A province in the Lower North, Uttaradit has a long history developing through the years since prehistoric time.

   the site of the original town, then called Bang Pho Tha It, was located on the right bank of the Nan River. It flourished as a port for goods transportation. As a result , King Rama V elevated its status into a province and re-named it Uttradit, literally the Port of the North.

   Uttradit covers an area of 7,838 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Muang, Tron, Lap Lae, Phichai, Tha pla, Nam Pat, Fak Tha , Ban Khok, and Thong Saen Khan.

ATTRACTIONS

   Wat Thamma Thipatai    -  at In Chai Mi intersection is where the door panels of the large and ancient Vihan of Wat Phra Fang are kept. The panels, made of wood, measure 2.2 metre wide x 5.3 metre high. The carved design is of the graceful style of the Late Ayutthaya Period. They are rated as the second best such creation next only to those at Wat Suthai in Bangkok.

   Wat Tha Thanon  -   Located in town on the Nan River bank.  It houses Luang Pho Phet, the principal Buddha statue of he province. It is of the Chiang Saen style and cast in bronze.

   Wat Yai Tha Sao  -   To the east of town about three kilometres away on Samranrun Road,   it features and old Vihan with beautiful wood-carved door panels and lintels.

   The Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Memorial  is installed in front of the townhall erected in honour of a hero. As governor of Muang Phichai (South of Uttaradit) about 200 years ago during the Thon Buri Period, the valiantly fought with Burmese evaders until one of his swords broke in two. But he prevailed over them. Hence the sobriquet "Phichai of the Broken Sword".

   Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Hall   -   Once the official residence of the provincial governor, the Uttaradit Provincial Cultural Hall,  houses important historical relics. A major item is the " Yan Mat",  a carved wooden carrying pole made by Late Ayutthaya Period craftsmen.

   Wat  Klang     -   About three kilometres from Muang district at Tambon Ban Kae, is an old temple with beautiful plaster bas-reliefs over the Ubosot. Inside are rare wall murals of the Early Rattanakosin Period style depicting the Jataka and assemblage of celestial beings.

   Lap Lae District  can be reached from the provincial town by taking Highway No. 102, taking a right turn after about 3 kilometres onto Highway No. 1041 and continue on for a further 6 kilometres. The site was originally an ancient community during the Ayutthaya Period. It served as a secret hide-out for people in Phrae and Nan who fled from enemy or calamity as its location was sandwiched in between mountains. Today Lap Lae is an attractive place to visit with interesting ancient sites and hand-crafted, materials. It is also a major producer of Langsat, the province's famous fruit.

   The Phra Si Phanommat Memorial    -    In Lap Lae district, commemorates a community leader who was highly repeated by the townspeople. The Chinese-descended tax collector on alcohol products contributed tremendously to the development of the community and was rewarded with the rank of Phra Si Phanommat from King Rama V.

   Wat Phra Borom That Thung Yang   is about three kilometres from town on Highway No. 102. An old temple, it was once called Wat Mahathat. There is a large, circular-shaped, Ceylonese-style Chedi enshrining a Holy Relic.

   Wat Phra Yun Phutthabat Yukhon  -  Located near Wat Phra Borom That Thung Yang, features a Chiang Saen-style Mondop which covers a pair of holy Foot-print. It also houses a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue cast in bronze.

   Wat Phra Thaen Sila Art   -  A little further from Wat Phra Yun, some 14 kilometres from town is Wat Phra Thaen Sila Art. The major feature is the base of a sermon platform built with laterite. The square slab with pattern is believed to have been made during the Sukhothai Period.  Annual celebrations are held at the three temples in February.

   Mae Phun Waterfall  -   Located at Ban Ton Klua, is about twenty kilometres from town. The dam-like barrier creates multi-level cascades amid pleasant natural surroundings.

   Sirikit Dam  -  Located at Tha Pla district some 68 kilometres from town on the Uttaradit-Tha Pla Road, is the country's large earthen dam. Built to dam up the Nan River, the dike is 800 metres long. Beyond the dam is a large lake with beautiful scenery. During the cool season, the attractively landscape terrain bursts out in a profusion of colourful flowers and blooms. There are accommodations and boating services available.

   The Sak Yai Forest Park   -  In Nam Pat district about 80 kilometres from town on Highways Nos.1045, 1146 and 1047, features the largest teak tree in the world. It has a circumference of 9.87 metres and is believed to be about 1,500 years old. Unfortunately, its top has been broken of by storm but the trunk still stands.

   Bo Lek Nam Phi    is the source of the best quality steel which was used to fashion swords and weapons in the past. Today, there are still two "wells" in existence. Ores from these two sources are believed to have been used to make swords for kings only. This ancient site can be reached by going for a distance of 42 kilometres to Thong Saen Khan district and continue for another 14 kilometres on Highway 1245.

EVENTS

   Langsat Day  - celebrates the province's famous fruit. Langsat-growing has long been the main occupation of the local people. The fair is held in late September each year featuring exhibitions, contests and parades of floats decorated with fruits and flowers, as well as entertainment.

   The Tradition of Buddha Cremation  -  a religious ritual seen no-where else, is held at Wat Phra Borom that Thung Yang after Visakha Bucha day in May. It features the re-enactment the funeral ceremony for the Lord Buddha.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

   Interesting items include woven materials with their lovely designs and colours, and preserved edibles made from local fruits such as chewy candy-like Kluai Kuan (made from banana). They are available from shops in town and at Lap Lae district.