Loei

Since Loei is a border town adjacent to present-day Laos, or the Lan Xang Kingdom in the past, many temples and archeological sites in Loei reflect the influence of Lan Xang’s artistic style. Temples in Chiang Khan, Dan Sai and Na Haeo apparently reflect Lan Xang’s distinctive features in their Ubosot, an ordination hall, Wihan, an assembly hall, which houses the Buddha images and Ho Trai, al library sued to house holy scriptures. Notably, the sloping, superposed roof in some areas in the northern region, is typically Lan Xang.

1. Phra That Si Song Rak

This temple was built in 1560 as the symbol of fraternal relationship between Somdet Phra Maha Chakkaphat of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and Phrachao Chaiya chetthathirat of the Lan Xang Kingdom. The two kings pledged at this Phra That not to encroach upon the other’s territory, and to unify their forces against the invading Myanmar army. This Lan Xang-style Phra That is located on a hill by the Man River, at the supposed borderline between the two kingdoms. This brick-and-concrete, 30 meters high, chedi with a 12 cornered indented square base, has “cubical lotus” shape, similar to Phra That Phanom, in Nakhon Phanom Province, Phra That Luang in Vientiane, Phra That Si Khotta-bong in Lao’s Khwaeng Khammuan and many other chedi along the Mekong River.

On the 15th day of the waxing moon in May, people in Dan Sai hold a grand celebration at Phra That Si Song Rak, and offer 3 candle-made objects to this sacred Phra That. The first is Ton Phueng (see details in box); the second one is Thain Wian Hua or candles specially made to be flexible and long enough to circle around one’s head; and the third one is Thian Sen Khon Sen Sat or a bundle of small candles of the same number as family members and pets.

Do’s and Don’ts at Phra That Si Song Rak

1. Do not offer red objects or flowers to the Phra That.

2. Do not dress in red. This sacred Phra That was built as a symbol of sincerity and friendship, while red color represents blood and violence.

3. Do not put up an umbrella, wear a hat or shoes within the Phra That compound.

4. Do not bring children of less than 3 years old into the Phra That.

Note: Before performing any you are recommended to ask for advice from the officials there.

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2. Wat Pho Chai

Located in Tambon Na Phueng in Na Haeo, this important temple was supposedly built in late Ayutthaya period. The Buddha statue enshrined in the abbot’s abode has been revered as the town’s moral refuge for generations. Assumed to be of the Chiang Saen period, the statue depicts the meditating Buddha with an elongated face and a flamboyant topknot. The mural pictures in the wihan depict the Jakata, 10 previous lives of the Lord Buddha and local literature. The inscription on the northern wall states that these mural paintings were completed in 1852, during the reign of King Rama IV. The outer side of this wihan also shows mural paintings completed in 1916.

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3. Phra That Din Thaen

No temple in Thailand is like Phra That Din Thaen. No brick and concrete were applied, but it was solely made of soil and was assembled by the faithful more than 200 years ago.

This highly revered religious site means so much to people of Na Haeo as Phra That Si Song Rak to Dan Sai. A visit to Phra Thaen is worthwhile, as it bestows not only moral happiness, but also an insight into the meaning of Phra That to the people’s way of life, specially those in Saeng Pha.

Legend held that once a wandering monk from the central plain stopped over at Saeng Pha village and asked the villages to jointly construct Phra That din Thaen within 3 years. The construction presumably stared in 1770. Upon its completion, the monk asked the people to abide by the Buddha’s 5 moral precepts and to pledge to respect the Triple Gems (i.e. the Buddha, the Dhamma-his teaching, and the Sangha-the monks). Besides, they were also requested to pay respect to Phra That on the full moon day in November, and to stop working and killing animals on the Buddhist holy days. This pledge has been strictly adhered to until today in Saeng Pha and nearby villages in Na Haeo.

