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Amphoe Mueang Tak

Si Maharat City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมืองสี่มหาราช) This shrine is located at the foot of Kittikhachon Bridge, before reaching the town of Tak. According to historical evidence, Tak was an ancient town before the Sukhothai period. Four kings who were named the ‘Great’ had their army stay here. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great had an elephant-back fight with Khun Samchon the ruler of Chot town. King Naresuan the Great led his army back to the Thai kingdom through Tak abruptly after he declared independence at the town of Khraeng. King Narai the Great led his army to defeat northern head towns and had Wat Phra Narai built (this temple is now at the foot of Kittikhachon Bridge. King Taksin the Great was formerly a royally-appointed ruler of Tak town. A shrine was established in 1992 to commemorate the royal grace of the four great kings as well as be a public-spirit centre of the people of Tak.

King Taksin the Great Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช) This shrine is located on Charotwithithong Road near the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4. Initially, the shrine was in Wat Doi Khao Kaeo on the river bank opposite the town. In 1947, the people in the town considered that the existing shrine did not receive appropriate honour, they, therefore, built a new shrine and commissioned the Fine Arts Department to sculpture an over life-size statue of King Taksin the Great in a sitting position with a sword across his lap. At the base of the statue, a description reads King Taksin the Great, 1734 – 1782: 48 years old. People usually pay homage to this shrine.

Wat Bot Mani Si Bunrueang (วัดโบสถ์มณีศรีบุญเรือง) This temple is located at Ban Rommani, Taksin Road, Tambon Nong Luang. It was built in 1858 and renovated in 1990. The Ubosot (ordination hall) was built during the reign of King Rama IV. Mural paintings in the Ubosot are very beautiful. There is a Mon – styled pagoda that enshrines the Buddha’s relics in its umbrella-shaped top. The Wihan or Vihara hall houses the magnificent principal Buddha image called ‘Luangpho Phutthamon,’ which was built during the Sukhothai period around the 14th Century A.D.

Wat Doi Khoi Khao Kaeo or Wat Phrachao Tak (วัดดอยข่อยเขาแก้ว หรือ วัดพระเจ้าตาก) The temple is located on the bypass route Cho. 3, Tambon Mae Tho, about 250 m from the west bank of the Ping River. While being the ruler of Tak, King Taksin the Great or Phraya Tak tried his luck at this temple by throwing a bell hammer to hit the glass bowl that was placed five wa away. His prayer was that if the hammer hit and broke only the middle section of the bowl, without causing damage to other parts, he would be blessed with great merit and grace to become the protector of people. After he threw the hammer, it really hit the bowl as he wished. The Buddhist devotees who joined the merit making at the temple witnessed the event and news was spread that Phraya Tak had great merit and wondrous grace. Following trying his luck, he gave one crystal ball to be attached to the top of the pagoda in this temple. The other ball was given to government officials, merchants and the people to be placed at the top of the pagoda in Wat Klang Suan Dokmai. After several years past, the balls were lost since the pagoda tops broke and collapsed. According to a chronicle, on his second trip to Chiang Mai in 1774, King Taksin (Somdet Phrachao Krung Thonburi) visited the abbot of Wat Doi Khoi Khao Kaeo and talked about the balls used in trying his luck. This temple was presumed to be built during the Ayutthaya period. The important ancient places are the Ubosot (ordination hall) with double-slab-boundary stones signifying royal patronage, the Buddha’s footprint in the Ubosot, and two Chedis (pagodas) where the ashes of King Taksin the Great’s father and mother are contained. The temple was registered as an ancient monument, as published in the Royal Gazette Volume 52, Section 75, dated 8 March, 1935.

Wat Mani Banphot Worawihan (วัดมณีบรรพตวรวิหาร) This temple is located on Highway No. 1, on a hill near Tak Hospital. It is a provincial royal monastery and an example temple of development. It has an angular Mon-styled Chedi (pagoda) with 16 indented corners at the back. Inside the Ubosot (ordination hall), there is a portrait of King Rama V royally given to this temple, and a Buddha image “Phra Phuttharup Saengthong.” This 30-inch-lap wide Buddha image of the Chiang Saen period was removed from a deserted temple in Tambon Mae Tuen, Amphoe Mae Ramat, in 1930. It is considered as the sacred Buddha image of Tak town.

Wat Sitalaram or Wat Nam Hak (วัดสีตลาราม หรือ วัดน้ำหัก) This ancient temple is located at Ban Chin, Taksin Road, Tambon Rahaeng. In the past, the Ping River which was to the west of the temple had whirlpools. During the run-off season, powerful currents from the Mae Tho Creek diverted the Ping River to flow against the temple’s pier. That is why the temple is also called ‘Wat Nam Hak’ (Nam Hak literally means diverted water). Later, the river banks were extended. Consequently, the river changed its course and no more whirlpools were seen. This temple is in a shady and pleasant atmosphere. The Ubosot (ordination hall) and a wooden building were built in the European style of art. The ordination hall once burnt and rebuilt has a wood-carved gallery in the front and houses a Buddha image of the Ayutthaya period.

