Categories > Guides and Tips
Our Guide to Uthai Thani: How This Beautiful Province Will Sweep You Under Your Feet!
- Best Time to Visit Uthai Thani
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Uthai Thani from Bangkok
- Where to Stay in Uthai Thani
- Uthai Heritage Hotel
- Uthai Tara Hill Hotel
- Bann Numhom Resort
- Where to Eat in Uthai Thani
- Grandma’s Kitchen
- Sala Coke Restaurant
- U Bar Restaurant
- What to See and Do in Uthai Thani
- Visit Wat Tha Sung
- Explore Hup Pa Tat
- Check out Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri’s 449-step staircase
- Browse the stalls in Trok Rong Ya Walking Street
- Observe the animals in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cruise the Sakae Krang River
- Admire Wat Tham Khao Wong’s teakwood architecture
- Stop by Wat Uposatharam
- FAQs about Uthai Thani
I’ve always been drawn to places that offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. That’s why Uthai Thani, nestled between Nakhon Sawan and Kanchanaburi, quickly became one of my absolute favorites!
I still remember that time I stumbled upon the Crystal Temple. Its lavish glass hall was like something out of a dream. And the nature trail at Hup Pa Tat? It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Inspired by my unforgettable experiences, I created this travel guide to help you discover the hidden gems of Uthai Thani. Read on to see why this province has something to offer every traveler!
Best Time to Visit Uthai Thani
The best time to visit Uthai Thani is between November and January to enjoy the best weather conditions. During these months, the province enjoys a cool and dry season, so expect comfortable daily temperatures and little to no rainfall.
This means you can explore and make the most of Uthai Thani’s famous attractions from dawn to dusk.
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Uthai Thani, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Phitsanulok Airport (175 km)
How to Get to Uthai Thani from Bangkok
Bus: The best way to get to Uthai Thani from Bangkok is via a three-hour bus ride which starts at the Mochit Bus Terminal. This terminal has Transport Company buses departing for Uthai Mai in Uthai Thani’s town center.
Taxi: Another option is to book a private taxi from Bangkok. It’s more expensive but can also take you directly to Uthai Thani in about three hours. You can also book taxis in Bangkok using the Grab or Bolt app.
Rental Car: Tourists with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit can also rent and self-drive a car from Bangkok to Uthai Thani. This also takes approximately three hours but you have more freedom to make stops during the trip.
From Bangkok, head north via Sirat Expressway and Udon Ratthaya Expressway and exit at Bang Pa-in Toll Plaza. Afterward, turn right to Highway 9, turn left to Highway 347, turn left to Highway 32, and continue until you reach Luang Pho O Junction.
Finally, continue north via Highway 1 and turn left to Highway 333 until you reach Uthai Thani Town.
Where to Stay in Uthai Thani
Uthai Heritage Hotel
Media from uthaiheritage
Address: 5 Soi 11, Si Uthai Road, Uthai Mai
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 82 623 9426
Website: https://www.uthaiheritage.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
Uthai Heritage Hotel is a highly-rated hotel in the heart of Uthai Thani Town. It’s known for its classy rustic industrial interior and spacious warm-toned rooms with multiple beds, sitting areas, and en-suite bathrooms.
Some rooms also have bunk beds, perfect for families or group travelers. This hotel used to be a private school, so you’ll also notice how it kept the school-style designs in its architecture and furnishings.
They also have a massive outdoor pool with numerous sunbeds and parasols, perfect for lazing around during the day.
Uthai Tara Hill Hotel
Media credit: chahal_singh_amrit
Address: 300 Moo 2, Sakae Krang Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 86 400 4445
Website: http://www.facebook.com/UthaitaraHill
Pricing: ฿฿
Uthai Tara Hill Hotel is a peaceful hideaway in Uthai Thani. It’s tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, so it’s great for tourists who value their privacy and prefer to avoid touristy areas.
We particularly like the large glass windows and balconies in their airy modern rooms because they give you a stunning garden view. Some rooms are also spacious so you get multiple beds and a separate living area, perfect for families.