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4. Na Haeo National Park

The 73,225 rai in this National Park covers mountainous areas extending from north to south, with Phu San Sai being the highest summit. Most Forests are dry evergreen forests with some deciduous trees and hill evergreen at higher altitude which serves as a natural boundary between Thailand and Laos. The park has a designated 7.2 kilometers long natural trail include Hin Si Thit – the 4 big square sand stones lying deep in the forest on the southern part of Phu San Sai. Hill 1408 on Phu San Sai is the highest spot and the central point of the Park, yet Hill 1205 only 1 kilometer away offers a viewpoint overlooking Laos as well as good campsite.

Sights of interest around the park

Visitors can drive the park on Highway 1268 and Highway 1328 to visit various interesting sites along the way.

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5. Wang Tat Waterfall

About 4 kilometers from the park headquarters on the Na Haeo-Rom Klao Road Highway 1268 Wang Klao Waterfall is the first tourist attraction on the way. A short walk of about 70 meters is necessary to reach this 2-leveled, 5 meters high waterfall.

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6. Chang Tok Waterfall

Located about 1 kilometer from Wang Tat Waterfall, Chang Tok Waterfall is about 8 meters high and 20 meters wide.

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7. Khring Waterfall

Located only about 200 meters from Chang Tok Waterfall, the 2-levelded, 4 meters high and 10 meters wide Khring Waterfall is a more worthwhile stop than the first two. Its attraction is revealed in the beautifully and naturally arranged steps of big and small stones, whereby water gently flows down to the basin blow. Tables and chairs are available under thick tree shades for picnickers. On the other side of the waterfall is the pavilion, which H.R.H. Primcess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn once visited in early 1991.

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8. Tat Hueang Waterfall

Very popular among the Thais and Laotians alike, this perennial waterfall originates from the Hueang River, which demarcates the Thai-Laotian border. Tat Hueag Waterfall thus is the only waterfall jointly owned by these two fraternal countries. It is also the biggest waterfall in Na Haeo, with a height of 30 meters and width of 40 meters.

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9. Phu Hua Hom Park Guard Unit

This Guard Unit is located on the summit of Phu Hua Hom, on the same route as Tat Hueang waterfall. This location offers a good viewpoint onto Hill 1428, once the source of land dispute between Thailand and Laos and now a demilitarized zone.

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10. Than Sawan Waterfall

This waterfall is located by the back of Na Haeo Witthaya School, about 2 kilometers from the district office. This medium-size, year-round waterfall is easily accessible by cars as it is out of Na Haeo Park and nearest to the waterfall is about 12 meters high and about 35 meters wide. The large basin at the lower part of the waterfall is suitable for swimming; some parts are even shallow enough for children. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest.

Loei adjoins the Mekong for a distance of about 96 kilometers from Chiang Khan to Pak Chom. This watercourse is narrow and meandering, on both sides by imposing mountains. The riverbed is filled with small gravel.

Highway 211 along the Mekong River from Nong Khai to Chiang Khan, unquestionably one of the most scenic routes in Thailand, promises a memorable and comfortable drive. Summer time offers even more fascinating scenery, as the low water level in the Mekong reveals hidden islands, islets and sandy beaches along the way. Tourist can also break the journey at many tourist attractions nearby.

1. Si Khun Muang

The temple was constructed before 1834 by Phra Khru Butdi, a former abbot of the temple, and his follows. Then ubosot, wihan and Buddha statue were built further by Phra Anu Phinat, the Governor of Pak Hueang or Chiang Khan together with his wife Nang Kuai, his children and the Pak Hueang officials. Wat Si Khun Muang observes the artistic stales of both Lanna which is a historical Kingdom in the present-day northern region of Thailand and Lan Xang. For instance, the ubosot’s roof is multi-tiered along Lanna’s architectural preference. The temple possesses many important artifacts, particularly a Lan Xang gilded carved wooden statue of posture of giving pardon. Presumably built in the 18th – 19th centuries, this statue has short curls and long pointed ears. The gilded carved wooden pulpit upon which monks preach sermons is also noteworthy.

Another distinguished artifact in this temple is the Hang Hot, which was once commonly found in the northern region but is rarely seen today.

