'''Tak''' (???) is the provincial capital of Tak Province.
Mueang Tak is a province in the lower North of Thailand. Its former name was _gMueang Rahaeng._h In the past, Mon (the Burmese people) lived here; evidence of Mon arts still remains. The Mon town was originally located at Amphoe Ban Tak. It was established before the Sukhothai period. The town was an important gateway to the west during the Sukhothai period. Four great kings who had their army stay here are also associated with Tak; namely King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, King Naresuan the Great, King Narai the Great, and King Taksin the Great. During the Rattanakosin era, King Rama II had a royal command to move Tak town from the right to the left bank of the Ping River in Tambon Ban Rahaeng; it has been established there up to the present.
Tak is about 426 km from Bangkok, covering an area of 10,254,156 rai. Its geographical features are mountains and forests. This province has many national parks with pristine forest and nature, such as Taksin Maharat National Park, Mae Moei National Park, Lan Sang National Park, and Namtok Pha Charoen National Park. In addition, there are waterfalls ? Namtok Thi Lo Su and Namtok Thi Lo Re ? that adventure lovers and those who favour whitewater rafting must come to visit. Besides natural beauty, this province is famous for its produce, both flowers and fruits. Its large Thapthim fruit (pomegranate) is now very popular.
The province comprises 9 amphoe:- Ban Tak; Mae Ramat; Mae Sot; Mueang Tak; Phop Phra; Sam Ngao; Tha Song Yang; Umphang; Wang Chao.
'''''Distance from Amphoe Mueang Tak to Nearby Districts:'''''
'''''Distance from Amphoe Mueang Tak to Nearby Provinces:'''''
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and switch to Highway No. 32 (Asian Highway). Drive through Pratu Nam Phra-in, Phra Nakhon S.i Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat. After arriving in Nakhon Sawan, turn left to Highway No. 1. Travel through Kamphaeng Phet and head for Tak. The total distance of 426 kilometres takes around 5 hours.
The Transport Company Limited offers a daily bus service between Bangkok and Tak during 05.30 ? 13.00 hrs. and 16.30 ? 22.00 hrs., and between Bangkok and Mae Sot during 08.00 ? 19.00 hrs. For further information, contact the Bangkok (Northern) Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) or Mo Chit Mai, Tel. 0 2936 2852 ? 66, or visit the website www.transport.co.th. For a private bus between Bangkok and Tak during 09.30 ? 22.00 hrs., and between Bangkok and Mae Sot at 22.00 hrs., contact Than Chit Tour, Tel. 0 5551 1307 or Bangkok office Tel. 0 2936 3210 ? 13. For the service between Bangkok and Tak during 12.30 ? 22.00 hrs., and between Bangkok and Mae Sot at 22.15 hrs., contact Choet Chai Tour, Tel. 0 5551 1054, 0 5551 1057 or Bangkok office Tel. 0 2936 0199.
There is no direct flight to Tak. Thai Airways offers a flight between Bangkok and Phitsanulok. From Phitsanulok, take a bus trip to Tak. For more information, contact THAI, Tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060 and 0 2628 2000, or visit the website www.thaiairways.com
The Transport Company Limited and private operators offer air-conditioned and ordinary bus services between Amphoe Mae Sot (Tak) to Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Amphoe Lom Sak (Phetchabun), Lampang, Phayao, Chiang Mai, Amphoe Mae Sai (Chiang Rai), Amphoe Chum Phae (Khon Kaen), and Amphoe Bo Rai (Chanthaburi). For further information, contact Tak Provincial Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 5551 1057; Mae Sot Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 5553 2949; and Thai Phatthanakit Khonsong Company on Intharakhiri Road, Amphoe Mae Sot, plying between Mae Sot ? Chiang Rai ? Mae Sai, Tel. 0 5553 2331.
'''Si Maharat City Pillar Shrine (?????????????????????)''' This shrine is located at the foot of Kittikhachon Bridge, before reaching the town of Tak. According to historical evidence, Tak was an ancient town before the Sukhothai period. Four kings who were named the _eGreat_f had their army stay here. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great had an elephant-back fight with Khun Samchon the ruler of Chot town. King Naresuan the Great led his army back to the Thai kingdom through Tak abruptly after he declared independence at the town of Khraeng. King Narai the Great led his army to defeat northern head towns and had Wat Phra Narai built (this temple is now at the foot of Kittikhachon Bridge. King Taksin the Great was formerly a royally-appointed ruler of Tak town. A shrine was established in 1992 to commemorate the royal grace of the four great kings as well as be a public-spirit centre of the people of Tak.
