Uttaradit Travel Guide
City City in Uttaradit province, Thailand
Uttaradit sits along the Nan River, a northern Thai town of old teak houses, temple shrines and fruit orchards. Visitors travel here for hill treks toward Phu Soi Dao, temple fairs and local northern Thai food.
Why Visit Uttaradit? #
Uttaradit draws visitors with its longan orchards, riverside temples and access to northern Thai highland scenery. Each year the Longan Festival celebrates the region’s fruit harvest, while Wat Phra Thaen Sila At offers hilltop views and notable Buddhist architecture. Travelers who love small-town markets, sticky rice treats and day trips into Lam Nam Nan National Park find an approachable base that highlights agricultural traditions and quieter northern Thai rhythms.
Who's Uttaradit For?
Uttaradit is a quiet provincial base with access to forested hills and Phu Soi Dao National Park for waterfalls, wildflowers and high‑altitude trails. It’s ideal for multi‑day treks and birdwatching in the cooler season.
Local northern Thai cuisine and market food are highlights-try khao soi‑style dishes, sticky rice and grilled river fish at very low prices (roughly 30-80 THB per dish). Night markets serve cheap, authentic bites.
A calm riverside town feel, historic temples and nearby waterfall hikes make Uttaradit a pleasant, low‑stress choice for couples seeking nature and quiet guesthouses (rooms commonly 400-900 THB per night).
Budget buses connect Uttaradit to Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and small guesthouses are inexpensive. It’s a handy stopover for independent hikers heading into Phu Soi Dao or lesser‑visited northern trails.
Top Things to Do in Uttaradit
All Attractions ›
- Uttaradit Railway Station - Historic Northern Line station with classic architecture and daily train activity in town.
- Uttaradit National Museum - Displays local history, artifacts, and province archaeology in a compact, informative setting.
- Uttaradit City Pillar Shrine (Lak Mueang) - Local spiritual center with regular merit-making and traditional ceremonies near the town center.
- Yom River waterfront - Peaceful riverside area where locals walk, fish, and watch evening life unfold.
- Wat Tha Sao - Small community temple with calm grounds and friendly local worshippers, off the main tourist track.
- Local morning market (Talat Chorakhe Phat) - Bustling market selling produce and northern snacks, best visited early for authentic flavors.
- Sukhothai Historical Park - Extensive UNESCO-listed ruins of the ancient Sukhothai capital, about two hours by road.
- Phu Soi Dao National Park - Mountain park with cool trails and seasonal wildflowers, reachable in roughly two to three hours.
- Phrae Old Town - Quiet streets lined with historic teak houses and small museums, an easy regional outing.
Plan Your Visit to Uttaradit #
Best Time to Visit Uttaradit #
Best time to visit Uttaradit is the Cool Season (November-February) when skies are drier and temperatures are pleasantly mild for temples and markets. The Hot Season (March-May) is very hot inland, while the Rainy Season brings lush scenery but frequent heavy showers.
Best Time to Visit Uttaradit #
Uttaradit's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 38°C. Abundant rainfall (1396 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (220 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (192 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (257 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 6 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Uttaradit
Uttaradit has no major commercial airport of its own; most visitors arrive by train on the State Railway of Thailand's Northern Line at Uttaradit Railway Station or via nearby Phitsanulok Airport. Bangkok is the main long‑distance gateway, with frequent trains and buses connecting the capital to Uttaradit.
Phitsanulok Airport (PHS): Phitsanulok is the nearest commercial airport with regular domestic flights. From Phitsanulok Airport you can take a metered taxi to Phitsanulok city centre (≈150-250 THB, 15-20 minutes) and then a minivan or local bus to Uttaradit (≈70-120 THB, 1-1.5 hours). A direct private taxi from the airport to Uttaradit is possible but significantly more expensive (typically 1,200-2,000 THB, ~1-1.5 hours).
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) / Bangkok (BKK): If flying into Bangkok you can continue to Uttaradit by bus or train. From Don Mueang, take a taxi or shuttle to Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) or to a Bangkok railway station, then an intercity bus (≈200-350 THB, 5-6 hours) or an SRT northbound train (see Train section) to reach Uttaradit.
