Uthai Thani is situated in the lower part of the northern region. Recent excavations have indicated that this area was inhabited by prehistoric people. There are several tourist attractions and places of interest but because the township area is far from the main highway few visitors make the trip to this interesting province.

Uthai Thai occupies a total area of 6,730 square kilometers located 219 kms. from Bangkok. It is divided into 8 Amphoes; Muang, Nong Kha Yang, Nong Chang, Thap Than, Ban Rai, Sawang Arom, Lan Sak and Huai Khot.

UTHAI THANI 's ATTRACTIONS

Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri This temple is situated at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang. The very beautiful Buddha dates from Sukhothai period named "PhraMongkhonSaksit" is housed here. This Buddha image is cast of bronze in the attitude of Subduring Evil. It is one of the most sacred Buddha images and is highly revered by Uthai Thani inhabitants. Crowds of Buddhists assemble for "Tak Bat Thewo" (Merit Making Festival) at this temple every year on Ok Phansa Day.

Khao Sakae Krang Buddha Footprints The Footprints are enshrined on the 120 meters summit of Khao Sakae Krang near Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. The mondop covering the Footprints was built in the year 1905 and renovated in 1968. A Fair celebration the Footprints is held during the thud day through the eighth day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month of each year.

Monument of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok The father of King Phra Buddha Yotfa Chulalok, (Rama 1 of the present Chakri Dynasty), Somdet Phra Pathom was born in the town of Sakae Krang. A monument of him is located near the Khao Sakae Krang Buddha Footprints and was inaugurated by Their Majesties the King and the Queen on April 5, 1979.


Mural Paintings at Wat Ubosatharam, This monastery is situated on Ko Thepho opposite to Uthai Thani Province Market, commonly called by the residents as 'Wat Bot' . The early Rattanakosin period mural paintings on the walls of the main shrine hall are regarded as very beautiful. Paintings of divine being are on the upper part while scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha decorate the lower part of the wall.

Wat Mani Sathit Kapittharam This monastery is commonly called "Wat ThungKaeo" and there is a large Khmer style pagoda (prang) located inside. The Prang is 8 meters wide at the base with a height of 16 meters. It houses some of the Buddha's relics. A bronze image of Luang Pho Yaem , the founder of this monastery, is enshrined here, and there is a large pond of holy water surrounding a rocky slab inscribed with some holy letters. The lustral water from this pond was used in the coronation ceremonies of King Rama VI and Rama VII, and it is one of the most important monasteries of Uthai Thani.

Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha Sung This monastery is located about 10 kms. from the Provincial Hall (Sala Mang). It is a famous meditation wat with instruction in the style of meditation master luang Pho Pan . Luang Pho Rusi Ling Dam ), a famous meditation monk, used to reside here.

History and Local Culture Museum, located at Uthai Thani Non-Formal Education Centre, the museum puts on exhibition pre-historic human skeletons, local costumes, governor's costumes, etc.

Khao Pathawi This mountain is situated at Tambon Talukdu, Amphoe Thapthan, 38 kms. from township area. It resembles the picturesque mountains depicted on Chinese porcelains, having a cool ample space with shady trees and inhabited by groups of monkeys. There are many caves inside the mountain including the Tham Prathun , Tham Rusi or Hermit Cave , with many beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.

The Ancient City of Bung Khok Chang, located at Tambon Phai Khieo, Amphoe Sawang Arom, the city is discovered in almost perfect condition with ruins and various kinds of artifacts such as pottery, grinding stones, iron tools, yellow beads and an inscription. Some other ancient communities are also discovered within the province, though not in similar condition, for example, the Ancient City of Ban Tai , Amphoe Muang.

The Old City of Uthai Thani, now at Ban Uthai Thani Kao, Amphoe Nong Chang, the city flourished during Ayutthaya period. Ruins of many old Wats still can be seen, for example, Wat Chaeng with its main Prang and a Bot (a rite hall) of late Ayutthaya period, and Wat Hua Muang with ruins of a Bot and a Chedi.

Mural Paintings At Wat Nong Khun Chat This monastery is located at Tambon Nong Suang, Amphoe Nong Chang. The mural paintings dating from the reign of King Rama V on the walls of the main shrine hall are the scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha. There is a mondop covering the Buddha Footprints located in the area of the monastery.

Tham Khao Phraya Phai Rua This cave is newly discovered, situated in Amphoe Lan Sak, 60 kms. from the township ares. Viewed from a distance, the hill resembles a Chinese junk surrounded at the base by a natural moat of about 12 meters in width. The sides of the mountain are covered with many species of trees and inside the mountain there are many caves such as Tham Kaeo , Tham Si Chomphu , Tham Thong Phra Rong , Tham Buddha Sathan , Tham Ang Nam Mon , each having their own particular beauties. Some of them are adorned with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. A visit to the caves will require some 4-5 hours to see all the interesting sights. There is electricity for illumination in the caves, but the authorities should be contacted in advance to light the caves and payment must be made for the cost of the electricity.

Khao Khong Chai This is another large and beautiful mountain, located about 5 kms. from Amphoe Lan Sak where a road branches off on the right for the one kilometer distance to Khao Khong Chai. The foot hills are always cool and there are many beautiful caves such as Tham Thong Chai, Tham Maha Sombat , Tham Lom , etc. inside the mountain.

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary This area, bordering Changwat Uthai Thani and Changwat Tak, was declared a wildlife preserve in 1972. The FAO is presently making a survey of the area and will open it as the most complete and biggest wildlife sanctuary in Southeast Asia. Generally, this area consists of virgin forests, clear forests, prairies and many streams, all suitable for wildlife breeding expansion. Here can be found many species of wild animals including rare and nearly extinct species.

Huai Kha Khaeng can be reached by taking Uthai Thai - Nong Chang -Lansak Route (Highway No. 3438) to Km.53-54, then turn left for another 14 kms. However, prior approval is necessary from the Wildlife Conservation Division, the Royal Forest Department, Tel. 579-4847. Important considerations for the jungle trekker are: Tour guide, foodstuff and medicine.

Tak Bat Devo Tak Bat Devo' means to fell the bowls of the gods, and in this festival, held a day after Ok Phansa (Buddhist Raips Retrest), about October each year, monks descend from a hilltop temple to receive offerings from local people, as the Buddha himself is believed to have done after preaching to believed to have done after preaching to believed to have don after preaching to his mother in heaven. Folk theatre and other entertainments are also provided.