Tak
ตาก · Tak Province
Population
25K
Budget / Month
$230
Internet
45 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Tak
Tak is the capital of Thailand's largest province by area, a vast region of mountains and forests stretching west to the Myanmar border. The town itself is a modest settlement on the Ping River, serving as an administrative and market centre rather than a destination.
The town occupies a hilly site overlooking the river, giving it more topographic interest than flat plains towns. A riverside promenade provides pleasant evening walks, and the morning market is lively. The King Taksin shrine honours the king who reunified Thailand after Ayutthaya's fall in 1767.
Tak's main draw is as a transit point. The Bhumibol Dam, Thailand's largest and tallest, lies 20 km north creating a vast reservoir. Route 12 to Mae Sot is one of Thailand's most scenic drives through mountains and national parks. Most travelers pass through quickly, but those who stop find a friendly, quiet Thai town with a nice riverside setting.
Historical Note
Tak has been strategically important as a gateway between the central plains and western mountains. King Taksin the Great, who reunified Thailand after Ayutthaya's fall in 1767, is believed to have been Tak's governor. The Bhumibol Dam, completed in 1964, was Thailand's first multipurpose dam and remains its tallest.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
ตาก
Province
Tak
Region
Northern
Population
25,000
Area
16,407 km²
Elevation
116 m
Postal Code
63000
Airport
TKT
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,200 THB
~$230 USD
comfortable
/month14,200 THB
~$395 USD
luxury
/month23,500 THB
~$655 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 70 |
| Coffee at cafe | 35 | 60 |
| Beer (large, bar) | 55 | 90 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm per night | 200 | 300 |
| Budget hotel per night | 300 | 550 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 600 | 1,200 |
| Monthly 1BR apartment | 2,500 | 4,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Local shared transport | 10 | 25 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 300 |
| Bus to Bangkok | 300 | 450 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet (monthly) | 200 | 400 |
| Fiber internet (monthly) | 400 | 600 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance | 100 | 200 |
| Laundry per load | 30 | 50 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
23% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool, clear weather. The reservoir is most scenic when full (October-January). The King Taksin Festival runs late December to January. Avoid March-May extreme heat.
Burning Season Warning
March-April moderate haze from agricultural burning in the area.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 15 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 35 | 17 | 5 | 50% |
| Mar | 38 | 21 | 15 | 50% |
| Apr | 39 | 24 | 50 | 58% |
| May | 36 | 24 | 150 | 70% |
| Jun | 34 | 24 | 130 | 72% |
| Jul | 33 | 24 | 140 | 74% |
| Aug | 33 | 24 | 180 | 76% |
| Sep | 33 | 23 | 220 | 78% |
| Oct | 33 | 22 | 130 | 74% |
| Nov | 32 | 18 | 20 | 60% |
| Dec | 30 | 15 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Bhumibol Dam
เขื่อนภูมิพล
Thailand's largest and tallest dam (154m) with a vast reservoir surrounded by mountains. Impressive viewpoint above the dam.
King Taksin the Great Shrine
ศาลสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช
Large shrine honouring the king who liberated Thailand from the Burmese, believed to have governed Tak.
Ping River Promenade
Riverside walk with views, evening food stalls, and the local suspension bridge landmark.
Route 12 Scenic Drive to Mae Sot
One of Thailand's most scenic mountain roads, winding through dramatic landscapes for 86 km to the Myanmar border.
Lansang National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติลานสาง
Forested park 25 km west with a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall.
Tak Morning Market
Busy local market with regional food and produce.
Food & Dining
หมูตาก
Moo Tak
Sun-dried pork, Tak's signature specialty. Strips of seasoned pork dried in the sun then fried until crispy.
40-80
Market stalls and roadside vendors
ปลาแค้ง
Pla Khang
River fish from the Ping, grilled or fried, served with spicy dipping sauce.
60-120
Riverside restaurants
ขนมจีนน้ำยา
Kanom Jeen Nam Ya
Rice noodles with fish curry sauce, a popular morning market breakfast.
25-40
Morning market stalls
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern curry noodle soup, available here at the edge of the northern region.
35-55
Noodle shops in town
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 550
THB / night
Mid-Range
600 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,200 - 2,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,000 - 3,500
THB / night
1BR /mo
2,500 - 4,500
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Limited options. Viang Tak Riverside Hotel is the most comfortable. Several basic hotels near the bus station.
Getting There from Bangkok
Tak Airport
Airport Code: TKT
Bus
5-6 hours
300-450 THB
Flight (irregular)
1 hour
1500-3500 THB
Train to Phitsanulok + bus
5-6h train + 2h bus
300-700 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedLimited shared routes
10-25
Motorbike rental
LimitedBest for dam and day trips
150-300/day
Tuk-tuk
LimitedOccasional, for short trips
30-50
Neighborhoods
Riverside / Old Town
Quiet riverside townHistorical area along the Ping River with the promenade, old buildings, and some restaurants.
Best for: Atmosphere, evening walks
Town Center / Market Area
Functional, small-townCommercial strip with the morning market, banks, and hotels.
Best for: Food, accommodation, transit
Festivals & Events
King Taksin Festival
งานวันสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช
Major celebration honouring King Taksin with ceremonies, performances, and a large fair.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival with river activities.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings on the Ping River.
Practical Info
Hospital
Tak Hospital (Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan Hospital)
Best SIM Provider
AIS or TrueMove (signal drops in mountains toward Mae Sot)
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Almost no English spoken anywhere.
Drinking Water
Drink only bottled water
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Day Trips
Bhumibol Dam
Thailand's largest dam with mountain reservoir views.
Mae Sot
Myanmar border town with multicultural markets and fascinating atmosphere.
Kamphaeng Phet
UNESCO World Heritage Sukhothai-era ruins.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tak worth visiting?
Primarily as a transit stop en route to Mae Sot or Bhumibol Dam. The riverside setting is pleasant and the King Taksin shrine is historically significant, but most travelers pass through quickly.
What is Tak known for?
The Bhumibol Dam (Thailand's largest), King Taksin the Great, sun-dried pork (moo tak), and being the gateway to Mae Sot and the Myanmar border.
How do I get from Bangkok to Tak?
Bus is the most common option (5-6 hours, 300-450 THB). Limited flights exist but service is irregular.
How many days do I need?
Half a day to one day. Most travelers use it as a transit point. Add a day for Bhumibol Dam or Route 12 to Mae Sot.
What food is Tak known for?
Moo tak (sun-dried pork) is the local specialty, along with fresh Ping River fish.
Is the Route 12 drive safe on a motorbike?
It is a winding mountain road with dramatic scenery. Experienced riders only. The bus is a safer option for most people.