Tak, Thailand

The northern part of Thailand, Tak Province is a travelers' delight with a long history, pristine natural surroundings and a diverse cultural heritage. Situated on the Maenam Ping basin, this province is an exceptionally beautiful region bestowed with dense forests, spectacular waterfalls, dark caves, high mountains and ethnic hill tribes. The region used to be a strategic military location between Thailand and Burma. Today, Tak is an economically important region, and is considered as a western gateway to Myanmar. Tak province has several exotic places for the tourists to visit. Prominent among these are the magnificent temples, shrines and chedis of this region that are famous for their intricate woodwork and splendid sculptures. Wat Don Kaeo temple is famous for having Thailand's biggest and beautiful Burmese-style Buddha image. Other Buddhist temples in the region include Wat Phra Boromthat that symbolizes ancient Tak Province history, Wat Chumphon Khiri and Wat Thai Wattanaram. There are numerous interesting places in Tak. Doi Muser Crops Research Station located on Thanon Thongchai Mountain, Mysterious Hill, spectacular Namtok Pha Charoen and Namtok Nang Khruan waterfalls, Bhumibol Dam on Maenam Ping River, Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and Mani Banphot Swamp are all worth a visit. Mae Sot, which is located 86 kilometers from Tak, is a famous place among shopping freaks. Tak offers soft adventure opportunities such as hiking and white water rafting in its various forest reserves. Jungle trekking and elephant rides along Umphang Wildlife sanctuary are the most featured adventure activities. UNESCO has declared this sanctuary, which houses several native hill tribes, as a World Heritage Site. Namtok Thi Lo Su and Namtok Thi Lo Re waterfalls in this sanctuary are highly popular among adventure lovers for rafting, swimming and camping. There are several natural caves in this region that are worth exploring. A cruise along the Mae Ping River is a memorable experience. Loi Krathong Sai is a unique way of celebrating Thailand's annual festival of lights in November on the Ping River in this province. Another prominent religious ceremony is the Taksin Maharachanuson Fair, held during December 28 and January 3 each year. Tak province is 426 kilometers away from the capital city. Tourists can hire a car from the capital and reach the place. Daily buses are operated from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal. There are no direct flights or trains to this region. Tourists can take a Bangkok-Mae Sot flight or a Bangkok-Phitsanulok shuttle and reach Tak from there. Than Tawan Village Resort and Kwang Tung are some of the familiar dining places in this region offering Thai, Chinese and European delights.