|
|
|
| > > |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Uthai Thani
General Information
Uthai Thani is a province abundant in natural resources, such as forests and wildlife. “Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Reserve” here was proclaimed a Nautral World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991. The reserve has jungles, forests, plains, many streams, and most importantly, a number of rare and endangered animals.
Due to the verdant nature of the area, Uthai Thani is a province with unspoiled natural tourist destinations that are of interest to tourist everywhere.
Furthermore, visitors can see the different lifestyles of locals, such as the life of raft residents on Sakae Krang River, a waterway that aided the birth of the province and which has been a lifeline for its people since ancient times. It is also where provincial trading has flourished. Life revolving around the river eventually grew from a community into the major province that it is today.
The most striking indication of the bond between the people and the river since the old days is that in 1906, when King Rama V visited Northern provinces and stayed in Sakae Krang village, the monk Phra Khru Uthai Tham Nithet (Chan) built 2 twin rafts to receive the king. This clearly showed the importance of the river and the lifestyle of the people living off it in that period.
In addition, at the end of the Buddhist Lent, Buddhists from all directions congregate in the province for a major merit-making tradition called Tak Bat Thewo at the foot of Khao Sakae Krang at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. This festival has been held in Uthai Thani since ancient times.
Uthai Thani is located in the lower part of northern Thailand. Most of the province consists of forests and high mountains. It has a total area of 6,730 square kilometers.
Symbol
The provincial seal depicts the pavilion at Wat Khao Sakaekrang. It houses the statue of Thongdee, the father of King Rama I. The mountain in the background symbolizes the location of the pavilion on top of a hill.
Provincial flower is the Yellow Cotton Tree (Cochlospermum regium), provincial tree is Neem (Azadirachta indica v. siamensis).
The flag of Uthai Thani depicts the provincial seal of Uthai Thani in the middle. The yellow color in the top of the flag is the symbol color of the Chakri dynasty, as Gold as a precious metal is a symbol for the Thai monarchy. The green color in bottom is the symbol color of King Rama I as he was born on a Wednesday, which is associated with green in the Thai calendar. The text below the seal says Uthai Thani province.
Getting there
By Car
From Bangkok
• Take Highway No. 32, passing Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat, then turn left at Tha Nam Oi at Km.206. From there, cross the bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River and turn left onto Road No. 333 for 16 km. The total distance is around 222 kilometres.
• Take Highway No. 32 pass Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, then turn left across the bridge to Ang Thong. Go through Sing Buri, Amphoe Sapphraya, Chao Phraya Dam, Amphoe Wat Sing, Wat Tha Sung, and into Uthai Thani Market. The total distance is about 283 kilometres.
• Take Road No. 340 past Suphan Buri, turn left onto Road No. 357, then right onto No. 322 past Amphoe Don Chedi. From there, turn right onto Road No. 3264 to Ban Sa Krachom. Then turn right onto Road No. 333 to Ban Rai intersection and another right to Amphoe Mueang. The total distance is about 302 kilometres.
By Bus
There is daily regular and air-conditioned Bangkok – Uthai Thani buses during 05.00-16.00 hrs. For more information, please contact the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), Tel: 0 2936 2852-66, and Uthai Thani Bus Terminal, tel 0 5651 1914 or visit www.transport.co.th
Festivals
Tak Bat Thewo Fair
Tak Bat Thewo Fair at Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri is the most important event held around October. Hundreds of monks residing within the Muang district walk down the steps from the top of Khao Sakaekrang to accept food offerings from Buddhist devotees who gather in the ground of the temple. The fair is based on the traditional belief that the Lord Buddha on one occasion returned to earth from heaven.
Interesting Products
Basketery
Products made from bamboo and water hyacinth can be hand-bags, baskets and other accessories, all of which are well-made and attractive.
Food Products
Mostly are fruit and vegetable preserves. Turnips are widely grown on Ko Thepho, a large isle in the Sakaekrang river which are preserved to be exported. Other popular items include the crispy Khao Kung Krop, made from rice and shrimps mixed together and deep-fried.
Local Woven Materials
Woven materials are made mainly around Ban Khok Mo, Thap Than district and the Thai-Laotian village in Ban Rai, Lan Sak and Sawang Arom districts.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