'''King Taksin the Great Shrine (????????????????????????????)''' This shrine is located on Charotwithithong Road near the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4. Initially, the shrine was in Wat Doi Khao Kaeo on the river bank opposite the town. In 1947, the people in the town considered that the existing shrine did not receive appropriate honour, they, therefore, built a new shrine and commissioned the Fine Arts Department to sculpture an over life-size statue of King Taksin the Great in a sitting position with a sword across his lap. At the base of the statue, a description reads King Taksin the Great, 1734 ? 1782: 48 years old. People usually pay homage to this shrine.
'''Wat Bot Mani Si Bunrueang (??????????????????????)''' This temple is located at Ban Rommani, Taksin Road, Tambon Nong Luang. It was built in 1858 and renovated in 1990. The Ubosot (ordination hall) was built during the reign of King Rama IV. Mural paintings in the Ubosot are very beautiful. There is a Mon ? styled pagoda that enshrines the Buddha_fs relics in its umbrella-shaped top. The Wihan or Vihara hall houses the magnificent principal Buddha image called _eLuangpho Phutthamon,_f which was built during the Sukhothai period around the 14th Century A.D.
'''Wat Doi Khoi Khao Kaeo or Wat Phrachao Tak (????????????????? ???? ?????????????)''' The temple is located on the bypass route Cho. 3, Tambon Mae Tho, about 250 m from the west bank of the Ping River. While being the ruler of Tak, King Taksin the Great or Phraya Tak tried his luck at this temple by throwing a bell hammer to hit the glass bowl that was placed five wa away. His prayer was that if the hammer hit and broke only the middle section of the bowl, without causing damage to other parts, he would be blessed with great merit and grace to become the protector of people. After he threw the hammer, it really hit the bowl as he wished. The Buddhist devotees who joined the merit making at the temple witnessed the event and news was spread that Phraya Tak had great merit and wondrous grace. Following trying his luck, he gave one crystal ball to be attached to the top of the pagoda in this temple. The other ball was given to government officials, merchants and the people to be placed at the top of the pagoda in Wat Klang Suan Dokmai. After several years past, the balls were lost since the pagoda tops broke and collapsed. According to a chronicle, on his second trip to Chiang Mai in 1774, King Taksin (Somdet Phrachao Krung Thonburi) visited the abbot of Wat Doi Khoi Khao Kaeo and talked about the balls used in trying his luck. This temple was presumed to be built during the Ayutthaya period. The important ancient places are the Ubosot (ordination hall) with double-slab-boundary stones signifying royal patronage, the Buddha_fs footprint in the Ubosot, and two Chedis (pagodas) where the ashes of King Taksin the Great_fs father and mother are contained. The temple was registered as an ancient monument, as published in the Royal Gazette Volume 52, Section 75, dated 8 March, 1935.
'''Wat Mani Banphot Worawihan (??????????????????)''' This temple is located on Highway No. 1, on a hill near Tak Hospital. It is a provincial royal monastery and an example temple of development. It has an angular Mon-styled Chedi (pagoda) with 16 indented corners at the back. Inside the Ubosot (ordination hall), there is a portrait of King Rama V royally given to this temple, and a Buddha image _gPhra Phuttharup Saengthong._h This 30-inch-lap wide Buddha image of the Chiang Saen period was removed from a deserted temple in Tambon Mae Tuen, Amphoe Mae Ramat, in 1930. It is considered as the sacred Buddha image of Tak town.
'''Wat Sitalaram or Wat Nam Hak (??????????? ???? ?????????)''' This ancient temple is located at Ban Chin, Taksin Road, Tambon Rahaeng. In the past, the Ping River which was to the west of the temple had whirlpools. During the run-off season, powerful currents from the Mae Tho Creek diverted the Ping River to flow against the temple_fs pier. That is why the temple is also called _eWat Nam Hak_f (Nam Hak literally means diverted water). Later, the river banks were extended. Consequently, the river changed its course and no more whirlpools were seen. This temple is in a shady and pleasant atmosphere. The Ubosot (ordination hall) and a wooden building were built in the European style of art. The ordination hall once burnt and rebuilt has a wood-carved gallery in the front and houses a Buddha image of the Ayutthaya period.
'''Trok Ban Chin (???????????)''' This place is near Wat Sitalaram. Until the extension of the Ping River, the area had been a trading area and on a distribution route of goods and consumption products from the Pho estuary in Nakhon Sawan to Ban Tha Chin. At present, rarely-seen ancient Thai-styled teak houses stand to welcome visitors.
