Phrae

Phrae

Phrae is the town of the famous Cho Hae Buddha's relics and Phae Muang Phi, the site of Muang Song, as mentioned in the literature 'Lilit Phra Lo'. It has an overall area of 6,538.6 square kilometers and is located 551 kms. from Bangkok. It is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes: Muang, Rong Kwang, Long, Wang Chin, Song, Sung Men, Den Chai and Nong Muang Kai.

What to see and what to do in Phrae?

Phrathat Cho Hae is located at Tambon Pa Daeng, 9 kms. from Phrae town. It is coated with thin Dok Buab gold sheet, having the height of 33 meters, width of each side of the base of 10 meters. The name Cho Hae is derived from a grade of satin, woven from Sib Song Panna Kingdom, wrapped around the pagoda by the villagers as an offering. An annual fair worshipping the pagoda takes place on the middle of the fourth lunar month of every year.

Wat Phra That Chom Chaeng is 3 kms beyond Phra That Cho Hae in Tambon Pa Daeng about 10 kms. from the city. The Wat is believed to be a shrine where Buddha's hair is kept. There is also a museum where various kinds of rare artifacts are displayed.

Wat Luang, Wat Phra Non and Wat Phra Non are located in Soi 1 on Kam Lu Road. Wat Luang is one of the oldest Wats believed to be the same age as the city of Phrae. The significant properties in this Wat include Phra That Luang Chai Chang Kham, a chedi of Chiang Saen style, Phra Chao Saen Luang , a Buddha image, and a museum where Phrae's antiques are collected. On Phra Non Nua Road near Wat Luang is Wat Phra Non where there is a Vihan (an image hall) with a beautifully carved pediment in Lanna Thai designs.

Wat Chom Sawan is located about one kilometer from the provincial hall on Yantrakitkoson Road in Tambon Thung Kwao. This monastery in Thai Yai style of the Burmese is constructed of wood. The building was used as the bat, vihara and monk residence at the same time. Inner decorations are elaborate carved wood inlaid with colorful glass. Art objects of the monastery include Luang Pho San, a bamboo-woven figure primed with black lacquer, an ivory image of Buddha covered with gold leaves in the Burmese artistic style, an ivory scripture in Burmese letters and a spire housing a marble image of Buddha

Wat Chom Sawan, Phrae

Wat Phra Bat Ming Muang Worawihan is located on Charoen Muang Road near the provincial hall. This monastery was built at the beginning of Rattanakosin Period and has housed Phra Phutthakosai Sirichai Mahasakayamuni (a Buddha image of Phrae), a replica of the Buddha's footprint and Phra Chedi Ming Muang (an old pagoda).

Phae Muang Phi Forest Park is located approximately 18 kms. from town, branching off at Km. 12 of Phrae-Rong Kwang Road for another 6 kms. on an access road to reach it. Within the area, there are strange looking earthen pillars derived by soil erosion. This area was originally a large shrubbed area (which in Thai means Phae or Pa Phae or the shrub) where villagers oftenly lost their way thus inspiring them to call the area Phae Muang Phi (the shrub or ghost community).

Tat Mok Waterfall, also called Mae Khoi Waterfall, is located in Tambon Suan Khuan, Amphoe Muang approximately 22 kms. from the provincial township area. It is a large three-leveled waterfall.

Tham Pha Nang Khoi is located in Amphoe Rong Kwang with a length of 200 meters naturally decorated with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Huai Rong Waterfall, a large three-leveled waterfall, like Tat Mok Waterfall, is located in Amphoe Rong Kwang on Phrae - Nan Highway, 80 kms. from the town.

Tin Chok Cloth Weaving Villages
The Tin Chok cloth of Amphoe Long is woven elaborately and beautifully with cotton and silk. Ban Na Tum, Ban Hua Thung and Ban Na Mon are the three villages producing this special kind of cloth.

Phrathat Phra Lo pagoda is believed to be the place where ashes and bones left over after the cremation of Phra Lo and Ladies Phuan and Phaeng (as mentioned in "Lilit Phra Lo") are housed . It is located in Amphoe Song on the road linking Rong Kwang and Ngao.

Mae Yom National Park 70 Kms. from town, occupies the areas in Phrae's Amphoe Song and Lampang's Amphoe Ngao. From Amphoe Song, travel along the (old) route Song -Ngao for about 20 kms. Located in front of the park office is Kaeng Sua Ten Rapids . Further from the park office, there are Dong Sak Ngam , a teak forest (6 kms.) and Lom Dong, a large pool (10 km.) Since accommodation is not provided, tourists should bring tents for an overnight stay.