Trok Ban Chin (ตรอกบ้านจีน) This place is near Wat Sitalaram. Until the extension of the Ping River, the area had been a trading area and on a distribution route of goods and consumption products from the Pho estuary in Nakhon Sawan to Ban Tha Chin. At present, rarely-seen ancient Thai-styled teak houses stand to welcome visitors.

Wat Khao Tham (วัดเขาถ้ำ) This temple is located in Ban Phae, Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Mai Ngam, off Highway No. 1 to the left turn at Km 423 for around 900 m. It was built in 1894. There is a scattering of natural rock formations in complex layers. An entrance to the cave features a high hill of 70 m. Inside the temple, there is the Lord Buddha’s footprint, Phra Sangkatchai, and Kwan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). Luangpho Thanchai, the stucco Buddha image sculptured within one day, is housed in the Ubosot (ordination hall). There is a Chedi (pagoda) atop the hill overlooking Tak town. Every year after Songkran Day, the traditional fair “Up the Hill to Wat Khao Tham” is held. There is merit making by offering alms to Buddhist monks and bathing the Lord Buddha’s footprint on Thai New Year’s Day.

Attractions on the Tak – Mae Sot Route (Highway No. 105)

Lan Sang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติลานสาง) This national park is located in Ban Lan Sang, Tambon Mae Tho, around 20 km away from Tak town. Being declared as a national park on 14 May, 1979, it covers an area of 65,000 rai. Geographically, it features a complex line of mountains. The highest part is in the west. The ground slopes down to the east. Several streams run through the park, such as Lam Huai Lan Sang, Huai Tha Le, Khlong Huai Sai, Huai Umyom, etc. Various types of forest, such as rain forest, coniferous forest, hill everygreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, are found in different geographical areas. Wild animals found are common wild pig, barking deer, Siamese big-headed turtle, serow, civet, Black-crested Bulbul, flying lizard, etc.

According to legend, during his second trip to attack Chiang Mai, King of Krung Thonburi had his army stay at Ban Rahaeng, a district of Tak town. There, many Mon people came to surrender themselves to him. Burmese soldiers, therefore, chased after them. The king went to disperse the Burmese soldiers and was separated from his army. When night fell, the mountainous area made it difficult to trace him. The soldiers decided to take a rest. Suddenly, a ray of light climbed up into the sky while a cry of a warhorse was heard. All the soldiers rushed to the point and saw the king sitting on his horse back in the middle of the rocky ground. An aura was seen from his body. Burmese soldiers were seen prostrating around him. At that time, it was dawn. The ground, therefore, was called “Lan Sang” (literally meaning the ground of dawn). Presently, it is in the area of Lan Sang waterfall; a trace of the king’s horseshoes also appears on the rocky ground.

Interesting Places in the Lan Sang National Park

• Namtok Pha Lat (น้ำตกผาลาด) This waterfall flows through a split-level hill of rocks down a broad complex ground of rocks. The ground slopes a bit and is 25 m wide and 40 m long. The currents of Lam Huai Lan Sang usually run over the ground and flow down to a small pond.

*Namtok Lan Liang Ma (1st tier)(น้ำตกลานเลี้ยงม้า (ชั้นที่ ๑) This waterfall is at the top of Lam Huai Lan Sang, 200 m up from Namtok Pha Lat. It features a small rocky hill with a hole of around 6 m wide in the middle. The currents of Lam Huai Lan Sang pass through the hole against the water surface below. The waterfall is around 5 m high.

• Namtok Lan Sang (2nd tier) (น้ำตกลานสาง)(ชั้น ๒) This waterfall is at the top of Huai Lan Sang, around 2 km from Namtok Lan Liang Ma and 200 m from the visitor’s centre. It is around 4 m high and the most visited tier. The water gushes from a crevice of the mountain and cascades in three tiers before flowing into a pond and falling down to Namtok Lan Liang Ma.

• Namtok Pha Ngoep (3rd tier) (น้ำตกผาเงิบ) (ชั้น ๓) This waterfall has its origin from Huai Pha Ngoep. The water of Huai Pha Ngoep flows down to Huai Lan Sang near Namtok Lan Sang. The waterfall is 19 m high and has water only in the rainy and cool seasons. Its beautiful feature is Pha Ngoep, a high steep cliff with angular crevices; there are stalactites and stalagmites in some parts of it.

• Namtok Pha Phueng (4th tier) (น้ำตกผาผึ้ง) (ชั้นที่ ๔) This waterfall is high in crevices of the mountain 750 m from Namtok Lan Sang. Located in the heart of the valley, the waterfall features a 30 m high-flat surface cliff with a slope of 70 degrees. The water of Huai Lan Sang overflows the top of this waterfall and spreads whitewater to flow along the cliff and lower small layers of rocks covering the broad area before falling down to the pond below.

• Namtok Pha The (น้ำตกผาเท) This waterfall is up along the stream, 1.2 km from Namtok Pha Phueng. Along the nature study trail, walk pass Lam Huai Lan Sang, a dipterocarp forest and a mixed deciduous forest; species of plants are different in these forest conditions. This one-tier waterfall features a steep cliff of 25 m high. The water of Huai Lan Sang runs quickly through a small narrow channel towards the cliff top where the ground is abruptly low. The rapid flowing water passes beyond the cliff and cascades down to the pond below. The powerful sound of splashing can be heard in the distance.