'''Wat Khao Tham (?????????)''' This temple is located in Ban Phae, Phahonyothin Road, Tambon Mai Ngam, off Highway No. 1 to the left turn at Km 423 for around 900 m. It was built in 1894. There is a scattering of natural rock formations in complex layers. An entrance to the cave features a high hill of 70 m. Inside the temple, there is the Lord Buddha_fs footprint, Phra Sangkatchai, and Kwan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). Luangpho Thanchai, the stucco Buddha image sculptured within one day, is housed in the Ubosot (ordination hall). There is a Chedi (pagoda) atop the hill overlooking Tak town. Every year after Songkran Day, the traditional fair _gUp the Hill to Wat Khao Tham_h is held. There is merit making by offering alms to Buddhist monks and bathing the Lord Buddha_fs footprint on Thai New Year_fs Day.
'''''Attractions on the Tak ? Mae Sot Route (Highway No. 105)'''''
'''Lan Sang National Park (????????????????????)''' This national park is located in Ban Lan Sang, Tambon Mae Tho, around 20 km away from Tak town. Being declared as a national park on 14 May, 1979, it covers an area of 65,000 rai. Geographically, it features a complex line of mountains. The highest part is in the west. The ground slopes down to the east. Several streams run through the park, such as Lam Huai Lan Sang, Huai Tha Le, Khlong Huai Sai, Huai Umyom, etc. Various types of forest, such as rain forest, coniferous forest, hill everygreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest, are found in different geographical areas. Wild animals found are common wild pig, barking deer, Siamese big-headed turtle, serow, civet, Black-crested Bulbul, flying lizard, etc.
According to legend, during his second trip to attack Chiang Mai, King of Krung Thonburi had his army stay at Ban Rahaeng, a district of Tak town. There, many Mon people came to surrender themselves to him. Burmese soldiers, therefore, chased after them. The king went to disperse the Burmese soldiers and was separated from his army. When night fell, the mountainous area made it difficult to trace him. The soldiers decided to take a rest. Suddenly, a ray of light climbed up into the sky while a cry of a warhorse was heard. All the soldiers rushed to the point and saw the king sitting on his horse back in the middle of the rocky ground. An aura was seen from his body. Burmese soldiers were seen prostrating around him. At that time, it was dawn. The ground, therefore, was called _gLan Sang_h (literally meaning the ground of dawn). Presently, it is in the area of Lan Sang waterfall; a trace of the king_fs horseshoes also appears on the rocky ground.
''Interesting Places in the Lan Sang National Park''
Admission fees: 100 baht for children, 200 baht for adults, and 30 baht for a four-wheeled car (excluding a driver).
Accommodation: There are three houses: 500 ? 1,500 baht. For visitors who bring their own tents, the fee is 30 Baht/person/night. For further information, contact the Lan Sang National Park, P.O. Box 8, Tambon Mae Tho, Amphoe Mueang, Tak, 63000. Tel. 0 5551 9278 ? 9, or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2562 0760 or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.
''To get there:'' From Tak town, drive along Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) for 19 km and take a left turn at around Km 12 ? 13 for another 3 km towards the visitor_fs centre. From Bangkok, take a Bangkok ? Tak bus to the bus station in Tak town, travel further by van on the Tak ? Mae Sot route to an entrance to the park, and walk around 2 km before reaching the park headquarters. The total distance from Bangkok to the park is around 430 km.
'''King Taksin the Great National Park (??????????????????????????)''' This national park covers an area of 165,250 rai in the Mae Tho Forest, Tambon Mae Tho and Tambon Phawo, Amphoe Mueang; and in the Mae Lamao Forest, Amphoe Mae Sot. It was declared a national park on 23 December, 1981. The geographical feature is a steep range of complex mountains. Here, forest is in pristine condition. There are many types of forest: hill evergreen forest, coniferous forest, rain forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, and mixed deciduous forest. The weather is cool all year round with an average temperature of around 20oC. There is heavy rain during August ? October. During the coolest season from November to January, the average temperature is 6oC. In the past, this forest area was a troop line of Thai and Burmese soldiers. In 1762, King Alongphaya led his army to surround Ayutthaya and he became ill and died in this forest on his way back to Burma.
''Places of Interest in the King Taksin the Great National Park''
Admission Fees: 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults. 30 baht for each four-wheeled car (excluding a driver).
