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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 Muang
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 Song 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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