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General Information
On traveling to Tak Province, expect to discover a place with long history,
where natural wonders are magnificently enhanced by ethnic diversity.
Mostly forested and mountainous, Tak is a northern province peacefully
situated on the Maenam Ping basin. The province covers an area of 16,406
square kilometers and is 426 kilometers north of Bangkok. As Tak shares
natural border with Myanmar, it is highly regarded as a western gateway to
Myanmar, and a northern doorway to Thailand's major cities such as Lampang
and Chiang Mai.
The Past
A province with a long history, Tak was earlier called Mueang Rahang.
Historians believe it was built prior to the Sukhothai era and was treated
as the western frontier of the Kingdom. Tak was also associated with
Thailand's former Great Kings, from King Ramkamhaeng the Great, King
Naresuan the Great, King Narai the Great to King Taksin the Great. These
four Kings usually called their troop assemblies in Tak. That is why the
seal of the province depicts King Naresuan the Great on the royal elephant,
pouring sacred water on the ground. This is a symbolic representation of the
declaration of the independence of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya during the war
with Burma in 1584. Tak was considered the first district to be liberated
from the power of the Burmese Kingdom.
The Present
Today, Tak is no longer a strategic military frontier between two great
nations. It is however a trading gateway to Myanmar at Amphoe Mae Sot, where
lots of economic activities take place daily along the border. In addition,
the province has the Asian Highway that runs from Thailand's western border
towards the northeastern region at Chong Mek (Mae Sot Sukhothai Phitsanulok
Ubon Ratchathani - Laos).
Apart from Tak's military and economic importance the province is also an
environmental and cultural center with magnificent forests, spectacular
waterfalls and caves and fascinating hill tribes such as Karen, Lisu, Musoe
(Lahu), Akha, Yao and Hmong
How to get there
Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts:
|
Ban Tak
Sam Ngao
Mae Sot
Mae Ramat
Phop Phra
Tha Song Yang
Umphang
Wang Chao |
22
56
86
120
135
170
221
38 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
Distances from Tak to Neighbouring Provinces:
|
Kamphaeng Phet
Sukhothai
Phichit
Nakhon Sawan |
68
79
157
185 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
Travelling to Tak
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon
Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat Provinces, then take
Highway No. 1 again and proceed to Tak via Kamphaeng Phet Province. The
total distance is 426 kilometers.
By Bus
From Bangkok: Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus
Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal)to Tak between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day.
The journey takes 6 hours. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th
for updated schedules. Daily bus services to Tak are also available. They
are operated by private bus companies such as Thanchit Tour (Tel: 0 2551
1307), Choet Chai Tour (Tel: 0 2551 1054).
By Rail
From Bangkok: There are no trains going directly to Tak. The nearest train
transfer station is Phitsanulok. From there, tourists can take a local bus
to Tak. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or
visit www.railway.co.th for more
information.
By Air
From Bangkok: Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Mae Sot, a district which
is 86 kilometers from the City of Tak. For more updated information, call 0
2628 2000 (24-hour reservation center) or visit www.thaiairways.com.
From Bangkok via Pitsanulok Province: and then transfer to the
Pitsanulok-Tak shuttle. The flights are scheduled to run every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 02 628-2000 (24-hour reservation center)
or visit www.thaiairways.com for
more information.
Travel from Tak to other Cities
Tourists who want to travel from Tak to Bangkok or any other city may choose
to go by air or land. Car rental service in the City of Tak is also
available.
By Bus
Many governmental and private bus companies have regular and air-conditioned
bus services to nearby provinces. For more information, call Transportation
Authority of Tak, tel. 0 5551 1057
Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts:
|
Ban Tak
Sam Ngao
Mae Sot
Mae Ramat
Phop Phra
Tha Song Yang
Umphang
Wang Chao |
22
56
86
120
135
170
221
38 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
Distances from Tak to Neighbouring Provinces:
|
Kamphaeng Phet
Sukhothai
Phichit
Nakhon Sawan |
68
79
157
185 |
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms. |
Travelling to Tak
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon
Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat Provinces, then take
Highway No. 1 again and proceed to Tak via Kamphaeng Phet Province. The
total distance is 426 kilometers.
By Bus
From Bangkok: Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus
Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal)to Tak between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day.
The journey takes 6 hours. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th
for updated schedules. Daily bus services to Tak are also available. They
are operated by private bus companies such as Thanchit Tour (Tel: 0 2551
1307), Choet Chai Tour (Tel: 0 2551 1054).
