Attractions in Phrae Thailand
Phrae District “An old and important community in northern Thailand”
Phrae is another popular tourism town in northern Thailand, worthy of visiting and contains a lot of stories.
Phrae was once an independent city-state. It’s also known as many names, for examples, Phol Nakhon, Wiang Kosai etc.
There isn’t certain history that can exactly tell how the province was established. However, there are many evidences from other towns that mention Phrae in the past. For an example, the legend of Wat Luang says, Phayapol, the grandson of Nan Chao king, evacuated some Thai people from Chiangsaen, Chaiburi, and Wiangkham to Yom River, which is the main river of Phrae.
Nowadays, Phrae consists of 8 counties and 78 districts. There are interesting tourist attractions in them all. Even in the heart of the province, there are still many. It can be a good holiday for your family. There are many types of tourist attractions for you to go, starting from temples to museums, and these don’t include many lovely local markets that you can buy some groceries and food to eat.
Mostly, tourist attractions in Phrae are natural. Even temples are still surronded with mountains and trees. If you wish to take your family and escape busy days for a while, this province should make you guys feel better. You can relax yourself in the middle of greenery. It’s just perfect for people who wish for a leisure holiday or any family that want to take their children to learn about the past.
Attraction Temples in Phrae
Wat Pong Sunan located in the city town of Phrae. It will be desirable. The symbol of this temple is a large reclining Buddha near the wall. Another thing that is not like other temples is that God is in the moment. Standing finger pointed If you want to bless the forehead, the forefinger of God.
Wat Chom Sawan is located just outside the skirt of the city and is in Burmese architectural style. Fully teak ceilings with beautiful carved and painted in red and gold. The main hall is in a very classic Shan style : all in teak, raised on stilts with a three-tiered roof and simple decoration.
Wat Phra Non includes architectural work like the Chiang Saen-style Ubosot with lintel made from wood with meticulous craftsmanship. The eaves over the Vihan are all fretted, a symbol of northern architecture with a 9-meter long plaster reclining Buddha on the inside.
Wat Phra That Cho Hae is a major religious and perhaps the most sacred Buddhism site of Phrae. The highlight is the 33-meter-tall Chiang Saen-style phra that (pagoda), wrapped with bright brass sheets, which enshrines holy relics of Lord Buddha.
Phrathat Doi Leng is one of the significant ancient places in Prae Province. It is situated on a high mountain. Local people will go to visit Phrathat Doi Leng to show respect to Buddha. This ceremony is called “Prapenee Kuen Doi Leng”. Visitors can go to visit Phrathat Doi Leng and appreciate the beauty of nature, forest, and Prae city.
Wat Phra That Intr Kwaen in Phrae is a kind of forest monastery, as it’s surrounded with a series of high trees. This can make you feel comfortable and relaxing. You can walk around to have a sightseeing. There are walking paths under tree shades and a small white vihara with Naga-shaped handrails. You can take a lot of photos and admire a series of Lord Buddha statues.
Other Attractions in Phrae
Khum Chao Luang is an exquisite two-storey colonial building painted a striking green and decorated with beautiful fretwork. It showcases a blend of East and West that will be familiar to anyone who has visited Bangkok’s Vimanmek Mansion, a residence of King Rama V. Today, Khum Chao Luang Muang Phrae has been converted into a museum. The upper floor exhibits everyday items; such as, household goods, furniture and photos of the governor and his family.
Khum Vongburi is a beautiful two-storey teak mansion built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and now open to the public as museum. The spectacular and beautifully preserved residence, set in manicured gardens, is a classic example of turn-of-the-century Northern Thai style. The architecture isn’t classically Thai but shows European influences, as the French, British, Dutch and others were heavily involved in the teak business in northern Thailand during this period.
Ban Sao Roi Ton is an major attraction in Phrae located outside of the town. House Ban Sao Roi Ton (a Hundred Pillars House) also called Ban Pratap Jai has the meaning like Impressive. The house is a pillar-filled this large house was built in Northern Thai-style made of teak wood using more than 130 teak logs, each over 300 years old, the interior pillars are ornately carved. This house is like a museum has many things show inside, admittion fee is required.
Komol Ancient Fabric Museum is situated on Phrae – Long Road, in Huai Or Sub – district. This private museum is an ideal place to learn about the ancient fabrics of Lanna people. It displays an impressive collection of ancient handmade fabrics, many of which are over 200 years old. Besides, there are exhibitions of ancient Tin Chok fabrics of Long district and other areas.
Ban Thung Hong is a village famed for the making of products made from Mo Ham, a local cotton fabric dyed in blue used for making native and modern clothing. Just go, and you will see a lot of shops selling Mo-Hom costumes, which you and your family should buy some and dress in those costumes together.
This evening walking street is a Saturday-only affair. While it’s small compared to night markets in other northern cities, Kad Kong Kao is packed with yummy treats. Shop from local uncles and aunties, listen to Lanna-style music by local buskers and admire old wooden houses along Khum Lue Road.
Pha Nang Khoi Cave is best to visit in the dry season if you want to walk the full length of the cave. A 50-meter long rail leads to the cave mouth which features strangely-shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The highlight lies at the end of the cave with stalagmites that resembles a woman holding a small child and the front part which contains a heart-shaped stalactite. The legend was told that a woman waited so long for her lover that she turned into stone.
Tad Mok waterfall or Mae Koy Waterfall is 22 km away from the city center; it is a huge waterfall with beautiful three tiers. A waterfall that is really beautiful and perfect for a family trip.
Mae Chok Hot Spring provides private mineral bath, Thai style mineral bath, foot soaking pool, and out door pool with massage service. Camping area in winter is available.
National Parks in Phrae
Wiang Kosai National Park contains scenic views of green trees and plants with two waterfalls located 1.5 kilometers onwards, the Mae Koeng Luang and Mae Koeng Noi.
Doi Pha Klong National Park is located in the area of 112,500 rai consisting of mountainous landscape and cliff. It is the origin of many canals that flows into Yom River.
Mae Yom national park takes on mountaineous terrains with teak forest. Along the Yom river in front of the camping area lies Kaeng Suan Ten rapids, a two-kilometers long stretch of rock formations best visited in November-February.
Pae Muang Pee Forest Park is a forest park of 500 rais and was gazetted by Royal Forest Department on 1981. Topography Forests occur on the wavy plain in Pae Muang Pee. Outer area is slightly sloped. Altitudes in the area range from 200-210 metres.
Phrae can be visited during any seasons you like. For your information, summer starts from February to May. Rainy season starts from May to October. Cold season starts from October to February. You just have to design your trip and talk to your family about what you guys want to do or where to go. Then manage to travel during a proper season.
Leave A Comment