Wiang Ko Sai National Park in Amphoe Long and Wang Chin is 79 kms. from town. Travel along Highway No.101, turn right at Km.10 after passing through Amphoe Den Chai, turn right on Highway No. 11 for 40 kms. and turn left for another 13 kms. on the route to Amphoe Wang Chin to reach the park. There are several waterfalls and a hot water well with a temperature of 80 C. Accommodations are available, contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.

Lamphun

Lamphun

Lamphun, formerly Hariphunchai, is another historical site. The town was founded in the year 1663 and the first ruler was a Queen called Chammathewi. This charming province is also noted for its beautiful women and tasty longans.
With an area of 4,506 sq. kms., the province has 7 Amphoes namely: Muang, Pa Sang, Ban Hong, Mae Tha, Li, Thung Hua Chang, and Ban Thi. The town is about 670 kilometers from Bangkok by car.

What to see and what to do in Lamphun?

Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai is located in the center of Lamphun. Itt was built in the reign of King Athittayarat and has been repaired, renewed and enlarged from time to time. Phrathat Hariphunchai Pagoda is currently 46 meters high having a nine - tiered umbrella, made of gold weighing approximately 6,498.75 grams on the top. The base is 20 meters square. On every full moon day of the sixth lunar month, there is a celebration of this Wat Phrathat in the form of the annual fair.

Wat Phra That Haripunchai, Lamphun

Hariphunchai National Museum houses numerous Lanna antiques found in the region. The museum is open to public everyday except Monday, Tuesday and official holidays from 09:00- 16:00. Admission fee is 10 baht.

Ku Kut Pagoda or Wat Chamma Thewi (Suwan Changkot Chedi) is a monastery built around A.D. 755 by Khmer artisans. The pagoda structure is of the square Buddha Gaya style as seen in India. Three standing Buddha images, in the attitudes of blessing are enshrined on each side of each level, totaling 15 images for one side for five levels, grand totaling 60 Buddha images around thepagoda. Relics of Queen Chammathewi, the first ruler of Hariphunchai, are housed inside the pagoda. The pagoda top was originally covered with gold but later, was broken and disappeared thus giving rise to the name"Ku Kut" or Pagoda without top.
Other temples in the area include Wat Mahawan, noted for sacred amulets and Wat Phra Yun (or Wat Buddha Maha Sathan) built by King Thammikarat about one thousand years ago.
Along Highway to Chiang Mai is located the village of Nong Chang Khun which is noted for the biggest plantations of longans in the country.

Statue of Queen Chammathewi, Lamphun

Tak Pha Buddha Footprints are located on the top of a small hill in Tambon Makok, Amphoe Pa Sang, 16 kms. from the township area. The legend says that Lord Buddha left his footprints for Lawa tribal people to pay homages to in lieu of his presence. He also dried his suffron robe on the cliff. Today,one can see a mark looking like a piece of suffron robe being dried on the cliff. Thus originating the name of Tak Pha Buddha Footprints or Drying Suffron Robe Buddha Footprints.
An annual celebration takes place on the eight day of the warming moon in the sixth lunar month when inhabitants of Lamphun and neighbouring provinces flock to the annual fair.

Doi Khun Tan National Park is located on a mountain range bordering on both Lampang and Lamphun Provinces. There is a 1,362 meter railroad tunnel, regarded the longest in Thailand, thru the mountain. On top of Doi Khun Tan there are accommodations, which belong to the Royal State Railway of Thailand, a missionary party and the Royal Forestry Department.

Naga head at Wat Chammathewi, Lamphun

Mae Ping National Park is located at km. 47 on Lamphun - Li - Thoen route (Highway 106), the park includes a lake and a forest above Phumiphol Dam. Attractions in the area of the park are: Ko Luang Waterfall, Tham Yang Wi and Kaeng Ko.

Langan Fair, held in August every year, features a contest to judge the best fruit and select Miss Lamyai (Langan) for the year.

Lampang

Lampang

Lampang is situated on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang and lies 599 kilometers north of Bangkok at the junction of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai highways. It has an area of 12,543 sq.kms. It is administratively divided into 13 Amphoes: Muang, Chae Hom, Hang Chat, Ko Kha, Mae Mo, Mae Phrik, Mae Tha, Ngao, Soem N gam, Sop Prap, Thoen, Wang Nua and Muang Pan.