If you’re on a tight budget, they also offer their older rooms for a cheaper price.
Bann Numhom Resort
Media credit: ying_maneephan
Address: 4/2, Thap Than, Thap Than District
Operating Hours: 1 p.m. (Check-in) & 11:30 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 86 603 1122
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063616778788
Pricing: ฿
Bann Numhom Resort is a popular choice for families who frequent Uthai Thani. Their sizable unpretentious rooms can accommodate up to five guests and are equipped with all the essential and modern amenities.
This property also has a vast outdoor space for guests who like to picnic or camp in tents. You can also enjoy other activities like cycling and table tennis.
There’s also an on-site restaurant so you’re covered for food and drinks.
Where to Eat in Uthai Thani
Grandma’s Kitchen
Media credit: nanny.fit
Address: 293 Moo 2, Nam Suem, Mueang District
Operating Hours:
- 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Tuesday – Saturday)
- 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 81 043 5419
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kruakunyay/
Pricing: ฿฿
Grandma’s Kitchen is a popular riverside restaurant in Uthai Thani. Its unpretentious open-air dining area provides a nice view of the Sakae Krang River and its menu offers a fresh selection of seafood dishes.
Their best-sellers are tom yum pla, tod mun pla, and deep-fried fish with herbs. If you don’t like seafood, you can also opt for their Thai meat and vegetable dishes.
Sala Coke Restaurant
Media credit: djsushiman
Address: 60 Tha Sung 2, Tha Sung Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 56 502 555
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Salacokefood/
Pricing: ฿฿
Sala Coke Restaurant is a chic food spot known for its charming open-air garden dining area. This place also excels at authentic Thai seafood, so expect their dishes to have intense flavors that locals enjoy.
Our favorites are the deep-fried gourami and tod mun pla. Their tod mun pla, in particular, has a nice bouncy texture, is well seasoned, and pairs well with its Thai sweet chili dipping sauce.
U Bar Restaurant
Media credit: mukkarin2008
Address: 121 Si Nam Suem, Uthai Mai
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 99 276 1444
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ubaruthai/
Pricing: ฿฿
U Bar Restaurant is a popular drinking spot in Uthai Thani, but it’s also a must-visit if you crave good Thai food. Some must-tries include shrimp fried rice, crispy fried pork, and Thai basil chicken.
We also like their wide selection of Thai craft beers and imported beers. They also play live music during the dinner service, so it’s great for those who enjoy listening to loud tunes while eating or drinking out.
This place is also usually packed on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s best to book a table beforehand when visiting on these days.
What to See and Do in Uthai Thani
Visit Wat Tha Sung
Media credit: a_endless_journey
Address: Nam Suem
Operating Hours:
- 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 56 502 655
Website: http://watthasung.com/
Wat Tha Sung is a massive temple complex that’s worth visiting because it’s arguably the most important religious site in Uthai Thani. It’s two stunning Buddhist structures, the Crystal Temple and the Golden Castle, are must-visits.
The Crystal Temple is popular for its spacious and prestigious main hall adorned with shimmering mirrored glass, crystal, and gold structures and ornaments. This includes the hall’s pillars, ceiling, shrines, and Buddha images.
Meanwhile, the Golden Castle is one of Thailand’s most picturesque architecture. It sports a gilded multi-spired design adorned with intricate Thai patterns and a distinct main spire housing a giant standing Buddha image.
Explore Hup Pa Tat
Media credit: ggiiggsarin
Address: Thung Na Ngam, Lan Sak District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5651 4651
Admission Costs:
- 400 baht (Adults)
- 200 baht (Kids)
If you enjoy exploring nature, you’ll certainly love Hup Pa Tat. This nature-rich attraction in Uthai Thani is frequented for its lush tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs, caves, and unusual wildlife.
Its main nature trail has concrete pathways, stairs, and handrails so it’s easy to explore, especially for casual travelers. But we like how these structures blend well with the natural setting, so you’re not compromising for comfort’s sake.
