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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 RAMAT
Wat Don Kaeo
This temple houses Thailand's biggest and most beautiful marble
Burmese-style Buddha image. The width of the image base is 50 inches
while the height is 63 inches. The temple is situated on the Mae
Sot-Mae Ramat-Tha Song Yang route at Km. 33. To get there from the
main road, take a left turn and proceed for another 2 kilometers.
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 SON 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.
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