Uthai Thani is one of the quietest provinces in central Thailand, and that is its charm. The small town sits on the Sakae Krang River, lined with floating raft houses and old wooden shophouses. The western half of the province is wild forest: Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each October, crowds come for Tak Bat Thewo, when monks walk down the stairway of Khao Sakae Krang to receive alms.
Getting there: Uthai Thani is about 220 km north of Bangkok, roughly 3 hours by car via Highway 32 and Chai Nat. Buses run from Mo Chit. The nearest railway station is in Nakhon Sawan, about 30 minutes away.
Top things to do in Uthai Thani
1. Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri and Khao Sakae Krang
A hill on the edge of town, with a long covered stairway down to Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri. The hilltop has a memorial to the father of King Rama I, whose family came from this area, and a view over the town. Map
2. Wat Tha Sung (Wat Chantaram)
Known for its glittering glass hall, covered in mirrors and crystal, and a quiet riverside setting. Map
3. Sakae Krang riverside and raft houses
Walk along the river in the morning to see raft houses, cage fish farms and boats. The old riverside streets have wooden shophouses and small cafés. Map
4. Wat Ubosatharam (Wat Bot)
An old riverside temple with mural paintings, across the water from the town centre. Map
5. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Together with Thung Yai Naresuan, Huai Kha Khaeng was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It protects tigers, wild cattle and elephants. Visitor access is limited to designated areas, so contact the sanctuary before you go. Map
6. Hup Pa Tat
In Lan Sak district, a short walk through a limestone tunnel leads into a hidden valley filled with tall palms. Best around midday when light reaches the valley floor. Map
7. Uthai Thani old town
Stroll past the city pillar shrine and the old shophouses, then join locals at the morning market for breakfast. Map
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Morning market breakfast → Sakae Krang riverside → Wat Ubosatharam → Wat Tha Sung → sunset on Khao Sakae Krang.
Day 2: Drive west to Hup Pa Tat in Lan Sak → lunch → continue to the edge of Huai Kha Khaeng (with prior arrangement) or head on to Nakhon Sawan.
Festivals and annual events
- Tak Bat Thewo – the day after the end of Buddhist Lent (October). In 2026 the town held it on 26–27 October, with hundreds of monks descending from Khao Sakae Krang to Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri for the alms round on the 27th, plus a traditional procession. Offer rice, dry food or khao tom luk yon (sticky rice parcels).
- Songkran – mid-April, with temple ceremonies and water play by the river. See also Chai Nat and Suphan Buri nearby.
Dates change each year, so check with the province or TAT before you travel.
Travel tips
- For Tak Bat Thewo, arrive the day before and get to the temple early.
- Uthai is small and quiet; restaurants close early, so eat dinner before 8 pm.
- Dress modestly at temples.
FAQ
What is Tak Bat Thewo?
An alms-giving ceremony after the end of Buddhist Lent that recalls the Buddha descending from heaven; in Uthai, monks walk down the Khao Sakae Krang stairway.
Can I visit Huai Kha Khaeng?
Only certain areas, and you should contact the sanctuary in advance.
Is Uthai Thani good for a weekend?
Yes, for a slow trip with river views, temples and nature.
How do I get around?
A car is easiest; in town you can walk or rent a bicycle.
More to read
- What to eat in Uthai Thani
- Things to do in Nakhon Sawan
- Things to do in Chai Nat
- Things to do in Suphan Buri
Cover photo: Wat Tha Sung.JPG · Meneerke bloem · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