Train: Uttaradit is served by Uttaradit Railway Station on the State Railway of Thailand (Northern Line). Trains run to/from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat/Bang Sue and Hua Lamphong) and north to Phitsanulok, Phrae and Chiang Mai; journey time from Bangkok is roughly 5-7 hours depending on service. Fares vary by class - expect inexpensive 3rd-class seats up to basic 2nd/1st-class reserved seats or sleepers (roughly from ~100 THB for basic seats to several hundred baht for air-conditioned/berth options).
Bus / Minivan: Regular intercity buses and minivans connect Uttaradit with Phitsanulok, Sukhothai and Bangkok. From Phitsanulok bus terminal you can catch a minivan or bus to Uttaradit in about 1-1.5 hours (fares commonly ≈60-120 THB). Long‑distance air‑conditioned buses from Bangkok (Northern Bus Terminal, Mo Chit) take about 5-6 hours and typically cost around 200-350 THB.
How to Get Around Uttaradit
Uttaradit is a compact provincial city best explored on short local rides and on foot. For inner‑city travel, songthaews, motorbike taxis and tuk‑tuks are the most practical; for day trips or flexibility, renting a motorbike or car is the preferred option.
- Songthaew / Shared truck (10-30 THB) - Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are the most common local public-transport option for short hops around Uttaradit and nearby districts. They run on set routes but often wait until they have enough passengers; fares are cheap and negotiable for short rides. Use them for local markets and short trips from the station.
- Motorbike taxi (20-80 THB) - Motorbike taxis are plentiful for quick point-to-point trips and are the fastest way to navigate narrow streets. Expect to pay more for late-night or longer rides; always agree the price before you go. Good option if you have one small bag and need to move quickly between the market, old town and railway station.
- Tuk‑tuk / Metered taxi (40-200 THB) - Tuk‑tuks and local taxis operate around the station and market area; tuk‑tuks are convenient for short distances but fares should be negotiated up front. Metered taxis are rare compared with larger cities. For longer day trips or airport transfers, arrange a fixed fare with a taxi driver or hotel.
- Car & motorbike rental (Motorbike 150-350 THB/day · Car 800-1,800 THB/day) - Renting a motorbike or car is the best way to explore surrounding countryside, temples and national parks at your own pace. Daily motorbike rental rates in provincial Thailand are typically modest, while cars cost more and require a valid international or Thai driving licence. Inspect vehicles carefully and ensure basic insurance and helmet use for bikes.
- Intercity bus & minivan (Minivan 60-150 THB · Bus 200-350 THB) - Buses and minivans connect Uttaradit with Phitsanulok, Sukhothai and Bangkok; minivans are faster and depart more frequently for nearby towns. Book longer bus trips from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) in Bangkok or at provincial terminals; tickets are straightforward and reasonably priced. Overnight or express services are available for longer routes.
- Walking - Uttaradit's town centre is compact and walkable - most markets, temples and the riverside are within easy walking distance of the railway station. Walking is often the quickest way to explore the old town and find local eateries; wear comfortable shoes and carry water in hot weather.
Where to Stay in Uttaradit #
Where to Eat in Uttaradit #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Uttaradit's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Uttaradit #
Uttaradit is a quiet northern Thai provincial capital where nightlife is modest: night markets, riverside eateries and a few low‑key bars around the town centre. Evenings are excellent for sampling local dishes and Thai beers in open‑air markets. Practical tips: most venues close by 22:00-23:00, carry cash, and temple grounds are not appropriate for late drinking.
Best Bets
- Uttaradit Night Market (Talat Rod Fai area) - Local food stalls, drinks and lively evening atmosphere.
- Town centre cafés and riverside eateries - Relaxed spots for coffee, beer and river views at night.
- Small bars and guesthouse lounges - Low‑key venues with local patrons and casual music.
- Weekend markets and pop‑up food stalls - Best for sampling regional snacks and late‑night treats.
- Hotel bars and terrace restaurants - Most reliable for later hours and visitors.
- Overnight trips to larger nearby towns - For live music and bars, head to bigger regional towns.