Accommodation: 8 visitor houses: 500 ? 1,500 baht and a common bedroom for 60 persons: 2,000 baht. There is also a camp with camping facilities. Visitors who bring their own tents are charged 100 baht/person/night for setting up the tents on the provided area. Food service is subject to contacting in advance. For further information, contact Chief of the King Taksin The Great National Park, P.O. Box 10, Amphoe Mueang, Tak 63000. Tel. 0 5551 1429. Or contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2562 0760. Or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.
''To get there:'' Drive along Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) and take a right turn at Km 26 for around 2 km before reaching the park headquarters. Or take a Tak ? Mae Sot passenger van to an entrance to the park at Km 26 and walk another 2 km.
This district is 86 km from Amphoe Mueang Tak. It was declared as a district in 1898. Its former name is Phra No Ke. The district is located on the plain flanked by the ranges of mountains in Thailand and Myanmar. It covers an area of about 2,600 sq km; the population consists of hilltribes, migrants from Amphoe Mueang, and some Burmese people who have a Thai family here.
The history of Mae Sot is still unknown whether it was the town of Chot; Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Chot, used to lead an army to attack Sukhothai. No old buildings dating back to the Sukhothai period have ever been found. It is therefore conceded that it is not the same town. At present, an archaeologist has found the remains of an ancient town in a thick forest of Amphoe Mae Ramat. This is probably the town of Chot as mentioned in the scripture stone of the Sukhothai period.
'''Wat Mani Phraison (?????????????)''' This temple is located near Mae Sot Market. Within the compound, there is a unique building called _eChedi Wihan Samphutthe_f which contains 512,028 Buddha images and has 223 small pagodas on its outer surface. The ancient Ubosot (ordination hall) is more than 200 years old. Its gable and roof are decorated with beautiful wood carvings. There are also pavilions and niches containing Buddha images in various attitudes: Luangpho Sangkatchai, stucco reclining Buddha image, etc.
'''Wat Chumphon Khiri (????????????)''' This temple is located in the Tambon Mae Sot Municipality. It is an ancient temple of more than 200 years old. A newly-built Chedi is an imitation of Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. The principal Buddha image in the Ubosot (ordination hall) is of the Mara-subduing attitude. An ancient drum of more than 200 years old is kept in the Wihan (image hall).
'''Namtok Mae Kasa (????????????)''' This large waterfall is located in Tambon Mae Kasa. There is a path leading the way up to a high mountain. A cave in front of the waterfall has a 5 m wide stream of water which serves as an entrance to the waterfall. Travel: Take the Mae Sot ? Mae Ramat route (Highway No. 105), follow the sign to Ban Mae Kuet Sam Tha at around Km 13 ? 14 for about 4 km, and take a lane off the road for about 1.5 km.
'''Bo Nam Ron Mae Kasa (?????????????????)''' This hot well of 2 m wide is located in Tambon Mae Kasa, right in the village. Hot and cool streams flow to meet at this well. Visitors can smell sulphur throughout the village and see slight vapour just above the ground. At an edge of the well, the water is easily seen boiling and its temperature is fairly high. A private room for mineral bathing is available. The village is amidst the beauty of nature encompassed by a high mountain and farming land. Travel: Drive along the Mae Sot ? Mae Ramat route, take a turn at around Km 13 ? 14 to follow the same route to Namtok Mae Kasa for about 7 km and enter into the village towards the hot well.
'''Hill tribe Development and Assistance Centre and Tak Plant and Production Factor Service Centre (Doi Muser) (???????????????????????????????????????????? (????????)''' The Hilltribe Development and Assistance Centre is located in Tambon Phawo on Doi Muser (Muser Hill) under the supervision of the Department of Public Welfare. There are many hill tribes living on the hill: Black Muser, Hmong or Meo, and Lisaw. The centre is more than 800 feet above sea level and covers an area of 26,500 rai. At present, most of the hill tribe people in Thailand migrated from South China, Shan State and Kengtung of Myanmar. In the centre, the _eBan Umyom Hilltribe Cultural Centre_f was established to give knowledge and advice to hill tribe leaders in tourism management. There is a display of clothes, jewellery, and household utensils, and an imitation of the Muser_fs house. Outside the cultural centre, there is an imitation of a _gChakhue_h dancing ground. (Chakhue is a dance of the Muser). Members of the hill tribe will take turns to dance all day and night until the festival ends. During the festival, all of them stop working; anyone who works will be fined. One thing everybody must do is to visit relatives in other villages wherever they are near or far. Furthermore, there is a Ban Umyom study route for visitors to witness the way of life and living quarters of the hill tribe people. For those interested in an overnight stay, contact Tel. 0 5551 3614. A nature trail is also provided in the form of a day trip to experience tea and coffee plantations, rice fields, and water seepage, and enjoy the waterfall en route. For more information, contact the Hill tribe Development and Assistance Centre of Tak, P.O. Box 2, Amphoe Mueang, Tak 63000. Tel. 0 5551 3614.