Hang Hot is along thin water pathway in the shape of a Suphannahong Royal Barge. When people pour water into one end of the pathway, water flows to the revered, high-ranking monks, or sometimes to the governor himself, who sits at the other end. This is a symbolic act of paying respect and well wishing.

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2. Phu Thok

The summit of Phu Thok offers a good viewpoint overlooking Chiang Khan, the Mekong and Laos, especially at sunset.

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3. Kaeng Khut Khu

Kaeng Khut Khu is formed with a large rock obstructing a curve of the Mekong River causing strong currents. During the rainy season, Kaeng Khut Khu is concealed under water, but during summer time in February-May, the rock and its surrounding sandy beaches spectacularly reveal themselves. Visitors can leisurely walk on some parts of it. Fish abound around this place, similar to Kaeng Fa and Kaeng Chan in Amphoe Pak Chom.

Tourists who yearn for the close touch of the Mekong and its natural environment can take a 20-person boat to cruise for about 1 hour for a distance of 4 kilometers past Kaeng Khut Khu, Phu Khwai Ngoen and Phu Pha Baen.

Kaeng Khut Khu is also famous for many local food stalls operated by Ban Na Noi people. Apart from common mouthwatering dishes such as rossted chicken and papaya pha, kung ten and tomyam. These dishes are clean and reasonably priced.

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4. Wat Phra Phuttha Bat Phu Khwai Ngoen

The Buddha’s Footprint is enshrined in the sala (or pavilion) on the right of the parking lot. The Footprint, registered as a historic site in 1935, is about 1.2 meters long and about .8 meter wide. This highly revered temple was once so barely accessible that it is believed only those of high virtue can do. Those of lesser virtue would be barred by one way or another, despite their strong intention, from reaching the temple. On every 15th day of the waxing moon in February the temple holds a grand celebration.

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5. Ban Hat Bia

This small village by the Mekong bank is a popular stopover to admire the captivating and colorful rocks in the river.

Amphoe Muang Loei could impart local appreciation to visitors before they head toward other tourist spots. Phra That Satcha in this district is the center of faith in Buddhism. The Loei Provincial Cultural Center recounts multi-dimensional ways of life in Loei’s yesterday ands today. The Sirindhorn Art Center serves as a cradle to impart artistic skills to the youth. Last but not least, Kuan Pha Lom National Park offers nature lovers chances to go cliff climbing and trekking in the dense forest engulfed by a fortress of mountains.

1. Phra Tha Satcha

Phra That Satcha, literally meaning the temple of truthful pledge, was constructed one year after the collapse on 11 August 1975 of Phra That Phanom in Nakorn Phanom, which was probably the most revered Buddhist sanctuary in the whole northeastern region. As an imitation of Phra That Phanom, Phra That Satcha was constructed with the objectives to symbolically continue the spirit of Phra That Phanom, to sooth the people’s feeling of loss and despair from such tragic collapse, and finally to re-proclaim the pledge to preserved Buddhism in this region. The Buddha’s and his sublime follows’ relics, and the soil from Phra That Phanom, were consecrated inside Phra That Satcha. This 33-meter high Phra. That is located on a large rock foundation. It also has a seventieed an umbrella on its top. On the 15th day of the waxing moon in the February, the temple holds a grand celebration and opens its door for worshippers to gild the Buddha’s Footprints inside the Phra That.

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2. Loei LProvincial Cultural Center

Located within the compound of the Ratchaphat Lori Institue, this Cultural Center is a must in the Center is divided into 3 sections. First section: The audio-visual room shows slides about the province and the objects used in daily live of local people. Second section: This temporary exhibition shows the various statues of the Buddha made of wood. Sand stone, terra cotta and silver, the masks worn during the Phi Ta Khon festival; and other old utensils collected from Loei villagers. Besides, the 3

-month mobile exhibition displays various themes depending on the ongoing festivals in Loei at that time.

Third section: Called Boeng Thai Loei, literally meaning “a glimpse of Loei,” this section displays a noteworthy and prominent permanent exhibition on various aspects of Loei, covering its geology, geography, history, culture and ethnic groups.