By Rail
From Bangkok: There are no trains going directly to Tak. The nearest train
transfer station is Phitsanulok. From there, tourists can take a local bus
to Tak. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or
visit www.railway.co.th for more
information.
By Air
From Bangkok: Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Mae Sot, a district which
is 86 kilometers from the City of Tak. For more updated information, call 0
2628 2000 (24-hour reservation center) or visit
www.thaiairways.com.
From Bangkok via Pitsanulok Province and then transfer to the Pitsanulok-Tak
shuttle. The flights are scheduled to run every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
and Sunday. Call 02 628-2000 (24-hour reservation center) or visit
www.thaiairways.com for more
information.
From Bangkok to Umphang, Take air-conditioned buses, as well as flights from
Bangkok to Mae Sot, and then, take the local bus to Umphang. There is now a
charter flight operated by Siam GA Co., Ltd. The fare is approximately 9,000
bahts to fly directly to Umphang either on Monday, Wendesday, Friday,
Saturday or Sunday. For more information, call 02 5043320 ext. 197.
Travel from Tak to other Cities
Tourists who want to travel from Tak to Bangkok or any other city may choose
to go by air or land. Car rental service in the City of Tak is also
available.
By Air
The Thai Airways offers a wide range of trips from Tak and Mae Sot to other
provinces, including Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok. For more information, call
0 2628 2000 (24-hour reservation center)
By Bus
Many governmental and private bus companies have regular and air-conditioned
bus services to nearby provinces. For more information, call Transportation
Authority of Tak, tel. 0 5551 1057.
Attractions
Amphoe Ban Tak
Wat Phra Boromthat and Ancient Tak City
The area of Wat Phra Boromthat in Amphoe Ban Tak is the former site of
Ancient Tak City. Lying along the bank of Maenam Ping, approximately 25
kilometers north of the City, the site contains several ruins including the
legendary hill-top pagoda in Phum Khao Binth style (of Sukhothai era).
The pagoda was built by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great to mark his victory in
the hand to hand combat on the elephants back against King Khun Sam Chon,
the ruler of Muang Chot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot). The pagoda shares
Myanmar's famous Chawedagong's features and houses holy Buddha relics.
Locally known as the royal pagoda or Chedi Yutta Hatthi, it is located next
to Wat Phra Boromthat.
The temple (Wat Phra Boromthat) itself is extraordinary with wooden door
panels and roof decorations that are magnificently crafted. In addition, the
story of the Lord Buddha is depicted on the temples wooden window panels
which are covered in real gold.
Amphoe Mae Sot
Doi Muser Crops Research Station
The research station is stationed on Thanon Thongchai Mountain, which is 900
meters above the sea level. With an average temperature of 4 degrees celsius
during the cool season and 25 degrees celsius in the summer, the Research
Station is considered a perfect place for cold climate crops such as tea,
coffee, flowers and fruits. In addition, during the cool season, visitors
will be able to see Dok Bua Tong (wild sunflowers) like those found on
mountains in Mae Hong Son Province.
Doi Musur Hilltribe Development & Welfare Center
The Center is located on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105 at km. 29 marker.
It is the area where Lahu, Lisu and Hmong hilltribes are located. Visitors
find this place to be a living library as they can actually observe the
lifestyles of hilltribe people. Staying overnight, or over a week with a
hilltribe family is highly recommended visitors will be provided with the
chance to learn about their culture. For more information, please call the
Center at 0 5221 3614.
Hilltribe Market
This shop is located along the Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105 approximately at
the km. 29 marker. A wide range of local fruits and vegetables, silverware
and clothes are on sale from early morning until late afternoon.
Mae Sot
This westernmost district is located along Maenam Moei on the Thai border,
approximately 86 kilometers from the city of Tak. Facing Myanmar on the
opposite bank, Mae Sot has so much to offer tourists. It is a shopping
paradise for gemstones lovers as it is has now become a major trading spot
for jade and gems and for general shopaholics who can shop at the municipal
market (behind Siam Hotel) for cheap Burmese clothing, cigarettes,
decorative items, original Burmese blankets and slippers, etc. Mae Sot is
easily reached by traveling on Highway No. 105 from Tak city.
Mysterious Hill
Believe it or not, a small hill on Tak-Mae Sod Highway No. 105 at km. 68
marker attracts flocks of visitors. They have traveled to this spot to
investigate something. Park your car at the foot of this hill, turn off the
engine, a mysterious force will push your car up the hill.
