:: UTHAI THANI

Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. "Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve" here was proclaimed a Nautral World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991. The reserve has jungles, forests, plains, many streams, and most importantly, a number of rare and endangered animals.

Due to the verdant nature of the area, Uthai Thani is a province with unspoiled natural tourist destinations that are of interest to tourists everywhere. Furthermore, visitors can see the different lifestyles of locals, such as the life of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. It is also where provincial trading has flourished. Life revolving around the river eventually grew from a community into the major province that it is today.


The most striking indication of the bond between the people and the river since the old days, is that in 1906, when King Rama V visited northern provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, the monk Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built 2 twin rafts to receive the king. This clearly showed the importance of the river and the lifestyle of the people living off it in that period.

In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. This festival has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.

Uthai Thani is located in the lower part of northern Thailand. Most of the province consists of forests and high mountains. It has a total area of 6,730 square kilometres.

:: Attractions

Along both banks of the Sakae Krang River , which flows through the entire province, are numerous rafting establishments , home to many river fishermen. Hop onto a boat for a trip downstream to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Situated at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang Mountain, Wat Sangat Ratana Khiri houses the sacred Buddha image of Phra Phuttamongkon, the city's protector and provincial treasure. From the compound, there are stairs leading to the top of the mountain, where a replica of Lord Buddha's Footprint lies. Wat Chantharam , locally known as Wat Tha Sung, was built during the Ayutthaya era. Highlights include locally drawn murals in the interior of the small hot (hall), an elaborately decorated chapel, and a vast ground with meditation halls.

The Thai Laos ethnic minorities emigrated from Burma to the small village of Coke Mor during the Rattanakosin period, and are renowned for their wide selection of locally made hand woven cloths, featuring modern and traditional design patterns.

Created a century ago and influenced by Rattanakosin period designs, Wat Mani Sathit Kapitharam (Wat Thung Kaew), contains a large holy water pond. The water was blessed by a highly revered monk, the temple's founder, and was used at the ordination ceremony for King Rama 6 and King Rama 7.

A 2-hour trek and climb is required to get to the summit of Khao Plara to view the 40 plus red, prehistoric cave paintings on the western caves, the province's prized historical treasure.


The Huay Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary expands over Uthai Thani and Tak provinces. The densely forested park is home to many wildlife animals, some on the verge of extinction.' Highlights include the Jone Waterfall with year-round water supply. In 1991, the park was recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site.

The only forest with intact teak trees still in existence is located at Lansak District, the Pa Sak Thammachart (Natural Teak Forest) and has received government endorsement for development into a national park.

An interesting feature of the chapel wall mural at Wat Nong Khun Chat is the painting of a people wearing Western style hats, created during the reign of King Rama V. The temple is also the site of the annual pilgrimage in February paying homage to Lord Buddha's Footprint.

Viewed from a distance, the Khao Phraya Phai Rua Mountain resembles a Chinese junk boat. The forested mountainsides are dotted with complex cavern systems adorned with beautiful limestone formations and illuminated with electricity. A large sleeping Buddha image presides at the cave entrance.

The Science, Technology and Environment Center boasts a vast collection of cultural and technological machinery, including the Kingdom's first typewriter and ancient weaponry.