Loei Provincecail Cultural Center opens from Monday-Friday 8.30 am. – 4.00 pm. Free of change. Those who desire to visit the Center as a group should contact the Center beforehand to contact address is Loei Provincial Cultural Center, Ratchaphat Loei Institute, Thanon Loei-Chiang Khan, Amphoe Muang Loei, Loei 42000.

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3. Kuan Pha Lom National Park

Kuan Pha Lom, literally meaning “surrounded by mountain “, is the name of the mountain range in Tambon Nam Suai in Amphoe Muang Loei. The park is kfamous for its rugged piercing limestones surrounding more than 1,000 rai of evergreen forest.

Visitors to Kuan Pha Lom can enjoy themselves with cliff climbing and trekking in the forest amidst the fortress of mountains. Interesting places inside the park are the 3 big caves named Tham Lom, Tham Luang and Tham Phabong. A natural pond at the center of the forest is believed to be a sacred place whereby the serpent king passes to go underground to Wat Hin Mak Peng by the Mekong in Nong Khai.

A guided tour is required for visitors’ safety and environmental protection. Tourists, including food stalls and accommodation, are not yet to be provided. Camping is allowed within the Park Headqurters, which also offers toilets and bathrooms.

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4. Sirindhorn Art Center

Sirindhron Art Center was established at Si Songkhram Witthaya School, Amphoe Wang Saphung, from the initiation of an art teacher named Sangkhom Thongmi, whose students received many international painting awards.

The Art Center collects youth’s arts, rural arts, and the local art knowledge, for the benefits of youth, art teachers and the general public.

The Art Center is housed in 4 buildings on 6 rais of land. It displays nationally and internationally awarded paintings by local students and exhibitions on their lives. Sketches by various artists of various disciplines, including cartoonists, are exhibited to provide inspiration and guidelines for beginners. Some rooms are allocated for temporary art exhibition by the public. The Sculpture Garden around the Art Center has been arranged with the cooperation of the Painting, Sculpture and Printing Faculty of Silpakorn University.

Sirindhorn Art Center is open to the public on Monday-Faridays. During holidays there may be special events which the general public can attend.

Nan

Phrathat Chae Haeng

This 600 year-old community is located on Doe Phuphiang Chae Haeng, King Phu Phiang 3 kms. From Nan City (Highway 1168 Nan-Mae Charim) and was constructed in the Sukhothai period. The annual Worshipping Fair takes place on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month (between the end of February and the beginning of March). The fair includes the celebration of fire works processions and offerings processions.

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Nan National Museum

is located on Highway 101 with a left turn before entering the Amphoe Muang, The museum puts on exhibition black ivory and various kinds of artifacts. Featured at the Nan Museum is a “Black Elephant Tusk”. The 94 cms 18 kgs curve ivory actually is a dark tan and is treasured by provincial anthorities. The museum is open on Wednesdays-Sundays from 9.00 AM until 4.00 PM, except national holidays. Tel : (054) 710561

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Wat Phumin

This monastery is located near the Nan National Museum in Phumin Village and has very unusual characteristics compared to other monasteries i.e., The main shrine hall and the vihara are constructed as the same building. Other attractive items of this monastery are, very beautiful carved wood doors facing four directions. (made by the Lanna Thai artisans) : and mural paintings painted on the internal wall of the vihara displaying ways of lives and cultures of the past.

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Wat Suan Tan

This monastery is located in Tambon Nai Wiang, Amphoe Muang. It has a beautiful pagoda with several levels decorated with works of art. Four niches are located in the four directions at the lowest level. A big bronze Buddha image 4.11 metres high named “Phra Chao Thong Thip” is housed inside the monastery. A grand celebration with fireworks displays takes place all day and all night during the Songkran festival.