• Namtok Pha Nam Yoi (น้ำตกผาน้ำย้อย) This waterfall flows through a narrow channel in layers down to a broad and very deep pond.

• Namtok Tha Le (น้ำตกท่าเลย์) This waterfall of 50 m high features a slope with water flowing in layers from a cliff.

• Viewpoint (จุดชมวิว) The Lan Sang National Park has a viewpoint on the top of Khao Noi overlooking nice vistas of Tak town. An entrance to the viewpoint is near a shrine beside the visitor’s centre.

Admission fees: 100 baht for children, 200 baht for adults, and 30 baht for a four-wheeled car (excluding a driver).

Accommodation: There are three houses: 500 – 1,500 baht. For visitors who bring their own tents, the fee is 30 Baht/person/night. For further information, contact the Lan Sang National Park, P.O. Box 8, Tambon Mae Tho, Amphoe Mueang, Tak, 63000. Tel. 0 5551 9278 – 9, or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2562 0760 or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.

To get there: From Tak town, drive along Highway No. 105 (Tak – Mae Sot route) for 19 km and take a left turn at around Km 12 – 13 for another 3 km towards the visitor’s centre. From Bangkok, take a Bangkok – Tak bus to the bus station in Tak town, travel further by van on the Tak – Mae Sot route to an entrance to the park, and walk around 2 km before reaching the park headquarters. The total distance from Bangkok to the park is around 430 km.

King Taksin the Great National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตากสินมหาราช) This national park covers an area of 165,250 rai in the Mae Tho Forest, Tambon Mae Tho and Tambon Phawo, Amphoe Mueang; and in the Mae Lamao Forest, Amphoe Mae Sot. It was declared a national park on 23 December, 1981. The geographical feature is a steep range of complex mountains. Here, forest is in pristine condition. There are many types of forest: hill evergreen forest, coniferous forest, rain forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest. The weather is cool all year round with an average temperature of around 20ºC. There is heavy rain during August – October. During the coolest season from November to January, the average temperature is 6ºC. In the past, this forest area was a troop line of Thai and Burmese soldiers. In 1762, King Alongphaya led his army to surround Ayutthaya and he became ill and died in this forest on his way back to Burma.

Places of Interest in the King Taksin the Great National Park

• Ton Krabak Yai: (ต้นกระบากใหญ่) It is a large tree that grows in the valley of a rain forest. Krabak is a species of softwood that has a virgate trunk, a round bushy canopy, and a greyish brown bark. It is approximately 700 years old, measuring 16.40 m around the trunk or within an arm’s stretch of 14 people, and is 50 m high. This is the highest Krabak tree in Thailand. The park has designed a nature study trail towards the Krabak tree, so that visitors can learn about the environment and ecosystem of the forest. Visitors should be physically fit since the trail is rather steep. The Krabak tree is around 4 km from the park headquarters: 3 km by car and around 1 km on foot down a steep mountain.

• Natural Stone Bridge: (สะพานหินธรรมชาติ) It features a giant piece of stone linking two cliffs together, with 25 m in width and height. A stream flows below. A cave of stalactites and stalagmites is around 50 m away. To get there: Take Highway No. 105, turn at Km 35 to the Tak plant nursery centre, drive on around 6 km, and walk another 2 km before reaching the natural stone bridge.

• Namtok Pang A Noi: (น้ำตกปางอ้าน้อย) This middle-sized waterfall flows all year round. It is around 20 m high, and around 2 km away from Ton Krabak Yai to the east.

• Tham Than Lot Pha Khao – Pha Daeng: (ถ้ำธารลอดผาขาว-ผาแดง) Travelling from the park headquarters for 35 km, there is a waterfall with the height of 30 m, originating from Lam Huai Pha Khao – Pha Daeng. Tham Than Lot is a cave below which receives water from Lam Huai Pha Daeng. There are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.

• Namtok Mae Ya Pa: (น้ำตกแม่ย่าป้า) This medium – sized waterfall originates from Lam Huai Mae Ya Pa in a dense forest. It flows in layers along the creek into Lam Huai Mae Tho. Travel to this waterfall is not easy. Visitors who wish to trek in the forest are required to contact park authorities for a guide in advance.

• Namtok Sam Muen Thung: (น้ำตกสามหมื่นทุ่ง) This giant waterfall of 30 m high originates from Lam Huai Sam Muen Luang and has water flowing all year round.

Admission Fees: 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults. 30 baht for each four-wheeled car (excluding a driver).

Accommodation: 8 visitor houses: 500 – 1,500 baht and a common bedroom for 60 persons: 2,000 baht. There is also a camp with camping facilities. Visitors who bring their own tents are charged 100 baht/person/night for setting up the tents on the provided area. Food service is subject to contacting in advance. For further information, contact Chief of the King Taksin The Great National Park, P.O. Box 10, Amphoe Mueang, Tak 63000. Tel. 0 5551 1429. Or contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2562 0760. Or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.