Lampang lays claim to two unique features. One, it is the only Thai town still using colorful horse drawn carriages as a means of everyday urban transport. Two, it claims to have the world's only training school for baby elephants. Both attractions account for the bulk of Lampang's Thai and foreign visitors.

What to see and what to do in Lampang?

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang. It is an old structure which has an impressive chedi on a rectangular base with a round spire topped inlaid with gilded bronze plaques. A Burmese style chapel topped by tiered roofs stands next to it. The chapel contains a Burmese style Buddha image with particularly interesting decorations. The chapel probably dates from the late 18th century. Beautiful colors and elaborate harmony make Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao one of Thailand's best examples of Burmese style temples.

Wat Chedi Sao (Temple of Twenty Chedis) is also on the right bank of Mae Nam Wang, north of town. The temple is attractively set in an open ricefield. The complex is impressive with its Burmese-style bell-like spires.

Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang lies some 20 kilometers south of Lampang and is one of the North's finest temples. The chedi towers above surrounding trees. To the left of the chedi is a viham with a carved wood facade and double level rooves. Harmonious proportions and exquisite interior decoration make Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang one of the best examples of Northern-style religious architecture.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Wat Phrathat Chom Ping is situated at Mu 5, Ban Chom Ping, Tambon Na Kaeo, Amphoe Ko Kha about 26 kms. southwest of Lampang city. The unusual feature of this temple is the shadow of the pagoda which appears on the floor of the convocation hall through its window. This similar event also happens at Wat Akkho Chai Khiri, Amphoe Chae Hom in Lampang.

The Elephant Conservation Center is attached to the Veterinary Section, Northern Timber Work Division, Forestry Industry Organization and is the first center in Thailand to train elephants for forest work. The Centre is located in Ban Tung Kiewn, Amphoe Hang Chat, on Lampang-Chiang Mai Highway 32 kms. from Lampang. At the center, the elephant's activities such as bathing, working and log pushing are demonstrated for the public. In addition, the center provides elephant riding tour.

Doi Khuntan National Park, located within Lampang and Lamphun, has an area of 225 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km. 47 for 18 kms. However, the easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand's longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers) on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters, bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary area and the Royal Forestry Department.
Camp sites are also available. Campers must bring their own tents and the camping equipment.

Wat Sichum is a monastery situated on Lampang - Ngao Highway. Its architecture is of Burmese style having very sophisticated and beautiful wood carvings on the Vihara. Gold gilded works are found on the walls, ceiling and big pillars in the Vihara, which is another exquisite, graceful, beauty of Burmese arts. Its is regrettable that the vihara's upper part which was made of wood was badly damaged by fire. Only the carved-wood arch at the entrance remains.

Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine is located 50 kms. from Lampang town on the right hand side of Lampang - Ngao Highway. It is a big spirit shrine housing the statue of Chao Pho Pratu Pha (The spirit ruling the area of Pratu Pha), highly revered by Lampang inhabitants. The shrine was constructed in commemoration of a brave soldier. He was the right hand man of a king of Lampang and was killed in a battle by the Burmese enemies at this Pratu Pha Pass.

Tham Pha Thai Forest Park lies at kilometer 665 on the Lampang - Ngao Road and hosts a large Buddha image and colourful stalagmites. Chae Son National Park covers areas in Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Chae Son and Amphoe Muang Phan. Travel along Lampang - Wag Nua Road, turn left at km. 58-59 and go another 17kms. Attractive spots are the Hot Water Well, Chae Son Waterfall and Mae Mon Waterfall. For detailed information, please contact the National Park Division, Royal Forest Department, Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.

Doi Luang National Park covers areas of Lampang, Phayao and Chiang Rai. The main attraction in Lampang is Wang Kaeo Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in that province. Its water cascades down 110 tiers from a top of a mountain and can be seen up to four kilometers away. Hilltribe villages are live on top of the mountain. Wang Kaeo Waterfall is located in Amphoe Wang Nua, 130 kms. from Lampang on Lampang - Chae Hom Road.

Salung Luang Procession and Lampang Songkran Festival is held during April 12-14 each year. There is a traditional parade, merit-making, paying respects to elders and traditional performances.

Phayao

Phayao

Phayao has an overall area of 6,355 square kilometers and is administratively devided into 7 Amphoes (Districts) and 2 King Amphoes (Subdistrict): Amphoe Muang, Chun, Chiang Kham, Chiang Muan, Dok Kham Tai, Pong, Mae Chai, King Amphoe Phu Kam Yao and King Amphoe Phu Sang. Phayao is located 690 kilometers from Bangkok.

What to see and what to do in Phayao?