''To get there:'' Drive along Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot), take a left turn at around Km 25 ? 26, and go further along the hillside for another 3 km.
'''Doi Muser Horticultural Experiment Station (????????????????????????)''' It is located near the Tak Plant and Production Factors Service Centre on the Thanon Thong Chai Range, 900 m above sea level. The station conducts experiments and research on coffee beans, tea, fruit, vegetables, and temperate flowers. During November to December, the area around the station is beautifully covered with Mexican sunflowers in full bloom.
'''Doi Muser Hill Tribe Market (????????????????????????????????)''' Located on the roadside of the Tak ? Mae Sot route (Highway No. 105) around Km 29, this market is open daily. There are hill tribe products: clothes, silver items, and farm produce.
'''Chaopho Phawo Shrine (??????????????)''' This shrine is located on a hill at the foot of Phawo Mountain, between Km 62 ? 63 on the Tak ? Mae Sot route. It gains respect from the people of Tak town and Mae Sot. The story has it that Chaopho Phawo was a Karen warrior who was appointed by King Taksin the Great as chief of the Mae Lamao border pass to protect the land from an intrusion of the enemy. In the beginning, the shrine was on the other side of the hill. Then, a new road was built and the shrine was moved. Some told the sacredness of the shrine that if anyone went hunting on Phawo Mountain, they usually encountered irregularities, such as car trouble, sickness, or became lost. Since Chaopho Phawo was a warrior, it was believed that he favoured the sound of a gun. Visitors, therefore, pay homage and shoot a gun, set off fire crackers, or blow their horn to show their respect.
'''Amazing Hill (?????????)''' This hill is located at around Km 68 on the Tak ? Mae Sot route. Here, a car can be astonishingly seen going up the hill without switching on the engine. A scientist gave an explanation that it was an illusion. The height of the hill was measured to confirm that the way up the hill was lower than the way down. Hence, a car that is seen climbing the hill is really moving towards the lower place. However, no one can explain why such an illusion is seen.
'''Wat Phothikhun or Wat Huai Toei (?????????? ???? ??????????)''' This forest temple is located in Tambon Mae Pa on Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) at around Km 69. The interesting feature is the Ubosot (ordination hall) which was designed and built by Khun Somprasong Chaonarai who, denying any wage, devoted his whole life for 18 years to complete it. The boat-like Ubosot has three storeys. The ground storey has no decoration. Decorations were made to the walls, ceiling, and heads of the posts on the second storey. On the third storey where religious ceremonies are performed, it was finely decorated on the walls, posts, and ceiling, with the arts of bas-relief, painting, glass inlaying, and gilding. There is the large principal Buddha image inside the Ubosot. Fine, delicate and elaborate designs outside the Ubosot represent the lively recreation of a traditional art form based on the builder_fs imagination.
'''Wat Thai Watthanaram (??????????????)''' This temple was formerly called Wat Mae Tao Ngiao or Wat Thai Yai. It is located at Mu 1, Tambon Tha Sai Luat, about 5 km from Mae Sot town. Take Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) to Rim Moei Market, to around Km 84 before reaching the Thai ? Myanmar Friendship Bridge. This is a temple of the Mahayana Buddhism (Great Vehicle) of the Thai Yai people whose traditions, cultural arts and rituals are influences of the Union of Myanmar. It was built in 1857 by Mr. Mung, a Burmese villager in Shan State, whose family migrated to Mae Sot district. He was the first headman of Mae Tao village and later was named as Muen Atkhamhaenghan. In 1957, the Ministry of Education declared it as a Buddhist temple attached to the Department of Religious Affairs. Inside the temple, there is Phra Phutthamahamuni, an imitation image of the sacred Buddha image in Mandalay, Union of Myanmar, which gains great respect from the people of Tak.
'''Thai ? Myanmar Friendship Bridge (???????????????-????)''' The bridge is located in Tambon Tha Sai Luat, across the Moei River between Tak_fs Mae Sot district and Myawadi in the Union of Myanmar. It is 420 m long and 13 m wide. Thai people and residents of Mae Sot district can travel or drive across the bridge. However, a border pass is required. The border pass service is available at the Mae Sot Immigration Checkpoint or the Mae Moei City Centre. Fees are charged on both the Thai and Burmese sides. Car insurance fees are also provided. Enquire about the information in detail before starting a trip since regulations may be changed. Contact the Mae Sot Immigration Checkpoint, Tel. 0 5556 3002 ? 4.
