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TAK
Tak is a northern province covering an area of 16,406 largely
mountainous square kilometers. The provincial capital is 426
kilometers north of Bangkok, and is a gateway to Myanmar to the
west, and the northern Thai cities of Lampang and Chiang Mai.
Attractions - in the city
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.
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-metre rocky
hillock 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.
Attractions - out of the city
Wat Phra Boromthat & 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 Chot (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.
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.
Lan Sang National Park
Located 17 kilometers from Tak city, the park
contains the scenic Lang Sang and Pha Phung waterfalls.
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 kilometers off the Tak-Mae Sot Highway. The mountainous
area has several scenic viewpoints, evergreen forest, waterfalls and
streams. Accommodation, primarily in the form of bungalows and
campsites, is available.
Doi Musur Hill tribe Development & Welfare Center
Located on the road to Lan Sang Waterfall, the area
is one is which Lahu, Lissu and Meo hill tribes reside. Hill tribe's
products are for sale on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway.
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. A recently constructed bridge spanning the Moei River permits
convenient access between Thailand and Myanmar.
Tham Mae Usu
This cave, boasting notably beautiful stalactites
and stalagmites, is located on the scenic Mae Sot-Mae Sariang
Highway. It is necessary to ford the Mae Usa stream in front of the
cave to gain access. This may not be possible during the annual
Rains Season (July through October).
Doi Mae Ramoeng & Mon Krathing
Doi Mae Ramoeng is some 130 kilometers 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 kilometers south of Mae Sot
on Highway 1090. The scenic highway's highest point is some 1200
meters 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. Rafting, including white-water
rafting, is possible on the Mae Klong River, which flows between
cliffs and picturesque waterfalls and contains several scenic
rapids. Bird watching opportunities abound, and several trekking
variations, by vehicle, foot, elephant-back and boat are available.
Most rafting trips originate in Umphang and make for the Karen hill
tribe village of Ban Pahlatha and beyond.
Thi Lo Su Waterfall
This spectacular waterfall is located in the
Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and can be visited only from November
through May. The waterfall can be reached by rafting and trekking by
foot through surrounding forests, or on elephant-back.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Popular local souvenirs include mangoes and bananas
preserved in honey, tamarind, and decorative granite items. Mae Sot
is a good place to purchase Burmese products, including silverware,
lacquer ware, rubies and other gemstones.
Special Events
Loi Krathong Sai
Loi Krathong, Thailand's lovely annual 'Festival of
Lights' on the full moon night in November, is celebrated in a
unique manner in Tak. Local people thread together their krathongs,
which are launched simultaneously and appear as lighted necklaces on
the Ping River.
Taksin Maharachanusorn Fair
Celebrated annually from December 28 - January 3 at
the Taksin Shrine and provincial sports field, the fair features
religious ceremonial and processions, displays and nightly folk
entertainment.
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