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Wat Chang Kham
This is the royalgrade monastery, located in the heart of Nan City, constructed in 1426. There are elephant sculptures, of front half, decorating the base of the pagoda. Moreover, there is a Golden Buddha Image 145 cms. High and a big Buddha’s Teachings Hall (Ho Phra Trai Pidok)

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Phrathat Khao Noi
This pagoda is situated on the top of Khao Noi Hill, Tambon Chai Sathan, 2 kms. West of the provincial Hall. The hill is 800 feet high and has and access road to the hill top.

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Kat Laeng or Evening Market
is located on the bank of Nan River in Nan City. Handicrafts, souvenirs and various kinds of products are on sale.

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Pha Toob Arboretum

This arboretum is located 12 kms., from the provincial municipality on Highway No. 1080. There are several caves in the arboretum area worth visiting by nature lovers. Amphoe Na Noi Sao Din or Hom Chom This 4-5 square kilometers area is located at Amphoe Na Noi, 60 kms. From the provincial town It is dotted with various Sandstone formations deriving from earth denudation caused by flowing currents and subsequently eroded by rains ..................................................... Amphoe Na Muen Baan Pak Nai is a village in Amphoe Na Muen, 96 kilometers from the provincial town along the Nan-Wiang Sa-Na Noi route to Baan Pak Nai. It is a lakeside fishery village upstream from Sirikit Dam is available for sight-seeing of scenic views like mountains, cataracts, floating houses, fishernan’s way of life, and various kinds of fresh water fishs. Some of them also provide accommodations for visitors. ......................................... ............ Pha Chu is high cliff in Tambon Sisaket at Si Nan National Park about 20 kilometers away from Amphoe Na Muen and 80 kilometers to the south of Nan provincial town. With a flag pole erected on top and a rope hanging down to its foot, the flag rope here is a very long one. Guesthouses for visitors are also available here. ..................................................... Amphoe Baan Luang Doi Pha Chi is a mountain on Highway 1091, Nan-Phayao route, some 40 kilometers from the provincial town to Ban Luang District. A branch road runs for another 30 kilometers via Ban Pi Nua to Doi Pha Chi. This forested mountain is still in perfectly natural condition. The area was once and enemy base and some basic infrastructure like electricity generator and waterwork system still remain. In the nearby area, villages of Hmong and Yao hilltribes are located. .......................................... ........... Amphoe Mae Charim Rafting Along Wa River The trip takes about 5 hours, staarting from Ban Huai Sai Mun in Amphoe Mae Charim to Ban Hat Rai Amphoe Wiang Sa. ..................................................... Amphoe Tha Wang Pha Tai Lue Tribe Village Situated at Baan Nong Bua, Pa Kha Sub-District, the village is accessible by driving along the Highway 1080 for 40 kilometers to Amphoe Tha Waing Pha, then futher to Baan Nong Bua another 3 kilometers. Here, the famous Nam Lai hand-woven fabric is produced. Almost every house in this village owns a loom by which the villagers weave fabric for their household use and also for sale. Procucts made from the village’s hand-woven cloth, include, skirt, blouse, tube skirt, and scarf hyphen all produced for sale by a group of farmer housewives. ..................................................... Wat Nong Bua Located at Nong Bua Village, Wat Nong Bua was built by Tai Lue people migrated from Sib Song Pan Na Province in South China. The mural paintings here are believed to be the work of Tai Lue or Nan painters. The artistic style of painting is almost the same as those at Wat Phumin. Within its precincts, the rite hall or Bot, about 250 years old, lies in deteriorated condition. ..................................................... Amphoe Pua Sila Phet Waterfall This is regarded as a very beautiful waterfall, Located in Tambon Sila Phet, Amphoe Pua. ..................................................... Doi Phu Kha National Park *** is in a high mountain range in Amphoe Pua, Amphoe Bo Klua and Amphoe Mae Charim in Nan. The apex of Doi Phu Kha is 1,980 meters above sea level. The park has a lovely scenery and various trees and plants in abundance. Furthermore, there are several nice waterfalls and caves such as Ton Tong Waterfall and Pha Khong Cave, ideal for natrue lovers. ..................................................... Pa Klang Hilltribe Development and Assistance Village Located at Tambon Silalaeng, about 69 kilometers from the provincial town, Pa Klang is a village of Meo, Yao, and Thin hilltribes. After the The arrival of the communist insurgents in Nan in 1968, the tribes were separately settled in their former lifestyles producing beautiful handicrafts for sale to visitors. ..................................................... Amphoe Tung Chang The heroes of Pho To Tho Thung Chang Monumen It is monument dedicated to government officials, policemen and soldiers who lost their lives protecting the homeland from communist insurgents in Nan. It took 3 years to build and is situated in Amphoe Thung Chang alongside the Nan-Thung Chang Road on a low hill amidst large and small valleys. A nearby area is used for relaxation with a pond and some tropical flowers.

