Logo My Travel Site

Uthaithani

A land with a long history and great ethnic diversity, Uthai Thani features unspoiled wilderness that provides refuge for Thailands endangered wildlife species, particularly within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural World Heritage Site.

Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. The Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve here was even proclaimed a Natural World Heritage Site because of its pristine jungles, forests, plains, streams, and most importantly, a number of rare and endangered animals.

Visitors can also see the different lifestyles of Uthai Thani locals, such as the life of raft residents on the Sakae Krang River, a waterway that has been a lifeline for the people of Uthai Thani since ancient times. Life on and around the river eventually grew from a small community into the major province that it is today, although some residents continue to live upon the river, both the source for their livelihoods and as a means for provincial trading.

The most striking indication of the bond between the people and the river occurred in 1906, when King Rama V visited the Northern provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, where the monk Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built twin rafts to receive the king. In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from many regions congregate at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang in Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo. This festival has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.


Uthai Thani is located in the lower northern region of Thailand, though the capital city is somewhat off the main route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Consequently, few tourists go out of their way to visit this somewhat remote province, which features striking natural beauty, including the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural World Heritage Site. In addition to trekking and looking for endangered wildlife, visitors to Uthai Thani also enjoy visiting the floating village on the Sakae Krang River, the lifeblood of the province. The province also features a museum with prehistoric artifacts, a number of ruins, colorful cave paintings, hot springs, and a buffalo market. Visitors looking for unspoiled Thai countryside and authentic Thai hospitality will not be disappointed by a holiday in Uthai Thani.

Transport

As a province off the typical tourist route, Uthai Thani is best reached via bus, though it is also possible to drive there. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors, and tuk tuks.

Getting to and from Uthai Thani

  • By Car:

    1. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32, through Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat, and then turn left at Km.206 in Tha Nam Oi. From there, cross the bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River and turn left onto Road No. 333 to Uthai Thani. The total distance is around 222 kilometers.

    2. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 32 through Ayutthaya, and then turn left, crossing the bridge to Ang Thong. Go through Sing Buri and Amphoe Sapphraya, past the Chao Phraya Dam, and through Amphoe Wat Sing and Wat Tha Sung until you arrive at Uthai Thani Market. The total distance is about 283 kilometers.

    3. From Bangkok, take Road No. 340 past Suphan Buri, and then turn left onto Road No. 357 and right onto No. 322 past Amphoe Don Chedi. From there, turn right onto Road No. 3264 to Ban Sa Krachom, then turn right onto Road No. 333 to the Ban Rai intersection and another right to Uthai Thani. The total distance is about 302 kilometers.
  • By Bus:

    There are daily regular and air-conditioned Bangkok Uthai Thani busses departing regularly between 05.00am and 4.00pm. For more information, please contact Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), Tel: 0 2936 2852-66, or Uthai Thani Bus Terminal, Tel 0 5651 1914, or visit www.transport.co.th

Getting Around Uthai Thani

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and local busses and songtaews for trips between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis and samlors are usually available for private charter as well.


Thanks for visiting!

TourTravelThai.com