Namtok Pha Charoen
A spectacular 97-tiered waterfall is located between kilometers 36 and 37 on
Highway 1090. To enter the site, turn left at approximately km. 36-37
markers to a dirt road off of the highway and proceed for another 700 meters
to reach the site.
Talat Rim Moei
Situated on the bank of Maenam Moei, Talad Rim Moei is a place where local
products and precious stones such as jade and garnet from Myanmar are
available. Tourists interested in visiting Myawadi in Myanmar (just across
Maenam Moei) can take boats from this market.
Thai-Myanmar Friedship Bridge
This bridge which connects the Asian Highway between Thailand and Myanmar,
is located at Tambon Tha Sai Luad, opposite a town called Myawadi in
Myanmar. The Asian Highway also runs to other regions in South Asia, the
Middle East and Europe. The bridge opens daily from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30
p.m. Border passes for a fee of 20 baht for Thais and 10 baht for people
from Myanmar can be obtained from either Mae Moei City or Mae Sot Municipal.
Wat Chumphon Khiri
Situated in Mae Sot Municipality, the temple was built approximately 200
years ago. Several restorations have been made, including the construction
of the new chedi in the same architectural style as that of the Chawedagong
in Myanmar. Attractions within the temple include a Buddha image in the
Maravichai style and a 200 year old drum.
Wat Mani Phraison
Located in the Mae Sot market, Wat Manee Pharison features a unique
Samphuttae Chedi. On top of the big chedi, there are 233 small chedis that
house 512,028 small Buddha images. In addition, on the site is a chapel that
is over 200 years old.
Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu
Overlooking Maenam Moei and Myanmar is Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu, a hill-top
forest temple, just 11 kilometers northwest of Mae Sot. The chedi is special
as it is constructed in the same style as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar. In
addition, the chedi was built on a rock which seems to have been balanced on
the edge of a cliff.
Wat Thai Wattanaram
This temple is located at Mu 1, Tambon Ta Sai Luat, on the way to the Rim
Moei border market, just 500 meters from the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
The temple was originally known as Wat Thai Yai as the construction of the
temple was greatly influenced by Burmese culture and Mahayana Buddhism.
Enshrined within the temple are a reclining Buddha image and a marble Buddha
image. In addition, on the second floor of the main Viharn, a collection of
Burmese musical instruments, including tuned drums and gongs are on display
Amphoe Mueang
City Pillar Shrine of the Four Great Kings
This shrine is situated at Ban Pak Rong, by the Kittikachorn Bridge, south
of the city. The Shrine was established to honor Thailand's four former
Great Kings who were associated with Tak. These Kings called for several
strategic troop assemblies in the province to fight against invading forces.
In this light, the Shrine represents utmost respect for the Kings dedication
to the country.
Lan Sang National Park
This national park is located at Ban Lan Sang, Tambon Mae Tor, Amphoe Muang
Tak, approximately 17 kilometers from the city. To get there, take Tak-Mae
Sot Highway No. 105 to the west, at Km. marker 12-13 turn left into a road
which leads to the National Park and proceed for 3 kilometers.
Covering an area of 104 square kilometers, Lan Sang National Park has scenic
trails leading to a number of waterfalls and high granite peaks including
Lan Sang, Pha Lad, lan Liang Ma, Pha Nguen, Pha Yoi and Pha Thae. The
highest peak is Khao Umyorm, which is 1,065 meters above sea level. The
crystal clear water of Namtok Lan Sang flows all year round and rare
wildlife are frequently sited in the forest. Accommodations are available,
for more details contact Lan Sang National Park at 05 5519278 or email:
reserve@dnpg.go.th
Mani Banphot Swamp
This big swamp is located in the heart of the city on Phahonyothin Road,
next to Wat Mani Banphot. Covering an area of 60 rai, the swamp, which has a
pavilion situated in the center, provides both visitors and local residents
with a beautiful view. Lately, the place has become an increasingly
interesting site for relaxation.
Museum of Indigenous Arts and Culture
Situated inside the compound of the Educational Welfare School (Suksa
Songkraw Tak School), just 12 kilometers from the city is the Museum of
Indigenous Arts and Culture. This museum features a colorful collection of
art representing the exquisite culture of six hill tribes including Karen,
Lisu, Musoe (Lahu), Akha, Yao and Hmong. Silver ornaments crafted and
produced by hill tribe residents are also displayed. To get reach the
museum; take Highway No. 105 (Tak-Mae Sot).