To get there: Drive along Highway No. 105 (Tak – Mae Sot route) and take a right turn at Km 26 for around 2 km before reaching the park headquarters. Or take a Tak – Mae Sot passenger van to an entrance to the park at Km 26 and walk another 2 km.

Amphoe Ban Tak

It was once a city of Tak and an important gateway to the west of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. During the reign of King Thammaracha in the Ayutthaya period, the city of Tak was moved to the right bank of the Ping River, opposite the present location of Tak town. Thus, most attractions in Amphoe Ban Tak are ancient places. Amphoe Ban Tak is located on Highway No. 1, around 22 km from Amphoe Mueang to the north. Visitors can also follow Highway No. 1107 parallel to the west bank of the Ping River to Amphoe Ban Tak; the total distance is around 25 km.

Wat Phra Borommathat Located in Tambon Ko Taphao, this ancient temple underwent several renovations. The Ubosot (ordination hall) has a beautifully carved-wooden door. Its pediment and gable roof are also woodcarving. The gilded carved windows depict the history of Lord Buddha. The stair’s heads feature Nagas (serpents). The old Wihan (image hall) has a high ceiling with double tiers, and is well equipped with ventilation channels so that it is cool inside. A gilded stucco Buddha image is housed in the Wihan. Furthermore, there is another ancient hall with woodcarving that is worth a visit. This temple is among the ones of great archaeological value. To get there: From Amphoe Mueang Tak, follow Highway No. 1107 (Tak – Ban Tak route) for around 35 km and take a left turn to Highway No. 1175 for around 1 km; the temple is on your left.

Chedi Yutthahatthi or the Chedi in Honour of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Being commonly called by villagers as Chedi Chon Chang (a pagoda of an elephant back fight), the Chedi is located on Doi Chang in Tambon Ko Taphao. Doi Chang is a small hill away from the north of Doi Phrathat. Built in the Sukhothai period over 700 years ago, this Sukhothai – styled artwork stands on a cement square base of 12 m in width. The indented square-shaped relic chamber is 16 m high, with the upper indented square part to its lotus bud-shaped finial under the umbrella. There are traces of repair over the past time, but the pagoda still remains in its original form. The square base of the lotus bud-shaped spire has beautiful stucco of a lion’s face; the design on the northern side is still perfect while broken images appear on other sides of the base. The pagoda is mostly covered with lichen. It will be cleaned and decorated when the fair to pay homage to the Buddha’s relics of Ban Tak is coming.

Petrified Wood This is the largest fossil of plants in Asia, located at Mu 7, Tambon Tak Ok in the national forest reserve of Mae Salit – Pong Daeng. The entrance is at Km 443 on Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road). To access the site, use a lane opposite Ban Tak Hospital for around 2.5 km. This petrified wood is the largest one ever found in Asia; it is about 20 m long and 2 m in diameter. It is a kind of fossil produced by nature by means of soaking decaying plants in ground water which contains silica. During the sedimentation, the replacement of molecules gradually transforms the plants into rock without further changes in their form and structure. Petrified wood is usually found in the gravel layer of soil. It was presumed that the formation occurred in the Quaternary Period, about 2 million years ago. Considering the spread of the existing sedimentary bench, it may be assumed that the formation occurred on an alluvial terrace of the Ping River in the past. Following a period of many changes, the river diverted its course to the present-day location.

Mae Salit Stone Mortar and Production Site Located on Highway No. 1, (Phahonyothin Road) in front of the Mae Salit Subdistrict Administration Office, is the largest granite mortar in Thailand. It is 2.1 m in diameter, 1.6 m high and 7,000 kg in weight, with a large pestle of 2.1 m long, 1.35 m wide and 1,000 kg in weight. The fact that the village of San Klang in Tambon Mae Salit is where the famous stone mortar ‘Khrok Ang Sila’ is made as an OTOP handicraft, is known to a few. During the summer, Tak is the hottest place since it is the largest source of granite in Thailand. The granite found here is of Thailand’s best quality. Visitors can buy Tak’s granite mortars at shops in front of the Mae Salit Tambon Administration Office on Asian Highway, Amphoe Ban Tak, Tak.

Amphoe Sam Ngao

Pha Sam Ngao It is located in Tambon Yan Ri. From Amphoe Mueang, follow Highway No. 1107 and, after passing a junction to Chedi Yutthahatthi, drive on for around 25 km. Or drive along Highway No. 1 to Km 463 and take a left turn to Bhumibol Dam for around 10 km. Here, in Amphoe Sam Ngao, visitors will see a mountain which is called by the villagers as ‘Khao Pha Sam Ngao.’ There, three deep holes were carved into the cliff at the mountain foot, and a gilded Buddha image is housed in each of the three niches. A wooden ladder is provided for visitors to worship the Buddha images. Legend has it that Queen Chammathewi, daughter of the King of Lawo, had this place built on her way along the Ping River to rule the city of Hariphunchai or Lamphun.