Foreign visitors wishing to travel across the bridge to enter the Union of Myanmar are required to present their passports to get a free-of-charge visa at the immigration checkpoint on the Thai border. On the Burmese side, ten U.S. dollars (subject to change) per person must be paid at the immigration checkpoint for a one-day visit from 06.00 ? 18.00 hrs. Foreign visitors are not allowed to go farther than 2 km from the checkpoint. For more information, contact the Mae Sot Immigration Checkpoint or the Mae Sot District Office, Tel. 0 5553 1077.
'''Rim Moei Market (??????????)''' It is a community on the bank of the Moei River, opposite Myawadi of the Union of Myanmar. It is also a market of local products of Thailand and Myanmar, such as seafood, dried bamboo shoot, dried fish, _gHua Yung_h sea fish (Hapardontidae), Shiitake mushroom, beans, leatherware, satin, etc., as well as a market of gemstones, such as jade, ruby, coloured gemstones, etc. from the Union of Myanmar. A daily bus service is available from Mae Sot Market to Rim Moei Market, dropping passengers at the Thai ? Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
'''Phrathat Hin Kio (??????????????????????????)''' This Chedi is located in Ban Wang Takhian. It is a miracle of nature that a gigantic rock can stay on such a cliff. The rock is so slim at some point that it seems to be parted into two pieces. A Mon-styled Chedi was built on the exact width of the rock. Villagers call the rock _eChedi Hin Phra In Khwaen,_f which gains respect from the people of Tak and nearby provinces. Every year in February, a fair is held for worshippers to pay homage to it. Travel can be made by driving along Highway No. 105 via Ban Tha At and Ban Wang Takhian, and taking a right turn to follow a sign to the Chedi for 3 km.
The '''Moei River (aka Thaungyin in Myanmar) (?????????)''' This river is the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand. It is 327 km long, flowing towards the north unlike a river in general. The watershed is in Ban Mokoe, Tambon Phop Phra, Amphoe Phop Phra. The river flows to Mae Hong Son via Mae Sot, Mae Ramat, and Tha Song Yang, to merge into the Salween River in Myanmar before flowing into the Gulf of Martaban. To get there: Take Highway No. 105 from Mae Sot for around 10 km to the border.
It is another district of Tak that borders Myanmar, 120 km from Tak town. Most of the areas are forests and mountains. It was presumed that the Mae Ramat district was a community of the Karen. Later, with so many Thai Lanna migrants, the community was declared a district on 1 January, 1951. To get there: From Tak town, take the Tak ? Mae Sot ? Mae Ramat route or the Tak ? Ban Tak ? Mae Ramat route.
'''Wat Don Kaeo (??????????)''' This temple is located behind the Mae Ramat District Office. One of the three marble Buddha images built at the same time in a Burmese style of sculpture was invited from Yangon to house in the Wihan (image hall) here. The other two Buddha images are worshipped in Pakistan and India. This beautiful Buddha image is 63 inches in height and its lap is 50 inches in width.
'''Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary (?????????????????????????????)''' It is located in the Mae Tuen forest, covering an area of 733,125 rai in Amphoe Mae Ramat and Amphoe Sam Ngao. Most of the areas are a range of high steep and complex mountains where there are different types of forest: hill evergreen forest, dry everygreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest.
''Places of interest in the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary''
'''Khun Phawo National Park (?????????????????????)''' This new park is located on the Mae Ramat ? Ban Tak route, around 18 km from a junction to Mae Ramat.
''Places of interest in the Khun Phawo National Park''
''To get there:'' From Tak, take Highway No. 105, Tak ? Mae Sot route, to Km 62 and walk further for 750 m from the Phawo Shrine to the temporary headquarters of the park. The total distance is 62 km.
This district borders with the Union of Myanmar along the Moei River. Most of the areas are covered with forest and high mountains along the Thanon Thong Chai range. Most people are Thais who live on the plains and do farming. The distance from Amphoe Mae Sot to Amphoe Tha Song Yang is around 84 km. The total distance from Tak town to Amphoe Tha Song Yang is around 169 km.
