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Ultimate Guide to Uttaradit: Why the Home of the World’s Biggest Teak Tree is a Must-Visit!

| Last Updated: October 2024

Nothing’s better than hiding away at an off-the-beaten-path destination to enjoy a relaxing holiday far from the crowds of tourists. That’s why Uttaradit is a mainstay on my list of places to visit when planning a northern Thailand trip.

For one, whenever I need serious me-time, I always find solace in Phu Soi Dao National Park’s serene landscapes. There, a chilling sea of mist wakes you in time to witness the gorgeous rising sun—a stimulating welcome to another happy day.

But it becomes interesting here: Uttaradit is more than just a glorified camper’s paradise. Read on as we list everything this hidden gem has to offer, from the biggest teak tree on the planet to cultural experiences—sans the crowd noise.

Best Time to Visit Uttaradit

The best time to visit Uttaradit is between late November and early February. During this time, you’ll enjoy the cooler months of the province’s dry season which is ideal if you plan to do plenty of sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking or camping.

However, Uttaradit is one of the hotter places in Thailand, so you might need to limit your adventures to mornings and afternoons to avoid the hot temperatures in midday. 

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Northern Thai, Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Uttaradit, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Sukhothai Airport (95 km)

How to Get to Uttaradit

Bus: The best way to get to Uttaradit from Bangkok is to board a provincial bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. There, you’ll find Nakhonchai Air bus carriers offering direct trips to Uttaradit Town via Phitsanulok.

Bus tickets are affordable and the trip only takes between 6 to 7 hours.

Train: A cheaper option is to ride a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Uttaradit Railway Station. This train ride takes approximately 8 hours so we recommend taking the night train departing at 9:20 p.m.

This way, you can sleep through the entire journey and arrive at Uttaradit Town at around 5 a.m. Just know that ticket prices for first-class or second-class sleeper seats may be more expensive than bus tickets.

Oh, and it’s best to buy your ticket at the train station because it’s significantly cheaper than tickets sold online.

Where to Stay in Uttaradit

Ton Thong Resort Hotel

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Address: 123/9 Moo 5, Sri Chawang Road, Ban Ko
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 83 623 7117
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063954997039
Pricing: ฿

Ton Thong Resort Hotel is one of the more accessible and budget-friendly hotels in the heart of Uttradit’s town center. It has an outdoor pool and in-house massage services, making it a great choice for winding down.

Its convenient location gives you quick access to the town’s train station and some nice local attractions like Wat Phra Brommathat Thung Yang and Nong Phra Lae Public Park. 

Staying here also gets you a spacious room with the essential modern amenities. They also have large family rooms that can accommodate up to 4 guests. 

Friday Hotel

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Address: 172 Borom At Road, Tha It
Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 55 832 776
Website: http://www.fridayhotel.com/
Pricing: ฿

Friday Hotel is the ideal choice for shopping addicts. This hotel is connected to the Friday Department Store, so staying here gives you easy access to the numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops selling a broad range of products.

It’s also one of the taller buildings in Uttaradit, so expect a stunning view of the town center from its vibrant minimalist rooms. This place is also known for its gorgeous Japanese-style private tatami rooms.

Here, you can have karaoke sessions and indulge in a variety of Japanese food.

Areena Resort Hotel Uttaradit

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Address: 119/5 Samranruen Road, Tha It
Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 55 414 939
Website: http://www.facebook.com/areenaresortuttaradit
Pricing: ฿

Areena Resort Hotel Uttaradit is a classic hotel known for its traditional Thai-style architecture. This gorgeous estate also has a lush tropical garden filled with trees, colorful flowers, and topiary plants.

Its spacious rooms feature rustic and concrete interiors equipped with the usual modern amenities. Book one of their select rooms with a private balcony for a stunning garden view!

Where to Eat in Uttaradit

Lom Yen Thai Restaurant and Cafe

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Address: 173 Moo 5, 148/1 11, Pa Sao
Operating Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 99 635 5141
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Lomyenfood/
Pricing: ฿

Lom Yen Thai Restaurant and Cafe is a local food haunt known for its charming rustic interior. It also has a stunning open-air dining area with a relaxing view of its tree-lined garden, artificial koi pond, and numerous small traditional Thai buildings.

This restaurant serves a wide range of Thai dishes, pastries, and drinks. Its signature dishes include gaeng hung lay, massaman curry, panang curry, steamed tilapia with herbs, and more.

For dessert, the top pick is their classic mango sticky rice. But sweet-toothed guests will also appreciate the restaurant’s variety of cutesy donuts and cake slices.

Baan Tienhom Restaurant

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Address: 14/7 Moo 5, Highway 11, Uttaradit-Phitsanulok Pa Sao
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 64 569 2824
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Baantienhom
Pricing: ฿฿

Baan Tienhom Restaurant is a trendy restaurant known for its chic indoor dining area and vibrant alfresco garden dining area. It also has an extensive menu focusing on classic Thai and Western-style dishes.

Its bestselling menu items include gaeng phed gai, pad Thai, stir-fried seafood with basil, and shrimp fried rice. This place also serves a nice selection of drinks, from lattes to smoothies, Italian sodas, Thai teas, and more. 

You can also try their value-for-your-money four-course meal that only costs 699 baht!

