Thailand

Nestled in the northeast of Thailand, Phrae sits at the foot of the mountains that separate Thailand from Laos. It is a spiritual city still relatively untouched by tourists but notably rich in history. Its numerous temples, old city walls, and colonial teak houses bear witness to this. It currently has a population of 20,000 people, who are particularly renowned throughout the country for their hospitality. In Phrae, you are sheltered from mass tourism, and the atmosphere is undeniably peaceful.

History

Phrae City was founded by the Mon people towards the end of the first millennium, when it belonged to the kingdom of Haripunjaya. In 1443, it came under the dominion of Chiang Mai during the reign of King Tilokaraj.

As evidence of its antiquity, the city is accessible through four gates corresponding to the cardinal points: Pratu Sri Chum to the north, Pratu Chai to the south, Pratu Mai to the east, and Pratu Man to the west.

Built on an oval plan, it has the same shape as its two neighboring cities. With teak forests, the Phrae region attracted the English and Burmese in the 19th century and became a famous center for exploiting this tree, much like Lampang.

Phrae today

Indigo craftsmanship is widespread in Thailand and holds significant importance in Phrae, as in all provinces of the country. However, the city is currently known as a major producer of blue shirts.

What to see in Phrae?

The Phrae region is the perfect destination to discover traditional Thai culture in peace. The city sees fewer tourists but is full of ancient beauty to enchant you with Thailand's charm.

The city is home to about ten temples worth exploring. The oldest is Wat Lang, known for its greenery and the small house sheltered within the old wooden structure. Additionally, Wat Phra Non, which has existed for 200 years, retains the typical architecture of the region and houses a reclining Buddha statue. It's equally interesting to visit the charming Wat Phong Sunan hidden behind Vongburi House and Wat Phra That Cho Hae, an important pilgrimage site adorned with ancient teak. However, the biggest tourist attraction remains Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri.

You'll also find several colonial-style wooden houses in the city. Don't miss exploring Vongburi House, dedicated to the Prince of Phrae 130 years ago, and Chao Lang House, entirely constructed of teak.

If you love nature, the Erawan caves are also worth visiting for their unique splendor.

What to do in Phrae?

The region, rich in forests, waterfalls, and mountains, is a true paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Several thrilling activities are offered, such as rafting on the Yom River, camping, or trekking in Mae Yom National Park.

Visit the village of Ban Thung Hong to discover Mo Hom indigo dyeing, which brings fame to the city. Here, you can experience unique and enjoyable moments while dyeing a handkerchief, scarf, or other accessories that you can take home as souvenirs.

To mark your stay in Phrae, don't forget to visit the Kad Phra Non night market on a Saturday evening for a relaxed and less touristy experience with the locals.

This cultural region hosts various annual festivals: the Kin Salak Fair, the Phra That Cho Hae Fair, etc.

The climate

Phrae has a tropical savanna climate where the winter is mainly dry and pleasant. During this period, precipitation decreases, and the average temperature is around 23 °C. However, it gets much cooler in December.

So, it's preferable to visit Phrae during the winter season, between November and April, to avoid rain. Note that in this fourth month, the average temperature is 31°C, making it the hottest month of the year.

Summer, marked by the rainy season, begins in May and ends around late September. However, showers are brief in Phrae except in August, when precipitation averages 419.6 mm.

How to get to Phrae?

The city is nestled at the base of the mountains but is easily accessible. To get to Phrae, you can:

-Take a bus: Several buses depart from Bangkok to Phrae, taking about 10 hours. You can also reach the city from Chiang Mai in just 4 hours.

-Take the train: This mode of transportation allows you to enjoy the scenery. Trains from Bangkok and Chiang Mai serve Den Chai station, located 23 km from the city.

-Take a plane: You can fly from Bangkok to save time.

Getting around the city

Phrae is relatively flat, and you can explore the interior of the city walls on foot, as this is the most interesting part of the city. However, you can rent a bicycle locally for more convenience. You can also hop on a tuk-tuk or hire a local taxi, commonly known as a songthaew, for added comfort.