Uthai Thani
อุทัยธานี · Uthai Thani Province
Population
35K
Budget / Month
$235
Internet
35 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Uthai Thani
Uthai Thani is one of Thailand's least-visited provincial capitals, a tranquil town on the banks of the Sakae Krang River where life moves at a gentle pace. The old town retains wooden shophouses and a traditional floating market atmosphere, offering a window into the Central Plains Thailand of decades past.
For most visitors, the primary draw is Wat Tha Sung (also called Wat Chantaram), a temple complex whose main hall is entirely encrusted with mirrors and crystal glass, creating a dazzling, almost otherworldly interior. Beyond the temple, Uthai Thani province is a gateway to some of Thailand's most important protected forests, including the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The town itself is small and can be explored in a day. There are no international chains, no tourist-oriented businesses, and almost no English signage — this is deep provincial Thailand.
Historical Note
Uthai Thani has roots as a small river settlement during the Ayutthaya period. Wat Tha Sung gained fame in the mid-20th century under Luang Phor Ruesi Ling Dam, who oversaw its transformation into the crystal-adorned temple seen today.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
อุทัยธานี
Province
Uthai Thani
Region
Central
Population
35,000
Area
6,730 km²
Elevation
20 m
Postal Code
61000
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,400 THB
~$235 USD
comfortable
/month15,000 THB
~$420 USD
luxury
/month28,000 THB
~$785 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 25 | 45 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 80 |
| Coffee at cafe | 30 | 55 |
| Large beer | 40 | 65 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 15 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse per night | 200 | 350 |
| Budget hotel per night | 350 | 600 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 600 | 1,200 |
| Monthly studio apartment | 2,500 | 4,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew ride | 10 | 20 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 250 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet fiber per month | 400 | 600 |
| Electricity per month | 400 | 1,200 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 150 | 200 |
| Laundry per load | 25 | 40 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
18% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for comfortable weather and best conditions for visiting national parks. Avoid September-October when river flooding can affect the low-lying town center.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 17 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 35 | 19 | 10 | 50% |
| Mar | 37 | 22 | 25 | 50% |
| Apr | 38 | 25 | 55 | 55% |
| May | 36 | 25 | 140 | 65% |
| Jun | 34 | 25 | 120 | 70% |
| Jul | 33 | 24 | 150 | 75% |
| Aug | 33 | 24 | 180 | 78% |
| Sep | 33 | 24 | 220 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 23 | 130 | 75% |
| Nov | 32 | 20 | 30 | 60% |
| Dec | 31 | 17 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Wat Tha Sung (Wat Chantaram)
วัดท่าซุง
Extraordinary temple with a main hall entirely encrusted with mirrors and crystal glass — one of the most visually stunning temple experiences in Thailand.
Sakae Krang River Old Town
Traditional wooden shophouses and market stalls along the river, some over a century old.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าห้วยขาแข้ง
UNESCO World Heritage forest, home to tigers, elephants, and gaur. Requires advance permits.
Wat Ubosatharam
วัดอุโบสถาราม
Old temple near the river with beautiful traditional murals depicting life in earlier centuries.
Khao Sakae Krang
A hill on the edge of town with a temple and viewpoint overlooking the river and plains.
Lan Sak Petrified Forest
Park preserving petrified wood estimated at 100-120 million years old.
Uthai Thani Morning Market
Bustling local market with fresh produce, prepared food, and local snacks.
Food & Dining
ขนมจีนน้ำเงี้ยว
Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao
Rice noodles in a rich, slightly sour tomato-pork broth.
30-45
Morning market stalls
ปลาตะเพียนทอด
Pla Taphian Tod (Fried River Fish)
Local freshwater fish from the Sakae Krang River, deep-fried whole.
60-120
Riverside restaurants
ข้าวต้มมัด
Khao Tom Mat
Steamed sticky rice in banana leaf — a sweet snack found throughout the market.
10-20
Market vendors
หมูปิ้ง
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal — a morning market staple.
10-15
Morning market and evening stalls
Night Markets
- Uthai Thani Evening Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 250
THB / night
Budget Hotel
200 - 350
THB / night
Mid-Range
350 - 600
THB / night
Luxury
600 - 1,200
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,500 - 4,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
3,500 - 5,500
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Very limited options. No luxury accommodation available. Best used as a day trip from Nakhon Sawan or a short overnight.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus
4-5 hours
200-300 THB
Drive
3.5 hours
Fuel varies THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedVery limited shared routes
10-20
Motorbike taxi
LimitedMain option for short trips
20-40
Motorbike rental
LimitedEssential for exploring the province
150-250/day
Neighborhoods
Riverside / Old Town
Quiet, authentic, old-world charmHistoric core along the Sakae Krang River with traditional wooden buildings, morning market, and river views.
Best for: Atmosphere, food, photography
Town Center
Quiet and utilitarianSmall commercial area with banks, hospital, government offices, and shops.
Best for: Practical needs
Highway Corridor
Roadside and modernArea along the main highway with newer shops, petrol stations, and some hotels.
Best for: Travelers passing through
Festivals & Events
Sakae Krang River Festival
Boat races and riverside celebrations along the Sakae Krang.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathongs on the river with local community celebration.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival with community events along the river.
Practical Info
Hospital
Uthai Thani Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only. Virtually no English spoken anywhere.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water available everywhere.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191, Ambulance 1669
Day Trips
Nakhon Sawan
Larger city with Bueng Boraphet lake and the river confluence viewpoint.
Chainat Bird Park
Large open-air aviary with native and exotic bird species.
Tham Khao Wong Temple
Cave temple complex in the hills with ornate shrines and forest surroundings.
Khao Phanom Dong Rak Viewpoint
Scenic viewpoint in the hills west of town, best at sunrise.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uthai Thani worth visiting?
Yes, if you are interested in off-the-beaten-path Thailand. Wat Tha Sung alone is worth the trip, and the riverside old town has genuine charm.
Can I visit Huai Kha Khaeng?
Yes, but you need advance permits from the Department of National Parks. Arrange well before your trip as permits are limited.
How do I get there?
Most easily by car or bus from Bangkok (3.5-5 hours). No train station or airport.
How many days do I need?
The town itself needs only a day. The province has national parks that can fill several more days if you have your own transport.
Do people speak English?
Almost not at all. Bring a translation app and basic Thai phrases.