A land with a long history and great ethnic diversity,
Uthai Thani features unspoiled wilderness that provides refuge
for Thailand’s endangered wildlife species, particularly within
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural World Heritage Site.
Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources,
such as forests and wildlife. The Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve
here was even proclaimed a Natural World Heritage Site because
of its pristine jungles, forests, plains, streams, and most importantly,
a number of rare and endangered animals.
Visitors can also see the different lifestyles of Uthai Thani locals,
such as the life of raft residents on the Sakae Krang River, a waterway
that has been a lifeline for the people of Uthai Thani since ancient times.
Life on and around the river eventually grew from a small community
into the major province that it is today, although some residents continue
to live upon the river, both the source for their livelihoods and as a means
for provincial trading.
The most striking indication of the bond between the people and
the river occurred in 1906, when King Rama V visited the Northern
provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, where the monk
Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built twin rafts to receive the king.
In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from many regions
congregate at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang in Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri
for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo. This festival
has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.
Uthai Thani is located in the lower northern region of Thailand,
though the capital city is somewhat off the main route between Bangkok
and Chiang Mai. Consequently, few tourists go out of their way to visit
this somewhat remote province, which features striking natural beauty,
including the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve, a Natural
World Heritage Site. In addition to trekking and looking for endangered
wildlife, visitors to Uthai Thani also enjoy visiting the floating village
on the Sakae Krang River, the lifeblood of the province. The province also
features a museum with prehistoric artifacts, a number of ruins, colorful
cave paintings, hot springs, and a buffalo market. Visitors looking for
unspoiled Thai countryside and authentic Thai hospitality will not be
disappointed by a holiday in Uthai Thani.
Credit :: Amazing thailand
