| Uthai Thani - unknown province of central Thailand |
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| Uthai Thani is situated in the lower part of the northern region of Thailand. Recent excavations have indicated that this area was inhabited by prehistoric people. There are several tourist attractions and places of interest, but because the township area is far from the main highway few visitors make the trip to this interesting province. Uthai Thani occupies a total are of 6,730 square kilometers located 219 km from Bangkok. It is divided into 8 Districts; Muang Uthai Thani, Nong Khayang, Nong Chang, Thap Than, Ban Rai, Sawang Arom, Lan Sak and Huai Khot. |
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| The province stretches from the upper plains of the Chao Phraya river valley, to mountains covered with forests in the west. The Sakae Krang River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya River is the main river of Uthai Thani province. |
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| Getting there |
| Uthai Thani can be reached in about 2.5 hours by car or public bus from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal at Mor Chit. |
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| Activities & sight-seeing |
Bot Nam Temple
This small but beautiful temple complex on Koh Thepto Island opposite the main market of Uthai Thani town is still used by locals for religious ceremonies which can be observed here frequently. In 1906 King Rama V visited the town and temple and a floating raft which he used during his stay can still be visited.
Wat Ta Sung
This fascinating and large temple is located about 6 km from Uthai Thani town on the banks of the Skaekrang river the temple is one of Thailand’s largest meditation centers for monks and lay people and features a huge meditation hall and a main temple whose interior walls and ceiling is completely covered with mirrors.
Tham Hup Pa Tat (Jurassic park)
The mountain range surrounding the valley is a limestone range. The way up to this cave is through a margosa forest. The valley has a higher humidity than it surrounds, contributing to the abundant flora.
Koh Thepto
Is an island between the Skaekrang and the Chao Praya rivers. To the south the Skaekrang flows into the Chao Praya and the northern boundary is a large natural Lake which was connected to the rivers by a man made canal forming the island. Many local villages on the island have specialized in local handicrafts like Joss stick making, knife manufacturing and basket weaving. Due to the abundance of water rice grows year round on the island and farming can be observed in all its stages.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary consists of almost every kind of forest found in Thailand. The unspoiled nature of the reserve makes it an ideal home to various rare and endangered animals. Due to these attributes, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve was named by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site.
Wat Sankat Rattana Khiri
Inside the main hall of this temple is "Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Sai Sit" or "Luang Pho Mongkhon", an ancient bronze Buddha image form the Sukhothai period. In addition, in one corner of the temple is a pavilion housing a statue of the father of King Rama IRafts on Sakae Krang River
This attraction reflects the lifestyle of Uthai Thani people that has always been linked with water. Water is used here to grow pandanus and for raising fish in floating baskets, particularly gourami. This has become the main occupation of the province and has made it famous.
Ban Khok Mo Weaving Village
This is a small village of Thai-Lao residents whose ancestors migrated here in the Rattanakosin period. Villagers take to weaving when the harvest ends. Their products are made from Sin Tin Chok Silk, Mat Mi silk and traditional-style fabrics with floral patterns.
Bung Khok Chang Ancient City
This town is surrounded by a moat and an earthen wall. A sacred pond is at the outer corner of each wall. Artifacts unearthed here include tools, utensils and a stone scripture in the Mon language.
Ban Samo Thong Hot Spring
This is a small spring with clear water, pungent with the aroma of sulphur. The spring has an area of 4,000 square metres and consists of 3 separate springs.
Namtok Cyber
The waterfall is situated amidst nature surrounded by the Huai Kha Khaeng forest. The water comes from the western mountain of the nature reserve, resulting in a medium-sized waterfall that drops down several levels before splashing on the boulders below. |
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| Climate |
| Uthai Thani shares the general climate of central Thailand’s provinces with tropical climate all year round. Temperatures can reach 45º C during the hot season from mid February to the middle of April. The rainy season lasts from Mai – October. During the rainy season temperatures still reach a comfortable 25 - 30ºC and rain is mostly sporadic. The best time to visit Bangkok is during the dry season from November – April. |
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