggest province, after Chiang Mai. Almost a quarter of the province’s population belongs to one of Thailand’s many hill tribes; the Karen, Hmong and Lahu (aka Muser) are particularly well represented here.
The provincial capital is a neat choice if you’d like to experience a typical rural Thai town without hordes of tourists around. The town is just the right size for an improvised stroll, with a bustling riverside market and promenade as well as some fine old wooden houses in the backstreets and a few decent hotels.
Mae Sod sees more foreigners, though most of these are working with NGOs helping displaced Burmese in nearby refugee camps. Located just a few kilometers from the border, the town has a diverse ethnic mix and a definite ‘wild west’ feel.
The tiny town of Umphang may host dozens of tour companies operating trips to Thi Lor Su Waterfall and other natural attractions in the area, but it’s still a sleepy village that’s pretty much dead after dark.
Tak Province is connected to Bangkok by road and Chiang Mai by road or air. It doesn’t provide the same wide range of facilities for foreign visitors that you’d find in more mainstream provinces like Chiang Mai, but there are plenty of places to eat and sleep, as well as welcoming and curious inhabitants, making it an inviting choice for adventurous travelers.
Where to Go
- Highland Farm and Gibbon Refuge: A sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation of gibbons, providing educational tours about wildlife conservation.
- Namtok Pha Charoen National Park: A park known for its picturesque multi-tiered waterfall, serene forest trails, and rich biodiversity.
- Taksin Maharat National Park: Features the famous Krabak tree, Thailand’s largest tree, along with scenic mountains and waterfalls.
- Umphang: A remote district offering access to breathtaking natural attractions like Thi Lo Su Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most impressive waterfalls.
- Bhumibol Dam: Thailand’s largest dam, offering stunning views, boat tours, and opportunities for fishing and relaxation.
- Doi Muser Hilltribe Market: A vibrant market run by the local hill tribe community, known for fresh produce, handicrafts, and unique local products.
- Lan Sang National Park: A national park with rugged mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, ideal for trekking and nature lovers.
- Mae Sot: A bustling border town with a rich cultural mix, known for its markets, temples, and as a gateway to Myanmar.
- Tak: A historic town on the Ping River, known for its traditional temples, cultural heritage, and the annual Loy Krathong Sai festival.
- Wat Phra Borommathat: An ancient temple housing a revered Buddha relic, known for its towering chedi and significant religious importance in the region.