'''Mae Moei National Park (????????????????????)''' The park has some area connected to the Moei River which is the borderline between the Union of Myanmar and Thailand. The park headquarters have been landscaped and beautifully decorated with plants. The surrounding area is shady and tranquil amidst mountains and forests. There are wild animals, such as deer, brow-antlered deer, etc.
''Places of Interest in the Mae Moei National Park''
Admission fees: children 100 Baht and adults 200 baht, four-wheeled cars 30 baht (excluding a driver).
Accommodation: There are three visitor houses, 1,000 Baht each. Advance notice is required for food service. For further information, contact the Mae Moei National Park, Amphoe Tha Song Yang, Tak 63150. Tel. 0 5551 9644 ? 5. Or contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Tel. 0 2562 0760. Or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.
''To get there:'' From Tak town, follow the Mae Sot ? Mae Ramat ? Tha Song Yang route (Highway No. 105) for about 114 km, and take a right turn at the Mae Salit checkpoint to Amphoe Omkoi, Chiang Mai. Go along the uphill road for around 11 km before reaching the park headquarters. A large bus is prohibited since the road is very steep (Note: Highway No. 105 from Mae Sot to Mae Ramat and Tha Song Yang is parallel to the border line. It is not suggested to travel after 18.00 hours.) Alternatively, visitors can take a regular bus from Mae Sot to Ban Mae Salit Luang and hire a car to go further to the park headquarters.
It is a district to the southwest of Tak that borders with the Union of Myanmar. Travel can be made by following Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) to Km 75 and taking a left turn to Highway No. 1090. Go further to Km 26 and take a right turn to Highway No. 1206 for another 13 km. The total distance from Tak town is around 135 km. Before the construction of an asphalt road by the Department of Highways, transportation between Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts was very difficult since the area of Amphoe Phop Phra is a highland district between mountains and influenced by the monsoon wind from the Gulf of Martaban. It has the most catchment in the North with rainfall of 2,300 ? 3,000 millimetres a year. The dirt road was therefore muddy. Commuters had to wade in mud. So came the name of the area as _gBan Phoe Pha,_h which literally means the stained and muddied village. Later, it was renamed _gPhop Phra._h
'''Namtok Nang Khruan''' Originally, this waterfall was called _gNamtok Phoe Pha_h and then changed to _gNamtok Phop Phra._h Later, it was renamed _gNamtok Nang Khruan._h It is a medium-size waterfall with small layers of flowing water amidst a shady forest. It receives water from a canal beside rice fields. Travel can be made by following Highway No. 1090 and taking a right turn at Km 31 ? 32 to Amphoe Phop Phra. Follow Highway No. 1206, which is next to the concrete bridge on the right. The waterfall is located at Km 12 just before reaching Amphoe Phop Phra.
'''Namtok Pha Charoen National Park''' This park covers the areas in Tambon Chong Khaep, Tambon Phop Phra, and Tambon Khiri Rat of Amphoe Phop Phra, and Tambon Dan Mae Lamao, Tambon Phawo, Tambon Phrathat Pha Daeng, Tambon Mae Ku, Tambon Mae Tao, and Tambon Mahawan of Amphoe Mae Sot, totalling 534,375 rai. Most of the areas are high complex mountains of 1,765 m above sea level and feature a mixed deciduous forest and a coniferous forest. It was declared a national park on 8 November 1994.
''Places of Interest in the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park''
''Accommodation:'' The park has two visitor houses. Visitors can bring their own tent for an overnight stay. For further details, contact the Chief of the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, Km 37, Mu 6, Tambon Chong Khaep, Amphoe Phop Phra, Tak 63160. Tel. 0 5550 0906. Or contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department. Tel. 0 2562 0760. Or visit the website www.dnp.go.th.
''To get there:'' Follow Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot ? Umphang route) and take a left turn at Km 37 for around 700 m before reaching the park headquarters.
'''Amphoe Umphang''' is about 259 km from Tak town. It is a district bordering with the Union of Myanmar and the largest district of Thailand. Originally, many Karen people lived here. Then, Thai people in the North migrated into the area and a large community was established. Umphang was once a gateway town on the western border subject to Uthai Thani Province. It was also a checkpoint for the Burmese people who crossed the border to trade in Thai territory. While travelling in the forest, Burmese merchants kept their border pass in a bamboo tube with a cover to protect it from rain and tear. When arriving at the checkpoint in Umphang, they uncovered the container and produced the document to the checkpoint officers for being stamped. The border pass is pronounced in Karen language as _gUm Pha._h The word was gradually changed to _gUmphang,_h and it became the name of the area known as the district of Umphang nowadays.
