Originally a port on the River Nan, Uttaradit is a pretty provincial town, whose main temple, Wat Tha Thanon, houses the very sacred Luang Pho Phet, cast during the Chiang Saen period. Wat Thamma Thipatai has huge intricately carved wooden doors, over two metres wide and five metres high.

Lap Lae District is famous for its Teen-Jog design handwovel) fabric, while the biggest teak tree in the world can be found Nam Pat District.

By Car
1. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, then use Highways No. 117 and No. 11 to Uttaradit via Phitsanulok.

2. From Bangkok, drive to In Buri, then turn into Highway No. 11 (In Buri-Tak Fa route) and proceed to Uttaradit via Phitsanulok.

By Bus
Air-conditioned buses and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkoks Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Uttaradit daily. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Private bus companies which operate daily bus services to Tak are such as Win Tour (Tel: 0 2936 3753-4), Choet Chai Tour (Tel: 0 2936 0199).

By Rail
Trains depart from Hua Lamphong to Uttaradit every day. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

Langsat Day celebrates
Langsat Day celebrates the province's famous fruit. Langsat-growing has long been the main occupation of the local people. The fair is held in late September each year featuring exhibitions, contests and parades of floats decorated with fruits and flowers, as well as entertainment.

The Tradition of Buddha Cremation
The Tradition of Buddha Cremation, a religious ritual seen nowhere else, is held at Wat Phra Borom that Thung Yang after Visakha Bucha day in May. It features the re-enactment the funeral ceremony for the Lord Buddha.