Doi Soi Malai This hill is located in the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, about 1,600 m above sea level. Follow Highway No. 1175 (Ban Tak – Mae Ramat route) for 60 km. An interesting thing here is a salamander or water lizard, a rarely seen ancient creature; its pink body is similar to the lizard’s. Most areas are covered with a pine forest. There are viewpoints and a beautiful misty morning. Visitors can put up a tent for an overnight stay at the headquarters. For further details, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4, Tel. 0 5551 4341 – 3.

Wat Chonprathan Rangsan Located at Mu 3, Ban Chatsan in Tambon Sam Ngao, around 5 km from Bhumibol Dam, this temple was built by the Royal Irrigation Department. Since the construction of Bhumibol Dam caused flooding over the community area of Tambon Ban Na, the villagers were evacuated to the area allocated by the Department. The temple was established to replace the eight temples which were flooded in 1959; namely, Wat Ban Huai, Wat Si Thaen, Wat Don Kaeo, Wat Luang, Wat Tha Duea, Wat Tha Pong, Wat Umwap, and Wat Phrathat Loi. Important items of each of the eight temples which were moved to be maintained in this temple are the Lord Buddha’s relics, Phrathat Loi – the sacred relics, the umbrella at the pagoda’s top, the three bronze Buddha images called ‘Luangpho Thanchai,’ bronze Buddha images in different sizes and attitudes, the gilded casket containing Buddha’s teachings, wooden cabinets, etc.

Wat Phrathat Kaeng Soi This temple is located in Tambon Ban Na, around 56 km from Bhumibol Dam. It underwent several renovations; the important one was done by Khruba Chaiyawongsa, the revered Buddhist monk of Wat Phrabat Huai Tom, who renovated the pagoda and built a new umbrella on its top as well as numerous quarters for monks. According to legend, the Lord Buddha’s relics and hair were contained in the pagoda.

It was presumed by the Fine Arts Department that this area was probably an important gateway town of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, named ‘Wiang Soi,’ over 800 years ago. Travel in the past had to be made along the course of the Ping River. Wiang Soi flourished and had up to 99 temples. The ruling was passed down several generations. Indigenous people are ‘Lua.’ The last ruler was ‘Phaya Utum.’ Nowadays, the archaeological evidence of the town lays underwater, and it can be seen only when the water recedes just to a very low level.

Bhumibol Dam or Yanhi Dam It is the first multipurpose dam in Thailand. This large curve-shaped concrete dam is the highest one in Thailand; its height is 154 m from the base to the top. Built across the Ping River at Kaeo Mountain in Amphoe Sam Ngao, the dam is used for electricity production and irrigation. The river is 207 km long from the dam to Amphoe Hot, Chiang Mai. The area around the dam is used for recreational purposes and as a breeding site of freshwater creatures. Furthermore, there are nature study trails on the river banks above the dam in the national forest reserve of Mae Tuen; they go through deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed deciduous forest, a variety of rocky mountains, creeks, waterfalls, and reforestation areas. The trails offer an opportunity for visitors to commune with nature as well as promote ecotourism.

Rafting: A raft towed by a boat and a cruise service are available on the reservoir for visitors to admire the beauty of nature. The raft or cruise trip goes along attractions, from Phra Phutthabat Khao Nam, Ko Valentine, Doi Chaopho Luang, Khao Phra Phutthabat, Tham Ap Nang, Boransathan Kaeng Soi to Doi Tao in Chiang Mai, totalling 204 km. For more information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4 (Tak), Tel. 0 5551 4341 – 3. There are private tour companies providing a rafting service: Thong Nathi Company Limited, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2457 3428, 0 2457 6873 – 4, and 0 2467 2557; Edelweiss Princess Company Limited, Bangkok,

Tel. 0 2931 2810 – 4; Phae Mae Ping Tour (Thong-in Tour), 76/2 Mu 2, Tambon Sam Ngao, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak 63160, Tel. 0 5554 9310; Phae Mae Ping Resort, 123 Mu 5, Tambon Ban Na, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak, Tel. 0 1953 4287.

Places of Interest at Bhumibol Dam

• Phra Phutthabat Doi Khao Nam: This Lord Buddha’s footprint is enshrined in Wat Phra Phutthabat at the top of a hill on an island. Inside the temple, there is a pavilion where the principal Buddha image is housed. The surrounding views are beautiful.

• Ko Valentine: This small island has a sandy beach. Visitors can play in the water here.

A charter boat is available from Bhumibol Dam to those two islands. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand provides sports facilities such as a golf course, a tennis court, rent boats, etc.

A guided tour with briefing is available for a group of students. A permission letter should be addressed in advance to the Director of the Bhumibol Dam, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak 63130.

Accommodation: The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand provides an air-conditioned common room for 30 people at 5,000 Baht, and houses from 800 to 2,500 Baht. For further details, contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Bhumibol Dam, Tel. 0 5554 9509, 0 5559 9003 – 6 ext. 2501, 0 5559 9093 – 7, Bangkok Tel. 0 2436 3271 – 2.

To get there: From Amphoe Mueang Tak, follow Highway No. 1 and take a left turn at between Km 463 – 464 to the dam for around 17 km.