Shrine of King Taksin the Great
Located near the Tak TAT office, at the intersection of Charojwithithong
Road and Mahatthai Bamrung Road, the Shrine houses Tak's most famous statue
of King Taksin the Great. The Shrine was established in 1947 to honor King
Taksin the Great who, as a designated ruler of Tak, successfully defeated
the Burmese invasion of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. During his reign, he moved
the capital from Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya to the bank side of Maenam Chao
Praya and named it Krung Thonburi. That is why his statue, which is in the
sitting position with a sword lying across his lap, has the following
inscription at the base Phra Chao Taksin of Krung Thonburi. The site is also
a center of an annual celebration during December 28 January 3.
Taksin Maharat National Park
This national park is located at tambon Mae Tor and Pa Wor, 2 kilometers off
of the km. 26 marker on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105. The Park was
previously known as Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand's
record-holding tree which has a height of 50 meters and a circumference of
16 meters. With an area of 37,250 acres comprised mostly of high-altitude
mountains, the park features several stunning attractions including the
nine-tiered Nam Tok Mae Ya Pa, a natural stone bridge and giant Kabak trees.
The stone bridge is a 25-meter high stone strip that bridges two cliffs with
a brook flowing below the bridge. Approximately 78.5 meters further from the
cliff is a cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Bird lovers,
should not miss the opportunity to see both resident and migratory birds in
the park. Accommodations available include bungalows and campsites; call the
Park Office at 0-5551-1429 or email: reserve@dnp.go.th for more details.
Entrance fees are 200 for adults and 100 for children.
Trok Ban Chin (Ban Chin Alley)
Located in Tambon Rahang, near Wat Sri Talaram, Trok Ban Chin was once the
busiest place in Tak. An old port area, Trok Ban Chin used to be the center
for trade and business transactions and also a distribution center for goods
to and from Pak Nam Pho in Nakon Sawan Province. Today, Trok Ban Chin is not
only a distant memory of the past but is also an ideal place for antique
lovers and visitors interested in seeing original Thai-style teak homes.
Wat Mani Banphot
This temple houses the famous Saen Thong Buddha Image, which was casted in
the Chiang Saen era and can be dated back to the late 1200s.
Wat Si Talaram
Located in Trok Ban Chin, Wat Sri Talaram is not just an ordinary temple
located in a peaceful area. The most unique feature of Wat Sri Talaram is
its European-style architecture, reflected in its ordination hall. In
addition, enshrined within the sermon hall made of carved wood is an ancient
Ayuthaya-style Buddha image.
Amphoe Phop Phra
Namtok Nang Khruan
A medium-size waterfall with a stream running down the different tiers,
Namtok Nang Khruan is another tourist attraction for nature lovers. It is
located 12 kilometers from Phop Phra District. To get there, drive along
Highway 1090, turn right at Km. 31-32 towards Highway No. 1206 (to Phop Phra).
Amphoe Sam Ngao
Khuean Bhumibol
Located approximately 60 kilometers north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao is
Bhumibol Dam, Thailand's largest dam. Formerlly known as Yanhi Dam, this is
Thailands first all-purpose dam, built from concrete designed as a huge
curve cutting across Maenam Ping between Khao Kaew and Khao Yanhi. The dam
produces most of Thailand's hydro-electric power and ranks 8th in the world
of hydro-electricity producing dams. The Dam is operated by the Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand, which also provides on-site
accommodations. Call 02 436 - 3179 or 02 424-0101 for further details.
Mae Ping Lake Cruise
Cruising the lake is a popular activity that tourist should not miss. The
extensive reservoir extending to Chiang Mai's Hot District provides
refreshing atmosphere and stunning backdrops along the lake. The regular
route with a total distance of 140 kilometers starts from the Bhumibol Dam
and ends at Doi Tao Self-Help Settlement in Chiang Mai.
Valentine Island
Another interesting attraction at Bhumibol Dam is Valentine Island where
visitors can enjoy sandy beaches suitable for swimming. To get to the
island, the Dams office provides rental boats for the trip that takes only
15-30 minutes.
Amphoe Tha Song Yang
Mae Ka Sa Thermal Bath
Located inside Mae Ka Sa village, the place offers several thermal baths
with beautiful scenery. Facilities for tourists are available.