Seawerr Coffee & Bakery

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Address: 205/9 Ban Ko, Tha It
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 86 734 4199
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063801370630
Pricing: ฿฿

Seawerr Coffee & Bakery is a modern cafe in the heart of Uttaradit Town. Its biggest draw is its tranquil open-air garden dining area with colorful potted flowers, hanging plants, and a small artificial fountain pond.

This cafe specializes in coffees and pastries but its menu also includes a wide variety of Thai dishes. Its most popular dishes include tom yum nam sai, braised pork leg, stir-fried squid with salted egg, and more.

Their signature Americano is also a solid vegan-friendly coffee because it’s made with fresh coconut milk.

What to See and Do in Uttaradit

Set up a stargazing camp at the Phu Soi Dao National Park

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Address: Huai Mun, Nam Pat District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 95 629 9528
Website: https://www.facebook.com/phusoidao07/
Admission Costs: 

  • 400 baht (Adults)
  • 200 baht (Kids)

Phu Soi Dao National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Covering areas of Uttaradit and Phitsanulok, this vast nature reserve is popular among campers and trekkers because of its lush jungle trails, stunning landscapes, and thick sea of fog.

The park’s nature trails will also lead you to several streams, waterfalls, flower fields, and mountain viewpoints. This includes Phu Soi Dao Waterfall, Sai Thip Waterfall, and Phu Soi Dao Pinus Kesiya Field.

It’s also frequented for its tranquil camping grounds where most visitors go to stargaze and take breathtaking starlight photographs. There are bathrooms and shower rooms as well, so you’re covered for basic hygiene.

Stop by the Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument

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Address: Pracha Nimit Road, Tha It
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 5541 1977

Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument, also known as the Lord Phichai of the Broken Sword Memorial, is an important landmark in the heart of Uttaradit Town. This memorial honors the heroism of Lord Phichai who fought against the Burmese invaders in 1773.

During the ensuing battle, he continued to fight valiantly even after one of his swords broke. Locals visit this memorial to pay their respects and offer flower garlands.

Don’t forget to check out the small museums near the memorial to learn more about  Lord Phichai. They also have exhibits showcasing Uttaradit’s history and a nice collection of ancient weapons and tools.

Check out the Laplae City Gate and Museum

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Address: 1041, Si Phanommat, Laplae District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 55 431 076

The Laplae City Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Uttaradit Province, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you like taking architectural photos. It’s also next to the Laplae Museum so it’s an ideal destination for history buffs.

The museum is amid a serene tree-lined estate with lush green lawns, topiary plants, and numerous statues. You’ll also find many traditional Thai houses with exhibits featuring the local culture and way of life.

Some buildings also have displays of ancient tools and instruments. The museum’s information boards are written in Thai so be sure to bring a translation app or hire a local guide.

Soak in the breathtaking view of the Sirikit Dam

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Address: 40, Pha Lueat, Tha Pla District
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 55 461 134
Website: https://www.facebook.com/EGATSK?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Sirikit Dam is one of the best viewpoints in Uttaradit. This place offers a breathtaking view of the Nan River and the vast Sirikit Lake that formed after the dam’s construction.

There’s also a public park with colorful flower beds, a suspension bridge, a Buddhist shrine, and eateries. Visitors can also rent bicycles around the park and ride a boat across the dam’s lake.

Explore Ton Sak Yai National Park

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Address: Nam Khai, Nam Pat District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 64 554 6007
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TonSakYai.NP?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Admission Costs:

  • 100 baht (Adults)
  • 50 baht (Kids)

Ton Sak Yai National Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction. This place is home to the world’s largest teak tree, so every tourist visiting Uttaradit should see it at least once.

However, the upper portion of this 1,500-year-old tree was cut off during a terrible storm. Still, it stands at approximately 37 meters tall with a massive 10-meter girth.

It’s also said to grow an average of 1.2 centimeters annually thanks to the efforts of the park’s maintenance team.

Stroll around Wat Phra Thaen Sila At

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Address: Thung Yang, Laplae District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 81 040 0064

Wat Phra Thaen Sila At is an ancient temple known for its unique architecture. It’s best known for its rectangular laterite platform adorned with sacred lotus petals which is believed to date back to the Chiangsaen Period.

Local legends say this platform is where the Lord Buddha ate his food after he visited the nearby Tung Yung Town. It’s also the only structure that survived when the temple’s mondop and wihan burned down due to a forest fire in 1908.

The temple was later restored under King Rama V’s orders. Now, it also has a museum with exhibits of northern Thai art, antique tools, local handicrafts, and more.

Visit Wat Phra Brommathat Thung Yang

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Address: 85/1, Thung Yang, Laplae District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Wat Phra Brommathat Thung Yang is a valuable religious site for the local devotees in Uttaradit. Its main feature is a round Singhalese-style pagoda sitting on top of three square platforms.

There’s also a grand wihan that enshrines the temple’s principal Buddha image Luang Pho To. This revered statue is said to grant wishes so locals come here to ask for its blessings.

It also has an outdoor shrine with a massive golden Buddha in Nirvana. This sleeping Buddha image is adorned with a Naga railing and accompanied by another large Buddha statue and numerous smaller statues. 

FAQs about Uttaradit

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