Lampang

Lampang is primarily known as Horse Carriage City “Muang Roth Ma” as horse carriages commonly seen by visitors portray people’s ways of life and their familiarity with them. At present, Lampang is the only town in Thailand where horse carriages public transport. Tourists can feel the liveliness as well as listen to the description about the historical sites in Lampang by horse driver. In addition horse carriages, another real symbol of Lampang province hardly known by people is “Kai Kau” (white cock) which stands in front of the city gate as the emblem of Lampang. Moreover, the picture of “Kai Kau” is commonly found on signposts, bridges and old buildings. It has been retold that during Buddha period Buddha visited this province. When Indra knew, he was afraid that people would not get up in himself as “Kai Kau” to wake the people up. Lampang is therefore called “Kukkuk Nakorn” meaning “Kai Kau”. The sound “kikkuk” is similar to cock’s cry but the source if sound is originally unknown. Historical Background The northern region is the mostly agricultural. A great number of houses are built on either side of the river. Human settlement in northern Thailand were villages, small towns or large towns which were classified according to their degree of importance. The monastery or wat (temple) was the cultural center of the village. The village market (talad) met local economic needs. Townspeople followed a wide range of occupations. Town was located near water and supported fairly large populations. Wiang was a kind of town which means an area encircled by walls and moats. There were two kinds of very small northern Thai towns. The first wiang was used as a defense position in times of unrest. In evidence, potsherds are seldom found at these sites, presumably because they were occupied for only short periods. The second wiang, wiang phrathat, served religious purposes. Some district or monasteries were formally designated as wiang the principal edifice of the monastery is the Phrathat. Year after year, villages pay homage to the Phrathat. The large town was called “Nakhon”. These would usually be not one large wiang but an ordered group of wiang.The largest and most important would be the wiang of the capital Khelang Nakhon, also called Lampang, was the most important Muang in the northern Wang Valley. Evidence found from Wang Valley shows that in 680 A.D. Phra chow Arnantayod, was the first ruler of Kheland Nakhon with areas about 600 rai on the northern bank of Wang river of Wang Nuea at present. Phrachow Arnantayod was one of the twin sons of Phranang Jammatherwee, the ruling queen of Hariphunchai Kingdom. Wiang Phrathat Lampang Luang is the most important religious wiang in the entire province. Wiang Phrathat Lampang Luang, 18 kilometers southwest of Lampang in Kao Kha District, is a roughly rectangular site. It is marked by remains of triple earthen walls separated by moats. Local historical records give the name of one particular wiang as Lamphakappa Nakhon. There is a legend that the Lord Buddha visited this spot in his lifetime and predicted a fine for the province. Such as belief were once instrumental in ensuring the upkeep and restoration of a monastery. Phrayah Muangrai established Kingdom of Lanna at the Kok River in the north of Kheland Nakhon. During the 13th century, he marched an army and seized with Kingdom of Hariphunchai. Finally, he occupied both Hariphunchai and Khelang Nakhon, which was under Kingdom of Hariphunchai and thus became the ruler. Until 1558 A.D. Lanna was a dependency of Myanmar for 200 years but sometimes it was under the Kingdom of Ayudhaya which was the strong domain in the south. On the time Kingdom of Ayudhaya was the strong domain in the south. The art objects were the trace of the extensive influence. Myanmar occupied many towns in the North. The center rule was in Nakhon Chiang Mai. Until 1732 A.D., Taomahayod, the ruler of Hariphunchai, marched an army at Wiang Phrathat Lampang Luang and seized with Nanthipchang who was the hunter. Taomahayod was shot with a cannon at Vihara Luang