Uttaradit is one of those provinces that most tourists pass through (or over, by plane) without realizing it’s there, as there’s little of historical or cultural interest to detain them.
Of course this also means that it’s a good place to escape the tourist hordes, but there’s nothing much of interest in the town itself and few places worth visiting in the province as a whole.
Uttaradit Province sits in a valley created by the Nan River, and is surrounded by Nan, Phrae, Sukothai and Phitsanulok provinces, with Laos’s Xaignabouli province lying to its east. The Sirikit Dam lies close to the city of Uttaradit and not far away, the world’s biggest teak tree can be found at the beautiful Sak Yai Forest Park. The province is divided by the Phumieng Mountains, and includes the Lam Nam Nan, Phu Soi Dao and Klong Tron national parks.
One of the province’s few claims to fame is as the producer of two types of durian, longlaplae and linlaplae, which have all the yummy taste and texture of this delicious fruit, without the offensive smell.
Luring mainly Thai tourists as well as a smattering of foreign travelers, the provincial capital Uttaradit contains a handful of hotels, with home stay options dotted around the rest of the province. Uttaradit is well connected to the rest of the country by road.
Where to Go
- Sak Yai Forest Park: Home to the world’s largest teak tree, this park offers peaceful forest walks and a glimpse into Thailand’s natural heritage.
- Sirikit Dam: Thailand’s largest earth-filled dam, providing stunning lake views, recreational activities, and hydroelectric power generation.
- Uttaradit: A historic town known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional temples, and annual celebrations like the Phra Taen Sila At Festival.