Phrae is a small, unhurried northern town once at the centre of Thailand’s teak trade. Its legacy lives on in grand teak mansions, a moated old town and the hilltop golden stupa of Wat Phra That Cho Hae. Outside town, the eroded pillars of Phae Mueang Phi look like a desert canyon. It is a rewarding stop between Nan and Lampang or Sukhothai.
- Best for: teak houses, Lanna temples, indigo-dyed cloth, unusual landscapes, slow travel
- From Bangkok: roughly 550 km; about 1 hour 15 minutes by air to Phrae Airport, around 8 hours by bus or train via Den Chai station
- Getting around: walk or cycle in the old town; a car or songthaew for outlying sights
- Best time: November–February for cool weather
Getting there and around
Phrae has a small airport with flights from Bangkok. Northern-line trains stop at Den Chai, about 25 km away, and buses run from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal. The old town inside the moat is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Top things to do in Phrae
Wat Phra That Cho Hae Map
A hilltop temple with a gilded stupa traditionally wrapped in satin cloth (“cho hae”), one of the north’s most important pilgrimage sites, especially for those born in the Year of the Tiger.
Vongburi House Map
A beautiful pink teak mansion with fretwork decoration, built for a noble family; it displays antiques and documents from the teak era.
Khum Chao Luang Map
The former residence of the last ruler of Phrae, a grand teak building now a museum.
Phae Mueang Phi Map
Earth pillars and gullies shaped by erosion, often compared to a canyon; best in the early morning or late afternoon.
Wat Luang and the old town Map
One of the town’s oldest temples, with a Lanna-style stupa and a small museum, inside the old moated city.
Ban Thung Hong indigo village Map
The home of “mo hom”, indigo-dyed cotton shirts and cloth that are a symbol of Phrae.
Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri Map
A hillside temple with Chinese-influenced architecture and views over the valley.
Phrae city walls and moat Map
Remains of the old earthen walls and moat circle the historic centre.
Suggested 1–2 day itinerary
Day 1: morning at Wat Phra That Cho Hae, lunch in town, afternoon at Vongburi House, Khum Chao Luang and Wat Luang. Day 2: sunrise or late afternoon at Phae Mueang Phi, then shop for indigo cloth at Ban Thung Hong.
Festivals and events
Wat Phra That Cho Hae holds an annual fair, usually early in the year, with a procession of cloth to wrap the stupa. Songkran in April is celebrated in Lanna style with merit-making, sand chedis and water play. Dates change; check with TAT and read our Songkran etiquette and survival guide.
Travel tips
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Rent a bicycle to explore the old town.
- Phae Mueang Phi has little shade; bring water and a hat.
FAQ
What is Phrae known for?
Teak houses, Wat Phra That Cho Hae and indigo-dyed mo hom cloth.
How do I get to Phrae by train?
Take the northern line to Den Chai, then a bus or taxi to town.
What is Phae Mueang Phi?
A park of eroded earth pillars outside town.
What should I eat?
Northern dishes and local snacks. See our Phrae food guide.
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Cover photo: Wat Phra That Cho Hae.jpg · ผู้สร้างสรรค์ผลงาน/ส่งข้อมูลเก็บในคลังข้อมูลเสรีวิกิมีเดียคอมมอนส์ – เทวประภาส มากคล้าย · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