by Nanthipchang. He became Lampang’s rule after he freed Lampang to be from Myanmar’s rule. After that, there was the coronation for Nanthipchang who won his crown by conquest. The King Krungthonburi commanded Chow Ka wheela, the nephew of Nanthipchang to be Lampang’s ruler after Chow Kawheela cooperated with the southern people to seize with Myanmar. Later, Chow Kawsom, Chow Kawheela’s brother, Who was Lampang’s ruler after Chow Kawheela was promoted to be the ruler of Nakhon Chiang Mai. In period of Chow Norranantachai Chawalit, the ninth ruler in the region of King Rama V in 1872-1897 A.D., Nakhon Lampang was a prosperous center of teakwood business on Talad Gao Road. Most owner of business was Burmese and lived in Tamaho community at Tambon wiang Nuea. Many monasteries in Burmese style were built in many places. Phraya Suren Radchasena was the deputy in Lampang after Chow Boonyawartwongsmanit, the last Lampang’s ruler who died in 1922 A.D. He was the first governor of Lampang province in the reign of King Rama VI According to technology development of aircraft, during World War II, the airplane named Lampang, was used in Lampang Airport at Amphoe Kao Kha. This airport was an important role to Japanese’s airbase. On August 14, 1945 A.D. the Japanese emperor signed to admit defeat in the war and Thai government declared the peace. After three days of the peace declearing, the Hara-kiri was made by Japanese generals in Lampang in order to show their loyalty. After the war was ended, many important and interesting places have remained until now. Horse Carriage and Train The horse carriages were only used as a mean of transportation in Lampang province during the reign of King Rama V. The first horse carriage was bought from Bangkok. Later, the horse carriages were wide-spread from Nakhon Lampang to Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, Nakhon Si Thammarat in the South and Nakhon Chiang Mai, Muang Chiang Rai, Muang Phrae, Muang Nan and Muang Mae Hong Son in the North. Nowadays, the hourse carriages are still used in Lampang as a mean of urban transportation. The wheeled vehicle in Lampang was found by Khun Uthankhadee in 1949 A.D., after 39 years of using horse carriage. In 1952 A.D., Chow Boonsong Na Lampnag changed the name of the wheeled vehicle to “horse carriage” in Lampang. At present, there are 70 horse carriages in Lampang and only 50 horse carriages provide service all day for the tourists to get around the town. According to technology development, the outstanding development in Lampang was the railway station service. The first running train service from the northern route to Nakhon Lampang station, main terminal, was on April 1, 1916 A.D. in the reign of King Rama VI. Passengers were brought from Nakhon Lampang Station to Muang (town) by the horse carriage, called “Roth Ma Taxi”. The main railway station of Lampang, that connects with 3 of the northern railway routes, located at Tambon Soptui, Amphoe Muang. In Accordance with the development of Lampang, the suburb area is developed to be central business district. After the railway route from Khuntan tunnel to Chiang Mai was built in 1921 A.D., Lampang has become the center of transportation. Goods are transported by the railway from Bangkok to northern and from the north to Bangkok by passing through Tambon Soptui. Therefore, Tambon soptui was fast prosperous and many buildings were constructed. Tourist can get the Roth Ma Taxi service to get around the town. The horse driver wear classic deluxe style cowboy outfit.

Tak

King Taksin the Great Shrine Located near the Tak TAT office, this statue of Tak's most famous native son (1734 - 1782) is the site of an annual fair from December 28 until January 3. King Taksin was the Thai monarch who expelled the Burmese from Thailand after the 1767 destruction of Ayutthaya as the Thai capital.

Mani Banphot Swamp This scenic, extensive area within the heart of Tak city is located near Wat Mani Banphot on Paholyothin Highway. Inside the temple, a Chiang Saen Buddha image dating from the late 1200s is enshrined.

