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Uthai
Thani,
Northern Thailand |
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Uthai Thani is situated in the lower part
of the northern region. Recent excavations have indicated that
this area was inhabited by prehistoric people. There are several
tourist attractions and places of interest but because the township
area is far from the main highway few visitors make the trip
to this interesting province.
Uthai Thai occupies a total
area of 6,730 square kilometers located 219 kms. from Bangkok.
It is divided into 8 Amphoes; Muand, Nong Kha Yang, Nong Chang,
Thap Than, Ban Rai, Sawang Arom, Lan Sak and Huai Khot.
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Uthai Thani Attractions:
Wat Sangkat
Rattana Khiri
This temple is situated at the
foot of Khao Sakae Krang. The very beautiful Buddha dates from
Sukhothai period named "Phra Mongkhon Saksit"
is housed here. This Buddha image is cast of bronze in the attitude
of Subduring Evil. It is one of the most sacred Buddha images
and is highly revered by Uthai Thani inhabitants. Crowds of Buddhists
assemble for "Tak Bat Thewo" (Merit Making Festival)
at this temple every year on Ok Phansa Day.
Khao Sakae
Krang Buddha Footprints
The Footprints are enshrined
on the 120 meters summit of Khao Sakae Krang near Wat Sangkat
Rattana Khiri. The mondop covering the Footprints was built in
the year 1905 and renovated in 1968. A Fair celebration the Footprints
is held during the third day through the eighth day of the waxing
moon in the fourth lunar month of each year.
Monument
of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok
The father of King Phra Buddha
Yotfa Chulalok, (Rama 1 of present Chakri Dynasty), Somdet Phra
Pathom was born in the town of Sakae Krang. A monument of him
is located near the Khao Sakae Krang Buddha Footprints and was
inaugurated by Their Majesties the King and the Queen on April
5,1979.
Mural Paintings at Wat Ubosatharam ,This monastery is situated on
Ko Thepho opposite to Uthai Thani Province Market, commonly called
by the residents as 'Wat Bot'. The early Rattanakosin
period mural paintings on the walls of the main shrine hall are
regarded as very beautiful. Paintings of divine being are on
the upper part while scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha
decorate the lower part of the wall.
Wat Mani Sathit Kapittharam
This monastery is commonly called
"Wat Thung Kaeo" an there is a large
Khmer style pagoda (prang) located inside. The Prang is 8 meters
wide at the base with a height of 16 meters. It houses some of
the Buddha's relics. A bronze image of Luang Pho Yaem,
the founder of this monastery, is enshrined here, and there is
a large pond of holy water surrounding a rocky slab inscribed
with some holy letters. The lustral water from this pond was
used in the coronation ceremonies of King Rama VI and Rama VII,
and it is one of the most important monasteries of Uthai Thani.
Wat Chantharam or Wat Tha
Sung
This monastery is located about
10 kms. from the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang). It is a famous
meditation wat with instruction in the style of meditation wat
with instruction in the style of meditation master Luang
Pho Pan, Luang Pho Rusi Ling Dam, a famous meditation
monk, used to reside here.
History and Local Culture
Museum,
located at Uthai Thani Non-Formal
Education Centre, the museum puts on exhibition pre-historic
human skeletons, local costumes, governor's costumes, etc.
Khao Pathawi
This mountain is situated at
Tambon Talukdu, Amphoe Thapthan, 38 kms. from township area.
It resembles the picturesque mountains depicted on Chinese porcelains,
having a cool ample space with shady trees and inhabited by groups
of monkeys. There are many caves inside the mountain including
the Tham Prathun, Tham Rusi or Hermit Cave, with
many beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
The Ancient
City of Bung Khok Chang,located at Tambon Phai Khieo,
Amphoe Sawang Arom, the city is discovered in almost perfect
condition with ruins and various kinds of artifacts such as pottery,
grinding stones, iron tools, yellow beads and an inscription.
Some other ancient communities are also discovered within the
province, though not in similar condition, fox example, the
Ancient City of Ban Tai, Amphoe Muang.
The Old City
of Uthai Thani,
now at Ban Uthai Thani Kao,
Amphoe Nong Chang, the city flourished during Ayutthaya period.
Ruins of many old Wats still can be seen, for example, Wat
Chaeng with its main Prang and a Bot (a rite hall) of
late Ayutthaya period, and Wat Hua Muang with ruins
of a Bot and a Chedi.
Mural Paintings
At Wat Nong Khun Chat
This monastery is located at
Tambon Nong Suang, Amphoe Nong Chang. The mural paintings dating
from the reign of King Rama V on the walls of the main shrine
hall are the scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha. There is
a mondop covering the Buddha Footprints located in the area of
the monastery.
Tham Khao
Phraya Phai Rua
This cave is newly discovered,
situated in Amphoe Lan Sak, 60 kms. from the township ares. Viewed
from a distance, the hill resembles a Chinese junk surrounded
at the base by a natural moat of about 12 meters in width. The
sides of the mountain are covered with many species of trees
and inside the mountain there are many caves such as Tham
Kaeo, Tham Si Chomphu, Tham Thong Phra Rong, Tham Buddha Sathan,
Tham Ang Nam Mon, each having their own particular beauties.
Some of them are adorned with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.
A visit to the caves will require some 4-5 hours to see all the
interesting sights. There is electricity for illumination in
the caves, but the authorities should be contacted in advance
to light the caves and payment must be made for the cost of the
electricity.
Khao Khong
Chai
This is another large and beautiful
mountain, located about 5 kms. from Amphoe Lan Sak where a road
branches off on the right for the one kilometer distance to Khao
Khong Chai. The foot hills are always cool and there are many
beautiful cave such as Tham Thong, Tham Maha Sombat, Tham
Lom, etc. inside the mountain.
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
This area, bordering Changwat
Uthai Thani and Changwat Tak, was declared a wildlife preserve
in 1972. The FAO is presently making a survey of the area and
will open it as the most complete and biggest wildlife sanctuary
in Southeast Asia. Generally, this area consists of virgin forests,
clear forests, prairies and many streams, all suitable for wildlife
breeding expansion. Here can be found many species of wild animals
including are and nearly extinct species.
Huai Kha Khaeng
can be reached
by taking Uthai Thai-Nong Chang-Lansak Route (Highway No.3438
to Km.53-54, then turn left for another 14 kms. However, prior
approval is necessary from the Wildlife Conservation Division,
the Royal Forest Department, Tel.5794847. Important considerations
for the jungle trekker are : Tour guide, foodstuff and medicine.
Tak Bat Devo
'Bat Devo' means to fell the bowls
of the gods, and in this festival, held a day after Ok Phansa
(Buddhist Rains Retrest), about October each year, monks descend
from a hilltop temple to receive offerings from local people, as the
Buddha himself is believed to have done after preaching to believed
to have done after preaching to believed to have don after preaching
to his mother in heaven. Folk theatre and other entertainments are
also provided.
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