Namtok Mae Ka Sa
Lcated in Mae Ka Sa village, this small waterfall can be traveled to all
year round. The waterfall has a stream running down from a high cliff in the
midst of lush forest. A large pond situated on the upper level is perfect
for swimming as it is filled with water all year.
Tham Mae Usu (Mae Usu Cave)
Located on the magnificent Mae Sot, Mae Sariang Highway No. 1085 at Km.
95-96, this cave boasts an underworld of natural wonders. Inside the cave
are striking stalactites and stalagmites formations. It is not advised to
visit the cave during the rainy season as the only entrance for visitors is
through Mae Usa stream at the entrance of the cave.
Amphoe Umphang
Ban Loe Tong Ku
Lae Tong Ku is a village where residents still wear traditional clothes and
continue to live a simple life. The Karen living in this village differs
from other Karens as they worship a Hermit. They have their own rites which
are chanted by the head of Lae tong Ku village. They also worship an image
of the Lord Buddha crafted out of a sacred 400-year old tusk. To enter the
village, permission from the 347th Border Patrol Police must be obtained.
Call 055 561 008 for more information. Visitors are not recommended to
travel on their own.
Ban Pa La Tha
An ancient Karen village where villagers still dress in their original
costumes, Pa La Tha is a place for visitors who appreciate Karens'
traditional way of life. The village is located along the rafting route to
Thi Lo su, Thi Lo Cho and Thi Lo Re. It usually is the stopover spot for
visitors who want to stay overnight before rafting to the waterfalls and for
those who love the challenge of trekking and elephant riding.
Ban Thi Po Chi
Another Karen village situated in the middle of a scenic forest. The houses
in Thi Po Chi are made of natural materials such as logs and leaves within
the serene natural environment. For more information, call the TAT Office in
Tak Province at 05 551 4341-3.
Doi Hua Mot
Doi Hua Mot is situated in Ban Umphang, just 4 kilometers from Umphang city.
Limestone hills without single large tree but carpeted by blossoming shrubs
and wild flowers stretching for approximately 30 kilometers, Doi Hua Mot is
definitely a place for people who welcome a break from typical hills. The
peak of Doi Hua Mot is ideal place to appreciate the Sea of mist and
spectacular sunrise at dawn. The lookout point provides a panoramic view of
Umphang and the breathtaking lush, fertile forests.
Namtok Sepla
This medium-size waterfall is located in the area of Ban Sepla, Tambon Mae
Lamung. The unique feature of the waterfall which has a width of about 10
meters and a length of about 50 meters lies in its cascading tiers with
water flowing over a limestone cliff down several tiers.
Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall)
Located approximately 3 kilometers from Umphang along the Umphang-Ban
Palatha route, Thi Lo Cho is an 80-meter high medium-sized waterfall. Its
first tier, located on a high cliff, has a stream of water that flows to the
second tier which then flows down to Maenam Mae Klong. The name Thi Lo Cho
is derived from the fact thath the stream, when flowing down to the rocks
below, sprinkles like rain all year round. The surrounding areas of Namtok
Thi Lo Cho are covered with green moss and ferns.
Namtok Thi Lo Re
A newly-developed tourist attraction, Namtok Thi Lo Re is also situated in
the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary (declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage
in 1999). Thi Lo Rae differs from other Thi Lo waterfalls in that it is the
only waterfall that runs down to the rock.
To get there from Mae Sot, take a left turn to enter Highway No. 1090 (Mae
Sot-Umphang) and proceed for 164 kilometers. The trip takes approximately
4-5 hours.
Namtok Thi Lo Rae is accessible by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong.
Visitors can choose to travel from Umphang to the Karen village either by
car or raft, then staying overnight there and continuing the journey by
raft. For those who consider rafting a relaxing activity, please note that
it's a 2-day rafting trip. Although it's highly recommended to travel during
November-January, please call the TAT Office in Tak Province (Tel: 05 551
4341-3) for more information.
Namtok Thi Lo Su
Namtok Thi Lo Su is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, which links with the Thung Yai Naresuan and Huay Kha
Kaeng Reserves, as well as Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks. Together,
they form Thailand's largest wildlife haven and Southeast Asia's top virgin
forest.
Thi Lo in the local language means waterfall and Su means loud, thus, Thi Lo
Su means waterfall that makes a loud noise. This is due to its size and the
intense flow of the stream. In Karen, "Thi Lo Su" means Black Waterfall.
