Talk:Uthai Thani/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang Uthai Thani

Wat Sankat Rattana Khiri (วัดสังกัสรัตนคีรี) is at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at the end of Tha Chang Road in the municipality. Inside the main hall is “Phra Phuttha Mongkhon Sai Sit” or “Luang Pho Mongkhon”, an ancient bronze Buddha image form the Sukhothai period in theMan Wichai posture. It is 1.5 metres wide and was made in the reign of King Lithai. In the open area of the temple is a stairway ascending to the top of Khao Sakae Krang totaling 449 steps. At the peak is a pavilion with a multi-tiered roof housing a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint and a large bronze bell built in the reign of King Rama V. It is said that this is a sacred bell that visitors to the province who does not ring the bell is like on who never gets to see the province.

In addition, in one corner of the temple is a pavilion housing a statue of the father of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynastry, who was born in Ban Sakae Krang.

To get there: From the city, take Road No. 3220 and turn left into the provincial staduum leading up the mountain. The distance is around 4 kilometres.

Wat Ubosatharam (วัดอุโบสถาราม) was originally called “Wat Bot Manorom” and is located in the municipality on the bank of Sakae Krang River opposite Uthai Thani Fresh Market. It is surmised that it was built in the early Rattanakosin period. Many historical sites and artifacts are found inside, such as wall murals in the convocation hall from the early Rattanakosin period that depict the life of Lord Buddha from birth till death. They are of exquisite craftsmanship. The murals inside the main hall are also from the same period and depict Lord Buddha showing mercy upon angels in heaven and others scenes. Moreover, there are 3 pagodas, each from different periods and of different styles. Also of interest are the main hall, the convocation hall, the prayer building, the octagonal multi-tiered rood, the Bot Nam raft, the replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint from the time of King Rama IV, a silver Buddha image weighing 30 kilograms, and gifts from King Rama V to Luang Pho Chan Wat Bot when the king visited Uthai Thani on 10 August 1906, like a monk’s bowl with a pearl-inlaid lid, a stone monk’s bowl, a glazed bowl, a sack used when the king visited Europe, a wide-month urn, a vase, etc.

Bot Nam (โบสถ์น้ำ) is in front of Wat Ubosatharam on the bank of Sakae Krang River. It was built to receive King Rama V when he visited northern provinces in 1906. Originally a twin raft, it has an elongated carved apex of the gable like normal temple main halls. It also had a front part with a circular sign in Pali stating that the king visited here in good faith. In 1976, the raft was renovated and made into a single raft of floors so it is suitable for monks to use. There is an area for worshippers to sit under a four-sided roof. The sign has been moved to the middle of front part of the roof. Today the raft is used by raft residents for religious ceremonies such as weddings, ordinations, funeral, and merit-making activities.

Rafts on Sakae Krang River (เรือนแพลำน้ำสะแกกรัง) reflect 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, that has become a main occupation of the province and which has made it famous. Tourists can take a boat to view the life of people living on rafts on Sakae Krang River by boarding at Lan Sakae Pier near Municipal 2 Fresh Market in Amphoe Mueang or boarding at Lan Suphannika in front of the provincial hall on Si Uthai Road. The route passes Wat Tha Sung and ends at Tambon Tha Sung where Sakae Krang River and Chao Phraya River meets. Ther are tour boats serving visitors. For more information, please contact Pan House Travel at Tel: 0 2933 0577 and 0 2538 0335.

Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha Sung (วัดจันทารามหรือวัดท่าซุง) is at Mu 2, Tambon Nam Sum. It is an old temple from the Ayutthaya period. It was formerly called “Wat Chan” which is the name of an abbot. Wat Chantharam later was abandoned until 1789 when the monk Luang Pho Yai came here. Villagers asked him to become the abbot of the temple and he renovated it. The first location of the temple was on the bank of Sakae Krang River. The artifact of the place is a pulpit built by Luang Pho Yai that is opposite the temple. More buildings were later added by the monk Phra Ratchaphrom Yan Nen (Luang Pho Rusi Ling Dam). The new convocatin hall is beautiful with an ornately decorated interior. The inner windows and doors have pictures of angels. His Majesty the King presided over a ceremony to officially open the building. Surronding the building is a traditional columned wall. Images of Luang Pho Pan and Luang Pho Yai 3 times the actual size is at the corner of the front wall. Furthermore, the new site has a wide area as well as many pavilions with accommodation for meditation. The main hall is open during 09.00-11.45 hrs. and 14.00-16.00 hrs. daily.