The most popular site within the trail is a dark cave called “Tunnel of Time.” Here, you can expect to see unique stalactite and stalagmite formations and rare species like the shocking pink dragon millipede known to appear after the wet season.
Check out Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri’s 449-step staircase
Media credit: laksupalak
Address: 125 Moo 3, Nam Suem
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5651 1598
If you love Buddhist temples as much as you like sightseeing, Wat Sangkat Ratana Khiri is definitely a must-see. Its most notable feature is a sweeping 449-step staircase along the Khao Sakae Krang Hill which connects its upper and lower sections.
The temple’s upper section is the most popular among devotees and tourists. There, you’ll find a stunning pavilion with a tiered roof, an elongated spire, and a sacred bronze bell that locals say every visitor in Uthai Thani should ring at least once.
This pavilion enshrines a replica of Buddha’s footprints, so expect most of the visitors to come here to pay their respects. Oh, and this upper section also offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Uthai Thani’s town center.
Browse the stalls in Trok Rong Ya Walking Street
Media credit: vanca
Address: Maha Rat Alley, Uthai Mai
Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Saturday)
Trok Rong Ya Walking Street is a lively Saturday night market in Uthai Thani. It’s packed with street stalls selling a broad range of products, from handicrafts to accessories, fresh produce, street foods, and more.
You’ve got to try out the pork satay, fried quail eggs on a stick, and khanom bueang here!
You’ll also find many vintage shops and restaurants along this busy street. There’s also an opium museum in case you want to learn more about the infamous opium dens that flourished in the area during the past.
Observe the animals in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Media credit: zach_macdonald86
Address: Rabam, Lan Sak District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 65 480 1138
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688738437
Admission Costs:
- 200 baht (Adults)
- 100 baht (Kids)
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers, and it’s definitely worth checking out because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its lush forests are home to a diverse range of animals.
If you love animal spotting, the common sightings to expect include green peafowls, bantengs, hornbills, and wild boars.
But more experienced and patient animal spotters may also see numerous rare species. Think Indochinese tigers, clouded leopards, wild water buffalos, and sun bears.
This sanctuary also has a watchtower, perfect if you only want to watch animals and avoid the tiresome nature exploration.
Cruise the Sakae Krang River
Media credit: nukkyway
Address: Nam Suem
Operating Hours: 24/7
A trip to Uthai Thani won’t be complete without cruising the Sakae Krang River. It’s a vital lifeline for most of the locals, so you’ll see numerous floating houses along or in the middle of the river.
The most popular boat tour in town is in Wat Tha Sung Pier and it only costs 50 baht. There’s also a spot along the dock where locals feed hordes of giant Mekong catfish which is definitely a must-see.
Admire Wat Tham Khao Wong’s teakwood architecture
Media credit: tannerjperiod
Address: Ban Rai, Ban Rai District
Operating Hours:
- 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Saturday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 87 845 7163
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064286905773
Wat Tham Khao Wong is a stunning teakwood temple with an Ayutthayan architectural style. It resembles an elegant traditional multi-story Thai house, so it feels like you’re visiting a resort rather than a Buddhist temple.
We also like how it’s surrounded by a lush forest, lake, and landscaped garden, making it one of Uthai Thani’s most Instagrammable spots. Also, behind the temple is a stair leading to a cave system where the monks meditate.
Stop by Wat Uposatharam
Media credit: amjourneyer
Address: Sakae Krang
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 91 839 6425
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WatUbosatharam/
Wat Uposatharam is a serene old temple along the Sakae Krang River. It’s best known for the detailed murals within its ubosot and main temple hall dating back to the Rattanakosin Period.
These paintings depict various scenes, from Lord Buddha’s past lives to his lectures to the deities and his journey to enlightenment. This temple complex also has many unique structures.
This includes an octagonal mondop with Thai and Western stucco designs, a hexagonal chedi, a Thai-style pavilion with stucco reliefs on its gable, and a floating ubosot built during King Rama V’s reign.