One of the oldest towns in Thailand, Phrae still has some of its old walls and moat intact. It was once a Burmese outpost, and architectural signs of this influence can be seen in some temples.

The province's most famous temple is Wat Phrathat Cho Hae, seated on a small hill east of town with a tall chedi wrapped in thin gold sheet. Ghosts have been at work at Phae Muang Phi, a collection of strange soil pillars created by erosion.

Phrae is known for its wood products, and a number of handicraft villages specialise in wood-carvings. However, Ban Thung Hong is renowned for producing Mo Horn, the blue cotton shirts worn by farmers.

Eco-tourism is beginning to make its mark, with rafting e.xcursions and trekking in Mae Yom National Park, especially around Kaeng Sua Ten rapids.

Phrae is one of the most ancient cities in Thailand, an old establishment having been founded in the same period as Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. The town was built over 800 years ago, allegedly by Thai Kern and Tai Lue people. It is laced with romance and enchants visitors with the famous love legends called "Phra Lor" and "Phu Chana Sibtid". The former name was Wiang Kosai, which means Silk Cloth.

By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 and Highway No. 11 to Phrae via Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Uttaradit.

By Bus
Transport Co. Ltd. operates regular buses to Phrae at 10 a.m. and 10.30 p.m.. The buses leave Mochit 2 Bus Terminal everyday. For more information, call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th. Private bus companies are such as Choet Chai Tour; Tel: 0 2936 0199, Phrae Tour, Tel: 0 2936 3720, Sombat Tour, Tel: 0 2936 2496.

By Air
Thai Airways flies directly from Bangkok to Phrae on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and also operates Bangkok-Phitsanulok-Phra-Nan flights on other days. Call 1566 or visit www.thaiairways.com for more information.

Kin Salak Fair

The Kin Salak Fair is an old Buddhist merit-making event. Villagers prepare offerings and carry them in procession to present to the monks. The fair is held around September yearly.

Phra That Cho Hae Fair

The Phra That Cho Hae Fair, held in around March, involves a procession to carry robes to cover the Chedi. The procession follows the Lanna style. All participants are decked out in traditional Lanna attires.