From Uttaradit Province

A province in the Lower North, Uttaradit has a long history developing through the years since pre-history time. The site of original town, then called Bang Pho Tha It, was located on the right bank of the Nan river. It flourished as a port for goods transportation. As a result, King Rama V elevated its status into a province and re-named it Uttaradit, literally the port of the north.

Uttaradit covers an area of 7.838 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Tron, Lap Lae, Phichai, Tha Pla, Nam Pat, Fak Tha, Ban Khok and Thong Saen Khan.

Wat Thamma Thipatai

at In Chai Mi intersection is where the door panels of the large and ancient Wihan of Wat Phra Fang are kept. The panels, made of wood, measure 2.2 metre wide x 5.3 metre high. The carved design is of the graceful style of the Late Ayutthaya Period. They are rated as the second best such creation next only to those at Wat Suthat in Bangkok.

Wat Tha Thanon

Located in town on the Nan River bank is Wat Tha Thanon which houses Luang Pho Phet the principal Buddha statue of the Chiang Saen style and cast in bronze.

Wat Yai Tha Sao

To the east of town about three kilometres away on Samranrun Road is Wat Yai Tha Sao. It features an old Wihan with beautiful wood-carved door panels and lintels.

The Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Memorial

is installed in front of the town hall erected in honour of a hero. As governor of Muang Phichai (south of Uttaradit) about 200 years ago during the Thon Buri period, he valiantly fought with Burmese evaders until one of his swords broke in two. But he prevailed over them. Hence the sobriquet “Phichai of the Broken Sword”.

Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Hall

Once the official residence of the provincial governor, the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Hall houses important historical relics. A major item is the “Yan Mat” a carved wooden carrying pole made by Late Ayutthaya Period craftsmen.

Wat Klang

about three kilometres from Muang district at Tambon Ban Kae, is an old temple with beautiful plaster bas-reliefs over the Ubosot. lnside are rare wall murals of the Early Rattanakosin Period style depicting the Jataka and assemblage age of celestial beings.

Lap Lae District

can be reached from the provincial town by taking Highway No. 102, taking a right turn after about 3 kilometres onto Highway No. 1041 and continue on for a further 6 kilometres. The site was originally an ancient community during Ayutthaya Period. It served as a secret hide-out for people in Phrae and Nan who fled from enemy or calamity as its location was sandwiched in between mountains. Today Lap Lae is also a major producer of Langsat, the province’s famous fruit.

The Phra Si Phanommat Memorial

in Lap Lae district, commemorates a community leader who was highly respected by the townspeople. The Chinese-descended tax collector on alcohol products contributed tremendously to the development of the community and was rewarded with the rank of Phra Si Phanommat from King Rama V.

Wat Phra Thaen Sila Art

A little further from Wat Phra Yun, some 14 kilometres from is Wat Phra Thaen Sila Art. The major feature is the base of the sermon platform built with laterite. The square slab with pattern is believed to have been made during the Sukhothai Period.

Annual celebrations are held at the three temples in February.