Centrally located, the city's main temple, Wat Tha Thanon , houses the sacred bronze Lanna Buddha image of Luang Phor Phet, which is regarded as the province's protector.
To the west of town is Wat Phra Boromathat , commonly known as Wat That Thung Yang. The wiharn (chapel) reflects the Laotian architectural style.
During the times when Burmese armies invaded Ayutthaya, King Fang stationed himself at Wat Phra Fang to monitor their movements for intelligence reporting to the Siamese capital. The carved wooden doors of the temple's wiharn (chapel) are regarded as the nation's second most beautiful carvings and are 5.30 meter tall.
Taking the staircase that ascends 60 m. up, will take you to Wat Phra Tan Sila-ard , situated at the summit of a hill, which houses a sacred Buddha image of the same name. Religious devotees nationwide regularly congregate her to pay their respects and to worship. Nearby is the ancient Wat Phra Yuen Phuttabat Yukon that contains buildings elaborately designed and decorated by highly skilled Chiang Saen artisans, the last surviving samples of their works in modern days. |
Phraya Pichai was a courageous Uttaradit native, who frequently fought side by side with King Taksin the Great to expel the Burmese invaders. After the nation was reunited, the king bestowed upon him the governance of Pichai town, and promoted his official title to Phraya Siharad Decho. The Phraya Pichai Dab Hak Memorial was created to honor him, and placed in front of the provincial hall.
Uttaradit Cultural Hall boasts a collection of antiques and artifacts found in Uttaradit, with an abundance of knowledge and proof of historical facts.
Presently a provincial district located only 8 km from the city, Lup Laa town was once enshrouded with mystical tales due to its location within densely forested mountains that overlapped each other, making it indistinguishable and appearing to be'lost', thus its name. Nowadays, the forest are gone and the town is known for its production of intricate, embroidered cloths and brooms made from a local plant.
Nearby, is the spectacular, man-made Mae Phun Waterfall, that has a very natural appearance.
The Sak Yai Forest Park is located in Nambad District. Within the park is the world's largest teak tree ("sak yai") with a circumference of 987 cm and 47 cm tall, estimated to be 1,500 years old.
The abundant number of Bor Lek Namphee mines in Thong San Kun District produced high quality raw iron, that was used to make swords and weapons in older days, and believed to possess magical, protective powers. However, one mine in particular, Bor Phra Saeng , was prohibited from being mined by commoners since the raw iron here was regarded as the best quality, and was reserved for making swords for monarchs only.
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