King Amphoe Wang Chao

Sericulture Experimental Station It is located on Highway No. 1 (Tak – Kamphaeng Phet) at Km 396, about 30 km from town. This place is where the growing of mulberries and the raising of silkworms are done on a large scale. Products of mulberry leaves as tea or to be mixed with canned fish as food, mulberry fruit juice, and mulberry wine are available for sale. It is open during official hours. Tel. 0 5559 3015.

Buy

Miang Kham Mueang Tak or Miang Chomphon Its condiments include shredded coconut, fried dried rice, roast peanut, dried shrimps, crispy pork skin, small pieces of lemon, shallot, and ginger, fresh capsicum, soya bean sauce, and sesame cracker or leaves of Cha-phlu (Piper sarmentosum Roxb). The sesame cracker will be softened in water. The rest of the condiments will be wrapped by a soft cracker into a titbit and topped with a drop of soya bean sauce. Miang Kham is a kind of snack popular in Tak and nearby provinces.

Kuaitiao Phuen Mueang Remarkably, noodle soup here is cooked with small flat threads. Other condiments are powdered dried shrimp, small pieces of crispy pork skin, shallot, fried garlic, chopped pork, sliced cow pea, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and fish sauce. Both dry noodles and noodle soup are available. Nowadays, two noodle shops are left: Ran Pa Bang in Amphoe Mueang Tak and Ran Pa La on the Mae Sot – Mae Ramat route in Amphoe Mae Sot.

Kabong Cho This kind of snack got its name from Burmese words: ‘Kabong’ means a pumpkin and ‘Cho’ means being fried. Pumpkin is coated with flour and fried until crispy. The tip of crunchiness lays on flour called ‘Paemong’ from Myanmar which is made from young soybeans. Nowadays, besides pumpkin, other vegetables, such as raw papaya, gourd, bean sprout, etc., are applied. The fried vegetables are eaten with sweet and sour dipping of which ingredients are tamarind juice, sugarcane juice, salt, ground peanut and garlic. This snack is commonly sold at markets in Amphoe Mueang Tak and Amphoe Mae Sot.

Seng-phe and Halawa These are typical sweets of the people of Thai Yai. ‘Seng-phe’ looks like red sticky rice conserve, cooked from sticky rice, sugarcane juice and coconut milk, and baked or grilled until its coconut creamy topping turns brown. ‘Halawa’ is cooked from rice flour, granulated sugar, coconut milk, and tapioca, and topped with coconut cream like Seng-phe. Both of them have a sweet and creamy taste. Vendors usually make them in a round tray and cut them into small pieces for sale in the municipal fresh market of Amphoe Mae Sot.

Festival

Loi Krathong Sai Lai Prathip Phan Duang Tradition Loi Krathong Sai is an ancient tradition which has long been inherited over the past. It is held every year in November which coincides with the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. ‘Krathong Sai’ is different from a Krathong cup in general. A cup of coconut shell is used as its body. Since the people of Tak love “Miang” – a local snack made of coconut flesh, and produce “Miang” as an important local product, a lot of coconut shells are left. During the Loi Krathong Festival, the people bring them to be cleaned and polished for making Krathong Sai. Prepared fuel is put in the coconut cups and then lit before floating them away in a line along the Ping River. The glittering cups provide an attractive scene on the Ping River at night. During this event, there is a competition of releasing the Krathong cups called ‘Krathong Sai Lai Prathip Phan Duang’ to win His Majesty the King’s Cup, cultural performances, a beauty contest entitled ‘Thida Krathong Sai,’ and OTOP booths.

Taksin Maharachanuson Fair and Red Cross Fair King Taksin the Great who returned independence to the Thai nation had his background closely tied with Tak. The people of Tak, therefore, organise a traditional fair ‘Taksin Maharachanuson’ to honour him and publicise his heroic deeds. There is a light and sound presentation held as offerings to propitiate his soul, exhibitions, entertainment performances and booths of agricultural goods and OTOP products. The fair and the Red Cross Fair are an annual event held together during 28 December to 3 January at the King Taksin the Great Shrine.

Khuen That Duean Kao Tradition This merit making event is held to worship the Lord Buddha’s relics on the fourteenth waxing moon day and the full moon day of the ninth lunar month of Thailand’s North, which coincides with the seventh lunar month of Thailand in general, or around late May or in June. There are processions of long drums, offerings, money donation trees, ‘Pha Pa’ robe trees and victory flags, and a robe to cover Phrathat (the pagoda where the Lord Buddha’s relics are enshrined), starting from Nong Lem, Saphan Bun, to Wat Phra Borommathat. A ceremony is held to offer the pagoda robe. On this occasion, a ritual is done to propitiate the Chedi (pagoda) built to the north of the temple by King Ramkhamhaeng to mark his successful elephant-back fight against Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of the city of Chot. Also, the traditional merit-making by giving offerings to Buddhist monks is held at the temple.

Itinerary

Example of a Tour Programme

Day 1

• Leave Amphoe Mueang for Amphoe Mae Sot.
• Pay respect to Chaopho Phawo at Km 62 – 63.
• Experience the wonder of nature at the amazing hill around Km 65.
• Visit Wat Thaiwatthanaram to witness artworks of the people of Thai Yai.
• Visit the Thai – Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
• Buy products from Rim Moei Market.
• Accommodation check-in.

