About Uthai Thani
Uthai Thani lies about 200 km northwest of Bangkok on the Sakae Krang, just upstream of its junction with the Chao Phraya. The town is small and quiet, and life has centred on the river for centuries. Traditional raft houses still stand on the water, and in the morning you may see monks on boats. The province holds little-visited natural areas, including the Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife reserve, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. In town you can visit Wat Khao Wong, a temple in a valley with a Thai-style assembly hall. At the end of Buddhist Lent many people gather for merit-making festivals. Uthai Thani suits travellers seeking calm, river life and a stop between Bangkok and the north. The town is compact enough to feel like a village: the river, the market and most temples are within walking distance of each other, and the pace is remarkably slow.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or car (about 3.5 hours); buses also run from Nakhon Sawan and Suphan Buri. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Uthai Thani
- Raft houses on the Sakae Krang Traditional floating houses along the river, lovely in the morning.
- Wat Khao Wong A valley temple with a two-storey Thai-style assembly hall.
- Huai Kha Khaeng A wildlife reserve that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, for nature lovers.
- River festivals At the end of Lent there are ceremonies and festivals along the water.
