Uthai Thani

 A land with a long history and great ethnic diversity, Uthai Thani features unspoiled wilderness that provides refuge for Thailand’s endangered wildlife species, particularly within Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural World Heritage Site.

 

Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. The Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve here was even proclaimed a Natural World Heritage Site because of its pristine jungles, forests, plains, streams, and most importantly, a number of rare and endangered animals. 

 

Visitors can also see the different lifestyles of Uthai Thani locals, such as the life of raft residents on the Sakae Krang River, a waterway that has been a lifeline for the people of Uthai Thani since ancient times. Life on and around the river eventually grew from a small community into the major province that it is today, although some residents continue to live upon the river, both the source for their livelihoods and as a means for provincial trading.

 

The most striking indication of the bond between the people and the river occurred in 1906, when King Rama V visited the Northern provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, where the monk Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built twin rafts to receive the king. In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from many regions congregate at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang in Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo. This festival has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.

 

Uthai Thani is located in the lower northern region of Thailand, though the capital city is somewhat off the main route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Consequently, few tourists go out of their way to visit this somewhat remote province, which features striking natural beauty, including the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural World Heritage Site.

 

In addition to trekking and looking for endangered wildlife, visitors to Uthai Thani also enjoy visiting the floating village on the Sakae Krang River, the lifeblood of the province. The province also features a museum with prehistoric artifacts, a number of ruins, colorful cave paintings, hot springs, and a buffalo market. Visitors looking for unspoiled Thai countryside and authentic Thai hospitality will not be disappointed by a holiday in Uthai Thani.