Day 2

• 6.30 a.m.
  • Depart for Amphoe Umphang, using the ‘sky road’
  • Prepare personal items for rafting on the Mae Klong River. The river trip passes along Thi Lo Cho Waterfall, Ta Kho Bi Rapids, Pha Phueng, Pha Lueat, and Pha Wo. Admire nature on the river banks. Enjoy exciting whitewater rafting. Take a boxed meal

enroute.

• Afternoon
  • Arrive at Pha Lueat and proceed to the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary by bus, if it is during the cool and hot seasons, or on foot during the rainy season, for around 11 km, taking 3 hours.
  • Set up a camp for an overnight stay.

Day 3

• 6.00 a.m.
  • Have breakfast. Walk to Thi Lo Su Waterfall. Play in the waterfall. Take pictures. Admire the beauty of nature.
  • Return to the camp. Collect personal items.
  • Have lunch. Leave for Amphoe Mueang.
  • Arrive in Amphoe Muang. Pay homage to the Shrine of King Taksin the Great.

• 6.00 p.m.
  • Admire the sunset at the Ping River, which is praised for its attractiveness.

Tips for a Trip to National Parks

Nature Study Walk

• Walk on the provided path to prevent one self from unintentionally damaging an ecosystem.
• Do not leave any garbage since it will spoil the area and may hurt wild animals. For example, if animals devour broken bottles or pieces of plastic that cannot be digested, they may die.

Forest Trek

• Enquire about the destination place in order to prepare equipment properly.
• Prepare forest trekking equipment which is necessary and easy to use, such as sleeping bag, tent, plastic mat, medicine, torchlight, pocket knife, repellent, compass, etc.
• Study the seasons of nature, such as flowers, migrating birds, etc. Prepare binoculars, notebook, pencil, pen and map.
• Study the route and check it with a map before travelling. Choose a path on the mountain ridge which is easier to walk on than the one in a valley. Strictly follow the authorities’ advice.

Camping

• Prepare a tent, sleeping bag, plastic mat, kitchen utensils such as a pot, gas range, oil lamp, dried food, drinking water, canvas shoes, hat, etc.
• Examine the direction of wind before putting up a tent. The tent must be at the beginning while a bonfire and a restroom at the end. The tent should be on a hill or high land, and on an open area beside a creek.
• Sweep pieces of grass and leaves before putting up a tent since they may be a habitat of insects or reptiles.
• Find fuel from pieces of wood in the forest or on the beach, and put out the bonfire before going to sleep.
• Keep the area clean in its original state after camping.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Tak

• Ban Suan Wan Thong Chai (บ้านสวนวันธงชัย) Tambon Nong Bua Tai (Tel: 0 1962 4262), 17 rooms: 300-400 baht
• Mae Ping (แม่ปิง) 231/2-3 Mahatthai Bamrung Road (Tel: 0 5551 1807), 40 rooms: 110-300 baht
• Mae Ping Gardent Resort (แม่ปิง การ์เดนท์ รีสอร์ท) 109/8 Tambon Nong Bua Tai (Tel: 0 5551 3476), 9 rooms: 400-500 baht
• Mai Ngam Resort (ไม้งาม รีสอร์ท) 37/1 Mu 7 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Mai Ngam (Tel: 0 5551 3326), 15 rooms: 450 baht
• Mek Wilai (เมฆวิไล) 311/4 Mahatthai Bamrung Road (Tel: 0 5551 1732, 0 5554 0354), 60 rooms: 220-370 baht
• Nong Luang (หนองหลวง) Nong Luang Uthit Road, Tambon Nong Luang, 8 rooms: 140-180 baht
• Phana San (พนาสันต์) 160/2 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Nam Ruem (Tel: 0 5551 1436), 35 rooms: 180-450 baht
• Racha Villa Resort (ราชาวิลล่า รีสอร์ท) 307/1 Phahonyothain Road, Tambon Nam Ruem (Tel: 0 5551 2361-2, 0 5551 3051, 0 5551 2475 Fax: 0 5551 3051), 59 rooms: 220-450 baht
• Sa Nguan Thai (สงวนไทย) 619 Taksin Road (Tel: 0 5551 1153, 0 5551 1265), 44 rooms: 220-450 baht
• Suansin Garden Resort (สวนสินการ์เด้นรีสอร์ท) 8/7 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 5551 1102), 58 rooms: 350-500 baht
• Tak Andaman Resort (ตากอันดามัน รีสอร์ท) 121 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 1889 6772, 0 5551 7565-6), 18 rooms: 1,250-2,500 baht
• Thep Pra Than (เทพประทาน) 196 Phahonyothin Road (Tel: 0 5554 1015), 20 rooms: 280 350 baht
• Viang Tak 1 (เวียงตาก 1) 25/3 Mahatthai Bamrung Road (Tel: 0 5551 1910), 100 rooms: 750-1,200 baht
• Viang Tak 2 (เวียง���าก 2) 236 Chomphon Road, Tambon Ra Haeng (Tel: 0 5551 2507-8, 0 5551 2686 Fax: 0 5551 2687) www.viangtakhotel.com, E-mail: info@viangtakhotel.com, 150 rooms: 1,100-2,500 baht
• Wang Chao Resort (วังเจ้า รีสอร์ท) Tak-Wang Chao Road, 13 rooms: 170-350 baht

