Uttaradit
อุตรดิตถ์ · Uttaradit Province
Population
40K
Budget / Month
$220
Internet
40 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Uttaradit
Uttaradit sits at the transition zone between Thailand's northern mountains and the central plains, straddling the Nan River. The town serves as an administrative center but holds few conventional tourist attractions. It is a functional Thai town where daily life revolves around the markets, government offices, and the railway station.
The town's most notable sight is Wat Phra Thaen Sila At, which houses a large stone throne believed to date from the Sukhothai period. The province is also home to Sirikit Dam, one of Thailand's largest, set in a scenic reservoir surrounded by mountains. Laplae district has traditional teak houses worth a visit.
Uttaradit is not a destination in itself for most foreign travelers. It is an honest, affordable Thai town with friendly people and good food, but it lacks the historical depth of Phrae or the natural beauty of Mae Hong Son. For travelers on the rail line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it can serve as a brief stopover.
Historical Note
Uttaradit has been a trading town on the Nan River for centuries, serving as a gateway between the central plains and northern mountains. The railway arrival in the early 20th century gave the town importance as a junction point.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
อุตรดิตถ์
Province
Uttaradit
Region
Northern
Population
40,000
Area
7,839 km²
Elevation
60 m
Postal Code
53000
Local Language
Thai, Kam Muang
Cost of Living
budget
/month8,000 THB
~$220 USD
comfortable
/month13,500 THB
~$375 USD
luxury
/month22,000 THB
~$610 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 65 |
| Mid-range restaurant (2 people) | 200 | 400 |
| Cappuccino | 35 | 55 |
| Large beer (bar) | 55 | 85 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 14 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm per night | 150 | 250 |
| Budget hotel per night | 300 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,000 |
| Monthly 1BR apartment | 2,500 | 4,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Local shared transport | 10 | 25 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 250 |
| Fuel (full tank scooter) | 80 | 120 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet fiber per month | 400 | 600 |
| Mobile plan per month | 200 | 400 |
| Electricity per month | 500 | 1,200 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Gym per month | 500 | 900 |
| Laundry per load | 30 | 50 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
20% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cooler weather. September for the Langsat Festival. Avoid March-April for haze and extreme heat reaching 40°C.
Burning Season Warning
March-April moderate haze from regional burning.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 14 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 34 | 16 | 10 | 48% |
| Mar | 37 | 20 | 20 | 48% |
| Apr | 38 | 23 | 55 | 55% |
| May | 35 | 24 | 160 | 68% |
| Jun | 33 | 24 | 140 | 72% |
| Jul | 33 | 24 | 170 | 75% |
| Aug | 33 | 24 | 200 | 78% |
| Sep | 33 | 23 | 220 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 21 | 120 | 75% |
| Nov | 31 | 18 | 30 | 60% |
| Dec | 29 | 14 | 5 | 55% |
Things to Do
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At
วัดพระแท่นศิลาอาสน์
Houses a stone throne believed to be from the Sukhothai era — the main historical attraction.
Sirikit Dam
เขื่อนสิริกิติ์
One of Thailand's largest dams with a scenic reservoir surrounded by mountains.
Laplae Old Town
Small district town with preserved traditional teak houses and a charming old-town atmosphere.
Uttaradit Morning Market
Busy local market with northern Thai food and fresh produce — zero tourist presence.
Nan River Promenade
Evening walk along the river bank popular with locals, with street food vendors.
Tham Erawan
Limestone cave outside town with stalactites.
Food & Dining
ผัดไทยอุตรดิตถ์
Pad Thai Uttaradit Style
Local pad thai variation using thinner noodles.
35-50
Noodle shops around the market
ลองกอง
Langsat
The province's signature fruit — sweet and tangy, in season August-October.
20-60
Market stalls and roadside vendors
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern curry noodle soup, available here in the transition zone.
35-50
Noodle shops
น้ำพริกหนุ่ม
Nam Phrik Num
Roasted green chili dip with vegetables and sticky rice.
25-40
Local restaurants
Night Markets
- Uttaradit Night Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 250
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,000
THB / night
Luxury
1,000 - 2,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,000 - 3,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
2,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Very few options. Seeharaj Hotel and a handful of guesthouses. Most visitors pass through by train.
Getting There from Bangkok
Train
6-7 hours
200-1,200 THB
Bus
5-6 hours
300-450 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedVery limited shared routes
10-25
Motorbike rental
LimitedNeeded for day trips to Sirikit Dam and Laplae
150-250/day
Tuk-tuk
LimitedShort trips in town
30-50
Neighborhoods
Town Center / Market Area
Everyday Thai townAround the main market and commercial district.
Best for: Food and daily needs
Railway Station Area
FunctionalNear the train station with a few hotels.
Best for: Transit stops
Riverside
PeacefulAlong the Nan River, residential and quiet.
Best for: Evening walks
Festivals & Events
Langsat Festival
เทศกาลลองกอง
Celebrates the langsat fruit harvest with parades, food stalls, and beauty contests.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival with temple visits.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings on the Nan River.
Practical Info
Hospital
Uttaradit Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Almost no English spoken. Bring a translation app.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Sirikit Dam
Massive dam and reservoir with mountain views.
Laplae
Charming teak house district with preserved traditional architecture.
Phrae
Teak heritage town with grand mansions and traditional culture.
Sukhothai Historical Park
UNESCO World Heritage ancient city.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uttaradit worth visiting?
Honestly, only as a stopover between Bangkok and northern destinations. The Langsat Festival in September is a genuine highlight, and Laplae district is charming.
How much does it cost to live here?
Extremely cheap — budget living around 8,000 THB per month, one of the lowest costs in Thailand.
What is Uttaradit known for?
Langsat fruit — the province produces Thailand's best langsat. Also Sirikit Dam and the historic Laplae district.
How do I get from Bangkok?
Train is convenient (6-7 hours on the northern line). Direct buses also available (5-6 hours).
How many days do I need?
Half a day to one day. Enough to see the main temple, visit the market, and possibly day-trip to Laplae or the dam.