The biggest and the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand, Namtok Thi Lo Su
is also considered the sixth biggest waterfall in the world. The waterfall
itself originates from Huai Klotho, streaming along limestone cliffs at the
height of 200-300 meters down to cascading tiers which are surrounded by
intact natural forests. There is a cave behind the waterfall worth exploring
and several levels of pools for swimming.
To get there, visitors can either raft or drive. For those deciding
to drive a 4WD vehicle, the distance is 47 kilometers from Umphang to the
wildlife sanctuary office. From there, visitors have to walk along the 1.5
kilometers self-guided forest trail which provides unrivalled natural forest
scenery. Please note that vehicles can possibly reach the office only during
November to April. In the rainy season, Thi Lo Su is accessible only by
rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. From the drop-off point, visitors have to
continue on foot for approximately 4-5 hours.
Camping at the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters is allowed near the falls,
especially during November December, when the waterfall is at its most
beautiful.
Visitors are advised to make enquiries with the TAT Office in Tak Province
(Tel: 05 551 4341-3) regarding travel conditions and camping opportunities.
Tham Takhobi
A spacious cave naturally and beautifully decorated with stalagmites and
stalactites is located in Ban Mae Klong Mai, approximately 3 kilometers from
Umphang. The cave itself is 3 kilometers deep with a large chamber inside
the cave with a walkway connecting to Ban Mae Klong Mai.
Umphang
164 kilometers south of Mae Sot on Highway 1090 is Umphang District which is
another district in Tak Province that shares a border with Myanmar. Highway
No. 1090 from Mae Sot to Umphang offers a picturesque view with the highest
peak at 1,200 meters above sea level along the 164 kilometers of winding
roads that takes approximately 4 hours to complete. However, travelers
coming from Tak city, have to travel along Highway No. 105 (Tak-Mae Sot
route), then turn on to the Mae Satum Phang Highway (Highway No. 1090). The
total distance is 249 kilometers.
Part of a World Heritage Site, Umphang is renowned for its natural charming
beauty and jungle trekking and rafting activities that visitors put at the
top of their travel agenda.
Apart from numerous attractions suitable for ecotourism, Umphang is a former
Karen settlement and is currently home to several hill tribes including
Karen, Lisu, Hmong, Mien and Lahu. Umphang is populated mostly by Karen
people who are in particular, very traditional. They live simply and
maintain contact with nature using elephants at work and as a means of
transportation.
Festivals
Loi Krathong Sai
Thailand's lovely annual Festival of Lights on the full moon night in
November, is celebrated in a unique manner in Tak. Local people thread
together their krathongs which are launched simultaneously and appear as
lighted necklaces on the Ping River.
Taksin Maharachanuson Fair
Celebrated annually from December 28-January 3 at the Taksin Shrine and
provincial sports field, the fair features religious ceremonial and
processions, displays and nightly folk entertainment.
Dining
Amphoe Mae Sot
Bor Kung Phao (Seafood)
760/1 Intharakhiri Road, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak
Tel :: 0 5553 1353, 0 1962 7929
Krapho Pla Rim Muey
147 Mu 2 Asia Road, nears Rim Moei Market, Tambon Tha Sai Luat, Amphoe Mae
Sot, Tak
Tel :: 0 5553 1251, 0 5553 3030, 0 5556 3030
Kwang Tung (Thai and Chinese Food)
2/1 Soi Si Phanit, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak
Tel :: 0 5553 2030
Phim Hut (Thai, Local food & Pizza)
415/11-12 Tang Kim Chiang Road, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak
Tel :: 0 5553 2818, 0 5554 4726
Than Tawan Wattana Village Resort (Thai, Chinese and French Food)
373 Mu 2, Tambon Phra That Pha Daeng, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak
Tel :: 0 5553 2305, 0 5553 1951
Amphoe Mueang
Chom Ping Beer Garden (Thai, Chinese & European Food)
Viang Tak 2 Hotel 236 Chomphon Road, Amphoe Mueang, Tak
Tel :: 0 5551 2686, 0 5551 2507
Fa Fa Bakery (Thai & Chinese Food)
7 Chomphon Road, Tambon Nong Luang, Amphoe Mueang, Tak
Tel :: 0 5551 2006
Khrua Kaset (Thai Food)
208 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Nam Ruem, Amphoe Mueang, Tak
Tel :: 0 5554 0459
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