To get there: From the city, take Road No. 3265 to the ferry at Amphoe Manorom, about 6 kilometres away. Wat Than Sung is on both sides.

Local History and Cultural Museum (ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เทคโนโลยีและสิ่งแวดล้อม) is at the Uthai Thani Provincial Non-formal Education Centre on Si Uthai Road near the city hall. On display are prehistoric human skeletons, clothes, regalia of city lords, and a room of Thai house and wood models. Advance reservation is necessary. For more information, please call 0 5651 1511.

Wat Thammakhosok (วัดธรรมโฆษก) or called “Wat Rong Kho” by villagers was built in the early Rattanakosin period. It is on Si Uthai Road, Tambon Uthai Mai in the municipality. It was used to hold rites by Uthai Thani government officials to pledge allegiance to the king as well as an execution site. The most interesting places in the temple are the chapel and the main Buddha image hall. The chapel is of the Rattanakosin period. A tiled roof covers the building. The Buddha image here is highly sacred. There are beautiful murals inside, the works of late Ayutthaya artists. The main hall is a larger building that is higher than the chapel. A pedestal inside has around 20 Buddha images on it. The outer windowpanes have plaster drawings of the epic Ramayana as frames. The doors have wooden floral patterns painted in bright red.

Amphoe Thap Than

Wat Thap Than (วัดทัพทัน) was built in the Rattanakosin period around 1897. The locals have shortened the full name to Wat Thap Than. It is said that this area was where Thai troops caught up with invading forces in the late Ayutthaya period. The monastery has a shady compound and a small chapel and main hall in the traditional style. The item of interest here is the lovely carved door depicting an angel holding an arrow standing on a serpent and another of an angel tending deer holding a pike on a lion. The convocation hall has a main bronze Buddha image in the Man Wichai posture 1.68 metres wide. The main hall houses a replica of Lord Buddha’s footprint in bronze.

To get there: Take Highway No. 3221 (Amphoe Mueang-Amphoe Thap Than) for 19 kilometres. The temple is located on the left about 1 kilometre before the Thap Than district office.

Ban Khok Mo Weaving Village (แหล่งทอผ้าพื้นเมืองบ้านโคกหม้อ) is a small village of Thai-Lao residents whose ancestors migrated here in the Rattanakosin period. Villagers take up weaving when the harvest ends. The fabrics produced in the village are unique. They are made from Sin Tin Chok Silk, Mat Mi silk and traditional-style fabrics with floral patterns.

Getting There: From Amphoe Thap Than, take Highway No. 3013 to Amphoe Sawang Arom for approximately 11 kilometres. A 4-kilometre road leads to Ban Khok Mo. The weaving group is next to Wat Khok Mo.

Amphoe Sawang Arom

Bung Khok Chang Ancient City (เมืองโบราณบึงคอกช้าง) was a town surrounded by moat and an earth wall. A sacred pond is at the outer corner of each wall. Artifacts unearthed here include tools, utensils and a stone scripture in Mon. Evidence points to the items being from the Dvaravati period. Objects found are such as pot fragments, black and brown jars, blades, iron spears, and colored beads made into ornaments.

To get there: From the city, take Highway No. 3221 past Amphoe Thap Than onto Highway No. 3013 past Amphoe Sawang Arom, and then take Highway No. 3456 to Amphoe Lan Sak. The distance from Amphoe Sawang Arom is about 14 kilometres. A pagoda can be seen on the left with a Bung Khok Chang sign.