Wat Si Umong Kham has a pagoda of the Chiang Saen Period in perfect conditions. This monastery also houses the Buddha image "Luang Po Ngam Muang Ruang Rit" or the so-called "Phra Chao Lan Tu". It is regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image of Lanna Thai and a unique artistic symbol of Phukamyao, the ancient Phayao Kingdom.

Wat Si Khom Kham is located in Amphoe Muang on the bank of Phayao Lake (commonly called "Wat Phra Chao Ton Luang") and houses a principal Bhudda image having a lap width of 14 meters, height of 17 meters. The annual fair takes place every May. Located within the monastery compound is "Ho Thai Nithat", a building with antiques, literary items, local intellectual displays and Phayao's life style scenes are shown.

Phayao lake

Wat Analayo is on Doi Busarakham, 20 kms. from town to the north. It is a large temple built by a Thai monk, who was known as "Phra Kru Phaiboon". Within its wide compound, resides a big, beautiful Buddhist image of the Sukhothai style, as well as, many other interesting structures.

Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Chiang Rai, Lampang and Phayao. The main attraction in Phayao's area is " Champa Thong Waterfall". This beautiful waterfall is situated at Km. 7 on Phayao-Chiang Rai Highway, about 18 kms. from town.

Wiang Lo Ancient Town or "Muang Phra Lo" is located around 17 kilometers away from Amphoe Chun along highway no. 1021. At Ban Huai Ngiu, there is a branch to Ban Nam Chun, which is about 12 kilometers along a dusty road. From the remainings of the old city walls and a lot of deserted temples, the site was assumed to be a city in the reign of Pho Khun Ngam Muang (King Ngam Muang). Here, an old monastery "Wat Si Ping Muang" is located. As this area is adjacent to the point where the Chun River runs to join the Ing River. It is locally called "Sop Ing" (a meeting point).

Nam Pin Waterfall is located at Mu 9, Tambon Fai Kwang, Amphoe Chiang Kham. It cascades from a 10 meter high cliff and is 107 kms. from the township area by road.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, Thailand's furthest northern province, is about 785 kms. from Bangkok and 580 meters above sea level. Its area, mostly covered with mountains, is 11,678 square kilometers. The most important river is Mae Kok which is about 130 kilometers long.
Chiang Rai is divided into 13 Amphoes and 3 King Amphoes : Muang, Chiang Kong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae. Sai, Mae Suai, Pa Daet, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Pa Pao, Wiang Chai, Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Kaen and King Amphoe Mae Fa Luang, Khun Tan and Mae Lao.

What to see and what to do in Chiang Rai?

The Monument of King Mengrai the Great is situated at the starting point of the road to Mae Clan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai.

Rafting in Mae Kok River
The Mae Kok River, 130 kms. long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said one of the most beautiful and unspoil rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route live several hill tribes and jungle tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft is relaxing. There are regular well, organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai with many interesting destinations. Two popular tours are from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and vice versa.

Phrathat Doi Tung is a holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worship.It is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17kms. off Highway No. 110. It is 48 kms. from Chiang Rai town. The unmatched panoramic view reaches to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is a beautiful royal residence built for the Princess Mother on the way to Phrathat Doi Tung. The main attraction is Suan Mae Fa Luang, a very beautiful garden, decorated with different kinds of plants and flowers. The garden is open to visitors daily from 06:00-18:00 hrs.

The Golden Triangle is where the borders of the three countries (Laos, Thailand and Myanmar) meet. It is about 9 kilometers north of Chiang Saen. From this place, Laotian and Myanma borders can be seen across the Mae Khong and Ruak Rivers, respectively. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Mae Khong River.

Chiang Saen Lake To get to the lake, travel five kilometers from Chiang Saen along Highway No.1016, turning left at Km. 27, go a further two kilometers. The lake's one square kilometer of water is home to waterfowl during the winter months. Accommodations are available.

Lychee Fair is an annual fair held in May. Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province, is known for the high quality of the lychees that grow in its orchards. This fair celebrates the harvest season. In addition to sales of the fruit, there are displays of other agricultural products, local handicrafts and a beauty contest to select Miss Lychee

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, 761 kms. by rail, 700 kms. by road north of Bangkok, with an area of 20,107.1 sq.kms., is Thailand's second largest city and capital of the northern region. Chiang Mai is administratively divided into 22 Amphoes (districts): Muang, Chiang Dao, Chom Thong, Doi Saket, Doi Tao, Fang, Hang Dong, Hot, Mae Ai, Mae Chaem, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Omkoi, Phrao, Samoeng, San Kamphaeng, San Pa Tong, San Sai, Saraphi, Wiang Haeng, Chai Prakan and Mae Wang.