Amphoe Sam Ngao

• (บ้านพักรับรองการไฟฟ้า) Phumibhol Dam (Tel: 0 5554 9509, 0 5559 9093-7 Ext. 2521 Bangkok Tel: 0 2436 3271-2), Dormitory: 30 persons: 5,000 baht, Houses: 800-2,500 baht
• Wang Kaeo (วังแก้ว) 50/2 Mu 1 Tambon Wang Man (Tel: 0 1523 0066, 0 1953 8634), 30 rooms: 250-400 baht

Boat and Raft in Amphoe Sam Ngao

• Phae Big Poi (แพบิ๊กโป้ย) 83/1 Mu 3, Tambon Sam Ngao (Tel: 0 5559 9058, 0 1972 7190), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Chao Doi (แพชาวดอย) (Tel: 0 5559 9110), 25 roooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Chor Choke Prasert (แพ ช โชคประเสริฐ) (Tel: 0 1962 3479), 25 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Mae Ping Resort (แพแม่ปิง รีสอร์ท) (Tel: 0 1901 2831, 0 1953 4287), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Mae Ping Tour (แพแม่ปิงทัวร์) (Tel: 0 5554 9310), 25 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Nong Na Phat Tour (แพนงนภัส ทัวร์) 580/41 Soi Annex 20 Phahonyothin Road, Amphoe Sai mai Bangkok (Tel: 0 5551 5350, 0 2993 5710), 100 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Petch Mae Ping (แพเพชรแม่ปิง) 9/7 Mu 3, Tambon Ban Na (Tel: 0 5551 9250, 0 9856 5213), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Rung Charoen Tour (แพรุ่งเจริญทัวร์) (Tel: 0 1973 2459, 0 5554 9311), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Si Udom Sap (แพศรีอุดมทรัพย์) 46 Mu 3, Tambon Sam Ngao (Tel: 0 5554 9168, 0 1886 4873), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Tha Da River Tour (แพธาดาริเวอร์ทัวร์) (Tel: 0 5554 9767, 0 1972 4082), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Thawin Chai (แพถวิลชัย) 130 Mu 5, Tambon Ban Na (Tel: 0 1971 1597, 0 1962 6845), 250 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phae Thor Kanjana (แพ ธ กาญจนา) 373/3 Mu 4 Tambon Sam Ngao (Tel: 0 5554 9238, 0 1972 9673), 50 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Ruea Edel Weiss Princess (เรือเอเดลไวซ์ ปริ้นเซส) 302/47 Soi Lat Phrao 71, Bang Ka Pi (Bangkok Tel: 0 2931 2087, 0 2931 2810-4 Fax: 0 2931 2375), 120 rooms: 1,200-1,600 baht
• Ruea Thong Nathee (เรือทองนที) 302/47 Lat Phrao 71 Road, Bang Ka Pi (Bangkok Tel: 0 2457 3428, 0 2467 2557), 100 rooms; 1,200-1,600 baht

Eat

Amphoe Mueang Tak

• Chaloem Mit (เฉลิมมิตร) nears Rim Mae Nam Ping Road, 156 Thai Chana Road, Tambon Rahaeng, Tel. 0 5551 1690
• Chom Ping Beer Garden (ชมปิงเบียร์ การ์เด้น) (Viang Tak 2 Hotel) 236 Chomphon Road, Tel. 0 5551 2686, 0 5551 2507 (Thai, Chinese and European food)
• Fa Fa Bakery (ฟ้า ฟ้า เบเกอรี่) 7 Chomphon Road, Tambon Nong Luang, Tel. 0 5551 2006 (Thai and Chinese food)
• Grain Long (เกรนหลง) 514/1 Taksin Road, Tambon Nong Luang, Tel. 0 5551 2252 (Thai food)
• Khrua Kaset (ครัวเกษตร) 208 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Nam Ruem, Tel. 0 5554 0459 (Thai food)
• Pridi Phochana (ปรีดี โภชนา) 7 Phahonyothin road, Tambon Chiang Ngoen, Tel. 0 5551 1408 (Thai food)
• Rak Phochana (รักโภชนา) 44/3 Mahatthai Bamrung Road, besides Municipal Market, Tel. 0 5551 1396 (Thai food)
• Suki Kaset (สุกี้เกษตร) 208 Mu 5 Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Nam Ruem, Tel. 0 5554 0459 (Thai food)
• Sutha Phoch (สุธาโภชน์) Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Chiang Ngoen, Tel.. 0 5551 1476 (Thai food)
• U Win (ยูวิน) 1/1 Mu 5, Tambon Nam Ruem, Tel. 0 5551 3709 (Thai food and noodle)

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 23:47, 2 February 2010 (EST)