Amphoe Lan Sak

Prehistoric colour drawings at Khao Pla Ra (ภาพเขียนสีก่อนประวัติศาสตร์เขาปลาร้า) is at Khao Pla Ra which is a mountain range with verdant jungles, no communities and natural water sources. It is also the home of numerous wild animals. It has truly lovely nature in the area around the cave and cliff in the southwestern part of the mountain at around 320 metres above sea level. Colour cave drawings stretch for around 9 metres. These prehistoric drawings are of humans and animals in red and black. They show an agrarian society and are artistic expressions of people in ancient times. The drawings give insight into their lifestyle and homesteads. They are certainly invaluable as artistic heritage of the country. A number of earthenware pieces of three-legged pots and stone axes were also found in the area.

To get there: From the city, take Road No. 333 past Amphoe Nong Chang, then take Road No. 3438 (Amphoe Nong Chang-Amphoe Lan Sak) for around 21.5 kilometres. You will see the Pla Ra Mountain range on the left. Then turn left onto an asphalt road for about 7.5 kilometres and continue on foot around 2 kilometres up the mountain to the peak to see the prehistoric drawings. The total distance from the city is around 51.6 kilometres.

Tham Hup Pa Tat (ถ้ำหุบป่าตาด) is a large valley with an area of about 48,000 square metres. The mountain range surrounding the valley is a limestone range. Part of it is Khao Huai Sok that connects with Khao Pla Ra, about 1 kilometre away. The way up to the cave is a margosa forest. Upon reaching the cave mouth you will see a dark cave. After a walk of around 100 metres, you will emerge from darkness and see the way down to the valley. Looking around you will see a limestone mountain surrounded by high cliffs. This enables sunlight to reach the ground only at midday. Therefore, the valley has higher humidity than other parts and this contributes to a wealth of flora. The thick jungle features gigantic shrubs of the genus Excoecaria that are similar to prehistoric trees.

To get there: Use the same route as Khao Pla Ra. It is 300 metres before the mountain.

Tham Khao Khong Chai (ถ้ำเขาฆ้องชัย) is on a limestone mountain range that is about 353 metres high. The range is naturally beautiful and has a large cave in the front part where stone tools and earthenware pieces were discovered. It is believed that it was the dwelling of prehistoric people. The cave is now the home of numerous bats.

To get there: From the city, take Road No. 333 past Amphoe Nong Chang. From there, take No. 3438 (Amphoe Nong Chang-Amphoe Lan Sak Route). About 2 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Lan Sak, there is a left turn into Lan Sak Witthaya School. Continue on 500 metres to Khao Khong Chai. It is around 52.4 kilometres from the city.

Khao Phraya Phai Rua (เขาพระยาพายเรือ) is in Mu 5 of Tambon Lan Sak. The mountain is shaped like a Chinese junk and is surrounded by a natural moat. It is covered with assorted plants and there are altogether 12 caves leading underground. Each cave has distinctive stalactites and stalagmites, like Kaeo Cave, Si Chomphu Cave, Thong Phra Rong Cave, Ang Nam Mon Cave, Phuttha Sathan Cave, Khao Pha Raet Cave and ending with Phra Non Cave. In front of this cave is a large natural pond that is teeming with a variety of fish and which has beautiful scenery.

To get there: From Amphoe Lan Sak, take Highway No. 3438 to Huai Kha Khaeng for about 4-5 kilometres. A sign tells you to turn right for 4 kilometres to Khao Phraya Phai Rua Cave.

Amphoe Huai Khot

Ban Samo Thong Hot Spring (น้ำพุร้อนบ้านสมอทอง) is in Mu 2, Tambon Thong Lang. This is a small spring that sprouts up to the surface. The hot water from underground converges to form a little stream that flows down to Than Khok Khwai or Huai Khun Kaeo. The water is clear and pungent with the aroma of sulphur. The water is so hot that it can boil an egg in 5 minutes. The Royal Irrigation Department has constructed Huai Khun Kaeo Reservoir, flooding the stream and the spring itself. However, and earth levee has been developed around the spring and some landscaping has been done to create a good rest area for visitors. The spring has an area of 4,000 square metres and consists of 3 springs.