What to see and what to do in Chiang Mai?

Climate:

Cool Season: (late October to end of February). Average temperature 21 C. and much cooler at night. The coolest months are December and January.

Hot Season: (early March to end of May) Average temperature 29.9 C. The hottest month is April

Rainy Season: (early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.5 C. The wettestmonth is September.

History : Chiang Mai is an old city with a proud history. It was founded by King Mengrai (Pho Khun Mengrai Maharat, who united several small tribes and called the new land Anachak Lanna Thai). In 1259, after his father's death, he ascended the throne at Yonok Nakhonand built Chiang Rai as his capital in 1262. In 1291, he decided to build a new city as the capital of Lanna Thai. He invited King Ramkhamhaeng (Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng Maharat of Sukhothai Kingdom) and King Ngam Muang (Pho Khun Ngam Muang of Phayao Kingdom), his very close friends, to help select a site for the new city. They decided on a fertile plain between Doi Suthep Mountain and the bank of the Ping River.
The new city, surrounded by a moat and wall, was completed in 1296. It was named Nopphaburi Si Nakhonping or "Chiang Mai'.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai for a long time. It was attacked frequently and finally came under the control of Ayutthaya, then Burma. In 1774 King Taksin of Thailand recovered it from the Burmese. Since then Chiang Mai has been a province of Thailand.

Culture : Perhaps the most important asset Chiang Mai can claim is its people. Their beauty, hospitality and good manners are legendary throughout Thailand. In the past, Chaing Mai has been a city of economic, religious and political importance. Present-day culture has very deep roots.Chiang Mai has its own dialect and its own cuisine. These have given it a sense of cultural security.

Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. Three are particularly lively and lovely. These are: the "Flower Carnival, the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of every February; "Songkran", 13-15 April each year; and "Yi Peng" on the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month(generally mid-November).

The Flower Carnival celebrates the period when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom and is characterised by colorful floral floats and parades.It is held every first weekend of February. The north is noted for its rich variety of flowering plants, particularly temperate-zone specimens which are at their best during this cool month. Spectacular floral floats are a memorable feature of this annual event held in Chiang Mai There are displays of flowers, handicraft sales, and beauty contests.

Songkran celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. Chiang Mai celebrates Songkran with special elation in a 3-day carousal of religious merit-making, pilgrimages, beauty parades, dancing and uninhibited, good-natured water throwing.

It is held during April 13-15. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, is celebrated all over the country but nowhere with more enthusiasm than in Chiang Mai. Part of the celebration is religious, marked by merit-making ceremonies at local temples and part is pure pleasure, with good natured water throwing, parades, and beauty contests.

Yi Peng Loi Krathong is Thailand's loveliest festival. Under the full moon, on lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and klongs, people float banana-leafboats bearing lighted candles, incense, flowers and small coins to honor water spirits and float away the past year's sins. It is held every November. In Chiang Mai, an unusual part of the Loi Krathong celebration is the Yi Peng Loi Festival or the ritual of the lighted balloon. After a day of merit-making, people launch colorful hot air paper balloons into the sky, carrying their troubles away. In the evening, all homes and shops are decorated with beautiful lanterns. Later, traditional Krathongs are also floated on the river and other waterways.

MAE HONG SON

MAE HONG SON

MAE HONG SON is nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Former governors of Chiang Mai used to organise the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained before being sent to the capital for work. Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors. Daily flights into its small airport bring growing numbers of tourists, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hilltribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

THAI YAI CULTURE
The Thai Yai can be seen along the northern border with Myanmar. They may at one time have been the most numerous of the ethnic Thai tribes that stretch across Southeast Asia. A large group settled in Mae Hong Son.

The Thai Yai culture has had a strong influence on the province, as can be seen in its architecture. Although a part of the Lanna region, the indigenous Thai Yai people living in Mae Hong Son are faced with very cold weather during winter and extremely hot weather in the summer, with mist or fog practically throughout the whole year. Not surprisingly they have had to adapt to the environment.

As a result, their architectural style has developed into something different from other Lanna communities. Their living quarters are usually built with tall floors and low roofs, the sizes differing according to ones social status and position. Homes of the ordinary folks are usually with one single level of roof, while those of the local aristocrats have two or more levels forming a castle-like shape. The space thus provided is believed to help air circulation. An interesting feature of the Thai Yai style is the perforated designs along the eaves which are an architectural identity of the area.