Khao Tham Located in Tambon Mai Ngam, this 71 - meter rocky hillock, near Paholyothin Highway, contains replicas of the Lord Buddha's Footprint on the summit. Tak residents pay homage throughout the year, most particularly during Songkran, which marks the traditional Thai New Year each April 13.

Out of City Attraction Wat Phra Boromthat and Ancient Tak City This monastery, located 25 kilometers upstream, in Amphoe Ban Tak, in an area which used to be the former site of Tak city. There are several ruins in the area, including a hilltop pagoda which was constructed, according to legend, by King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (reign : 1275 - 1317) to commemorate his victory in single combat on elephant back against King Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Muang Shot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot).

Bhumibol Dam Thailand's largest dam is located some kilometers north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends northwards to Chiang Mai's Amphoe Hot. Accommodation is available at the dam. Contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at ( Bangkok ) 436 - 3179 or 424-0101 for further details.

Mae Ping Lake Cruises Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiang Mai's Doi Tao Self - Help Settlement edging the dam reservoir, a total distance of 140 kilometers. Full details may be obtained from the Educational Tour Center, Tel : ( Bangkok ) 221-5183, or the Thongnatee Company Limited, Tel : 457-3428, 467-2557.

Lan Sang National Park Located on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway (Route 105), 17 kilometres from Tak city, and accessed by a 3-kilometre road, the park contains the scenic Lang Sang and Pha Phung waterfalls. Accommodation is available. Contact the National Park Division of the Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok, Tel: 579-0529 or 579-4842 for further details.

Taksin Maharat National Park Originally named Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand’s biggest tree, this 37,250-acre national park is located 2 kilometres off the Tak-Mae Sot Highway, some 26 kilometres from Tak city. The mountainous area has several scenic viewpoints, evergreen forest, waterfalls and streams. Accommodation, primarily in the form of bungalows and camp sites, is available. Contact the National Park Division of the Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok, Tel: 579-0529 or 579-4842 for further details.

Doi Musur Hill Tribe Development and Welfare Center Located on the road to Lan Sang Waterfall, the area is one is which Lahu, Lissu and Meo hilltribes reside. Hilltribes products are for sale at Km 29 on the Tak-Mae Sot High-way.

Mae Sot This riverside settlement on the Moei River, facing Myanmar (Burma) on the opposite bank, and some 86 kilometers from Tak city, is well known for its shopping opportunities, especially for Burmese goods such as cloth lengths, gemstones and decorative items.

Tham Mae Usu This cave, boasting notably beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, is located on the scenic Mae Sot-Mae Sariang High-way (Route 1085), at Km. 95-96. It is necessary to ford the Mae Usa stream in front of the cave to gain acccess. This may not be possible during the annual Rains Season (July through October).

Doi Mae Ramoeng & Mon Krathing Doi Mae Ramoeng is some 130 kilometres north of Mae Sot on the Mae Sot-Mae Sariang Highway. Mountain scenery is particularly spectacular in the morning when mist swirls through the peaks. The area is rich in wildlife, particularly deer species and numerous types of birds.

Amphoe Umphang Amphoe Umphang is 164 kilometres south of Mae Sot on Highway 1090. The scenic highway’s highest point is some 1200 metres above sea level. The winding route takes some 4 hours to complete, particularly during the Rains Season or the Cool Season when mountain mists impede progress.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall This spectacular waterfall is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and can be visited only from November through May. Would - be visitors to the waterfall and wildlife sanctuary are recommended to enquire first with the TAT office in Tak Tel : (055) 514-341-3 for information regarding travel conditions and camping opportunities.

Mae Sot The border town of Mae Sot is a favourite place for purchasing Burmese handicrafts; the spectacular Thi Lo Su Waterfall in Umphang Wildlife Sasnctuary misty mountain scenery on the Thai-Burmese border Overleaf : Tak's annual Loi Krathong Sai festival and a hilltribe village in northern Tak