To get there: From Amphoe Ban Rai, take Highway No.3282 (Amphoe Ban Rai-Amphoe Huai Khot) to Km. 41, then turn right to Ban Wang Yang Samo Thong for another 24 kilometres. The total distance from the city is 64 kilometres.

Namtok Cyber (น้ำตกไซเบอร์) is in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve and tourists are permitted to visit it. The waterfall is situated amidst nature surrounded by the Huai Kha Khaeng forest. The water comes from the western mountain of the reserve, resulting in a medium-sized waterfall that drops down several levels before splashing on the boulders below.

Beneath the waterfall is the Cyber Forest Protection Unit. From here, tourists must walk 105 kilometres to the waterfall.

To get there: From Uthai Thani, take the Uthai Thani-Nong Chang-Ban Rai road for about 79 kilometres. From Amphoe Ban Rai, take Highway No. 3282 to Cyber village in Tambon Khok Khwai for another 30 kilometres. A sign points to the waterfall, then turn right there for 7 kilometres.

Note: The route into the waterfall is 7 kilometres long and is a rough laterite road. It is unsuitable for low cars and sedans.

Amphoe Ban Rai

Wat Khao Wong (วัดเขาวงพรหมจรรย์) is a temple in a valley. It has a beautiful two-storey Thai-style convocation hall. The area has been exquisitely landscaped. The monastery is the 13th of 19 branches of Wat Sangkhathan in Nonthaburi that are in places such as Chiang Mai, Um Phang, the United Kingdom, and India. The monastery was built in 1987 and has a total area of 320,000 square metres. The surrounding area is mountain and forest.

The most striking feature of Khao Wong Monastery is the 4-storey Thai-style multi-purpose pavilion. Built almost entirely of wood, the pavilion has a pond in front with many fish. Around the pond is a garden of colourful flowers. The wood used in the pavilion’s construction was donated by locals and has been transformed into a work of architecture that retains natural qualities.

The monastery has a monthly meditation class for those who are interested.

To get there: Use the same route as Tham Phu Wai. It is about 3 kilometres before reaching the cave

Namtok Pha Rom Yen (น้ำตกผาร่มเย็น) is in Ban Mai Rom Yen. The highlight of the waterfall is its uniqueness of being a limestone waterfall that falls from a cliff. It can be clearly seen from the road nearby. This beautiful waterfall flows from a small stream 4 levels up. It is about 100 metres high. The highest level is a stream that falls down to a pool on the second level. The highest level is the level that can be viewed from the entrance. The beauty of this waterfall lies in the fact that it falls down a high cliff, splashing into mist down below. The nearby area is bright green with moss and ferns. The surrounding nature provides cool shade for visitors.

To get there: From Amphoe Ban Rai, take Highway No. 3011 (Ban Rai-Phu Bon) to the entrance of Ban Mai Rom Yen, then turn right for around 2 kilometres. Then go on foot for 400 metres from the entrance to the waterfall.

Ban I Mat-I Sai Hill Tribe Cultural Centre is in Tambon Kaen Makrut. The centre has a house with a raised lower floor, a thatched roof and bamboo walls. This is a replica of a Karen house for tourists to see and there is also a room displaying tools and utensils of Karens. There is accommodation available and a cultural performance if advance notice is given. Moreover, there are hill tribe volunteers taking visitors to see nearby areas. For more information, please contact Tel: 0 5651 2026.

The Karen village near here is Chao Wat Yang Daeng Village that strictly adheres to old traditions. It leads a simple lifestyle and has a peaceful atmosphere. The interesting event of this village is the New Year Festival that is held on the fullmoon night of April

To get there: From Amphoe Ban Rai, take Highway No. 3011 (Ban Rai-Phu Bon) for about 20 kilometres.

