Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Ban Thi Po Chi

Another Karen village situated in the middle of a scenic forest. The houses in Thi Po Chi are made of natural materials such as logs and leaves within the serene natural environment. For more information, call the TAT Office in Tak Province at 05 551 4341-3.

Namtok Sepla

This medium-size waterfall is located in the area of Ban Sepla, Tambon Mae Lamung. The unique feature of the waterfall which has a width of about 10 meters and a length of about 50 meters lies in its cascading tiers with water flowing over a limestone cliff down several tiers.

Namtok Thi Lo Cho (Falling Rain Waterfall)

Located approximately 3 kilometers from Umphang along the Umphang-Ban Palatha route, Thi Lo Cho is an 80-meter high medium-sized waterfall. Its first tier, located on a high cliff, has a stream of water that flows to the second tier which then flows down to Maenam Mae Klong. The name Thi Lo Cho is derived from the fact thath the stream, when flowing down to the rocks below, sprinkles like rain all year round. The surrounding areas of Namtok Thi Lo Cho are covered with green moss and ferns.

Namtok Thi Lo Re

A newly-developed tourist attraction, Namtok Thi Lo Re is also situated in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary (declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage in 1999). Thi Lo Rae differs from other Thi Lo waterfalls in that it is the only waterfall that runs down to the rock.

To get there from Mae Sot, take a left turn to enter Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot-Umphang) and proceed for 164 kilometers. The trip takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Namtok Thi Lo Rae is accessible by rafting along Maenam Mae Klong. Visitors can choose to travel from Umphang to the Karen village either by car or raft, then staying overnight there and continuing the journey by raft. For those who consider rafting a relaxing activity, please note that it's a 2-day rafting trip. Although it's highly recommended to travel during November-January, please call the TAT Office in Tak Province (Tel: 05 5

Tham Takhobi

A spacious cave naturally and beautifully decorated with stalagmites and stalactites is located in Ban Mae Klong Mai, approximately 3 kilometers from Umphang. The cave itself is 3 kilometers deep with a large chamber inside the cave with a walkway connecting to Ban Mae Klong Mai.

Shrine of King Taksin the Great

Located near the Tak TAT office, at the intersection of Charojwithithong Road and Mahatthai Bamrung Road, the Shrine houses Tak's most famous statue of King Taksin the Great. The Shrine was established in 1947 to honor King Taksin the Great who, as a designated ruler of Tak, successfully defeated the Burmese invasion of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. During his reign, he moved the capital from Phra Nakon Si Ayutthaya to the bank side of Maenam Chao Praya and named it Krung Thonburi. That is why his statue, which is in the sitting position with a sword lying across his lap, has the following inscription at the base Phra Chao Taksin of Krung Thonburi. The site is also a center of an annual celebration during December 28 January 3.

Taksin Maharat National Park

This national park is located at tambon Mae Tor and Pa Wor, 2 kilometers off of the km. 26 marker on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105. The Park was previously known as Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand's record-holding tree which has a height of 50 meters and a circumference of 16 meters. With an area of 37,250 acres comprised mostly of high-altitude mountains, the park features several stunning attractions including the nine-tiered Nam Tok Mae Ya Pa, a natural stone bridge and giant Kabak trees. The stone bridge is a 25-meter high stone strip that bridges two cliffs with a brook flowing below the bridge. Approximately 78.5 meters further from the cliff is a cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Bird lovers, should not miss the opportunity to see both resident and migratory birds in the park.

Talat Rim Moei

Situated on the bank of Maenam Moei, Talad Rim Moei is a place where local products and precious stones such as jade and garnet from Myanmar are available. Tourists interested in visiting Myawadi in Myanmar (just across Maenam Moei) can take boats from this market.

Thai-Myanmar Friedship Bridge

This bridge which connects the Asian Highway between Thailand and Myanmar, is located at Tambon Tha Sai Luad, opposite a town called Myawadi in Myanmar. The Asian Highway also runs to other regions in South Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The bridge opens daily from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Border passes for a fee of 20 baht for Thais and 10 baht for people from Myanmar can be obtained from either Mae Moei City or Mae Sot Municipal.

City Pillar Shrine of the Four Great Kings

City Pillar Shrine of the Four Great Kings
This shrine is situated at Ban Pak Rong, by the Kittikachorn Bridge, south of the city. The Shrine was established to honor Thailand's four former Great Kings who were associated with Tak. These Kings called for several strategic troop assemblies in the province to fight against invading forces. In this light, the Shrine represents utmost respect for the Kings dedication to the country.

Trok Ban Chin

Trok Ban Chin (Ban Chin Alley)
Located in Tambon Rahang, near Wat Sri Talaram, Trok Ban Chin was once the busiest place in Tak. An old port area, Trok Ban Chin used to be the center for trade and business transactions and also a distribution center for goods to and from Pak Nam Pho in Nakon Sawan Province. Today, Trok Ban Chin is not only a distant memory of the past but is also an ideal place for antique lovers and visitors interested in seeing original Thai-style teak homes.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Lan Sang National Park

This national park is located at Ban Lan Sang, Tambon Mae Tor, Amphoe Muang Tak, approximately 17 kilometers from the city. To get there, take Tak-Mae Sot Highway No. 105 to the west, at Km. marker 12-13 turn left into a road which leads to the National Park and proceed for 3 kilometers.

Covering an area of 104 square kilometers, Lan Sang National Park has scenic trails leading to a number of waterfalls and high granite peaks including Lan Sang, Pha Lad, lan Liang Ma, Pha Nguen, Pha Yoi and Pha Thae. The highest peak is Khao Umyorm, which is 1,065 meters above sea level. The crystal clear water of Namtok Lan Sang flows all year round and rare wildlife are frequently sited in the forest.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Namtok Nang Khruan

A medium-size waterfall with a stream running down the different tiers, Namtok Nang Khruan is another tourist attraction for nature lovers. It is located 12 kilometers from Phop Phra District. To get there, drive along Highway 1090, turn right at Km. 31-32 towards Highway No. 1206 (to Phop Phra).