Buy

The crispy Khao Kung Krop (ข้าวกุ้งกรอบ), made from rice and shrimps mixed together and deep-fried. Leading items in restaurant menu are mainly fresh-water fish caught from the river. Pomelo is also widely grown on Ko Thepho.

Local woven materials (ผ้าทอพื้นเมือง) are made mainly around Ban Khok Mo, Thap Than district and the Thai-Laotian village in Ban Rai, Lan Sak and Sawang Arom districts.

Products made from bamboo and water hyacinth (เครื่องจักสานจากไม้ไผ่และผักตบชวา) can be hand-bags, baskets and other accessories, all of which are well-made and attractive.

Festival

Tak Bat Thewo Fair (งานตักบาตรเทโว) at Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri is the most important event held around October. Hundreds of monks residing within the Mueang district walk down the steps from the top of Khao Sakaekrang to accept food offerings from Buddhist devotees who gather in the ground of the temple. The fair is based on the traditional belief that the Lord Buddha on one occasion returned to earth from heaven.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Uthai Thani

• Amornsuk (อมรสุข) 71/23 Rakkandi Road, Tambon Uthai mai, In front of Uthai Thani Hospital (Tel: 0 5651 1693, 0 5652 4339 fax: 0 5652 4339), 37 rooms: 150-350 baht
• Amornsuk 2 (อมรสุข2) 40/12 Manee Rat Road, Tambon Uthai Mai (Tel: 0 5651 2164) 22 rooms: 150-350 baht
• Huai Kha Khaeng Chetthasin (โรงแรมห้วยขาแข้งเชษฐศิลป์) 26 Phahonyotin Road, Tambon Uthai Mai (Tel: 0 5652 4833-5, 0 5651 1263 Fax: 0 5651 1264), 120 rooms: 650-2,500 baht
• Baan Suanchalum (บ้านสวนชลัมภ์ รีสอร์ท) 3/3 Mu 5 Tambon Sakaekrang (Tel: 08 6213 7514, 08 1252 4592, 08 1847 6813) www.baansuanchalum.com, 30 rooms: 700-1,200 baht
• Phibunsuk (พิบูลย์สุข) 336 Si Uthai Road, Tambon Uthai mai (Tel: 0 5651 1048, 05651 1647 Fax: 0 5651 1003), 79 rooms: 190-500 baht
• Uthai Iyara Park Hotel and Resort (อุทัย ไอยรา ปาร์ค โฮเต็ล แอนด์ รีสอร์ท) 55 Mu 4, Tambon Hat Thanong(Tel : 0 5651 6333 Fax: 0 56510 6222 Bangkok: 0 2259 8511-6 Fax: 0 2259 8510),
• 333 House (333 เฮ้าส์) 1/1-12 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Sa kae Krung (Tel: 0 5652 4883), 40 rooms: 200-450 baht

Amphoe Ban Rai

• Huai Khakhaeng Country Home Resort (ห้วยขาแข้ง คันทรีโฮมรีสอร์ท) 102 Mu 8, Ban Rai-Lan Suk, Tambon Khok Khwai (Tel: 0 1330 3260, 0 1867 4967, 0 1902 7331 Bangkok Tel: 0 2373 6351, 0 2373 6038 Fax: 0 9815 0623) www.countryhomeresort.com, 25 houses and 70 rooms: 1,100-4,800 baht
• Huai Pa Pok Resort (สวน��้วยป่าปกรีสอร์ท) 69 Mu 10 Ban Rai (Tel: 0 5653 9085, 0 1949 5587), 7 rooms & 41 bungalows: 500-3,500 baht
• Pang Naret Resort (ปางนเรศวร์รีสอร์ท) 113 Mu 3, Ban I Lup-Khao Phu Toey (Tel: 0 5657 9150, 0 1925 5429 Bangkok: 0 2561 1417, 0 2579 1295, 0 1986 4099), 4 houses (14 rooms): 500-2,400 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 14:30, 5 February 2010 (EST)