''To get there:'' From Bangkok, follow Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) via Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Chainat, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, to Tak, totalling 425 km. Take a left turn, about 7 km before reaching Tak town, to Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) and go along to Amphoe Mae Sot, totalling 86 km. From Amphoe Mae Sot, take a left turn to Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot ? Umphang route) and drive further to Amphoe Umphang on the twisting and complicated path of 1,219 curves along the Thanon Thong Chai range for 164 km. This path is known as a _esky road._f The drive from Mae Sot to Umphang takes 4 ? 5 hours. The total distance is 689 km from Bangkok to Umphang.
Note: It is suggested that travellers should drive with special caution and use a high performance vehicle, which is in good condition, since the road runs through the mountain range and has many bends. There is a rest area around Km 84 where food and beverages are available. Those who are carsick should take medicine before travelling.
'''Ban Boran''' Umphang is a small community living a simple way of life. Most houses are made of wood with one storey. The roofs are made of local materials, such as leaves of a Phluang tree, wooden shingles, terracotta tiles, etc. The houses built on stilts have an open ground floor. There is a set of stairs in the front of the house. A bench is set in parallel to the portico. The fence is made of log slabs. Nowadays, these traditional houses can still be seen. The Ban Boran Club manages to provide knowledge and understanding of the traditional houses to the owners as a way to develop their houses to become a cultural attraction. For further details, contact the Ban Boran Club. Tel. 0 5556 1287.
'''Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary''' It covers a total area of 1,619,280 rai and has been maintained as a conservation forest to preserve natural resources. This western woodland is also an origin of a World Heritage Site. Most of the areas are complicated high mountains. It is very cool between November and February. Most trees are species of a rain forest and a deciduous forest. Wild animals found are clouded leopard, Malayan tapir serow, hawk, pelican, etc. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1989.
''Places of Interest in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary''
''To get there:''
'''Namtok Thi Lo Cho or Namtok Saifon''' It is 3 km from Amphoe Umphang. Follow the Umphang ? Ban Pa La Tha route and take a right turn for around 1 km. The first tier of the waterfall is around 80 m high on a steep cliff. The second tier flows to the Mae Klong River. Its rapidly flowing stream against boulders causes sprays of water that look like falling rain from the sky, and a rainbow is therefore created. If visitors arrive at the waterfall around 9.00 a.m., they will witness the beautiful rainbow. The sprays of water also dampen the surrounding area and enable the growth of moss and lichen to appear all year round. This waterfall is accessible by a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River from Amphoe Umphang, taking about 30 minutes.
'''Namtok Se Pla''' It is located in Se Pla village, Tambon Mae Lamung, 3 km from Pa La Tha village. This waterfall on a limestone mountain flows in tiers, and is 10 m wide and 50 m long. Its flowing stream against boulders looks like a beautiful white cloud.
'''Namtok Thi Lo Re''' It is located on a gorge in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring a cave-like cliff on a bank of the Mae Klong River. The main stream of water flows along the high steep cliff into the Mae Klong River from the height of 80 m amidst the beauty of nature. This waterfall is an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers. It is advisable to take the Umphang ? Ban Pa La Tha route, starting from the Karen village of Pa La Tha on a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River for around 3 days. Note: Visitors must prepare their own meals and equipment for a two-night stay along the way.
'''Doi Hua Mot''' It is located in Umphang village, featuring a stretch of limestone mountains of 30 km long and 2 km wide. There are no large trees on these mountains; only small grasses, such as cycad and Thian pa (Impatiens calcicola), grow in general. Wildflowers can be seen in full bloom during the rainy season. There is also a scattering of boulders. The mountains viewed from the ground look like a green carpet dotted with boulders, plants, Thian pa and various wildflowers. On the top, visitors can enjoy a view of Umphang village and intertwining mountain ranges, as well as scenic surroundings. Viewpoints are provided for visitors to admire the sunrise and sunset. A sea of morning mist, particularly at the beginning of the cool season, can be seen.
''To get there:'' Take the Umphang ? Ban Pa La Tha route to Doi Hua Mot for around 10 km. There are two viewpoints: the first at Km 9 plus a 20 ? minute ? mountain walk, and the second at Km 10 -- take a left turn to the parking lot and a further 5 ? minute walk. It is suggested to arrive at Doi Hua Mot before sunrise around 5.00 ? 6.00 a.m. On the mountain top, it is rather cool and the wind blows all the time.
'''Tham Takhobi''' It is located in Mae Klong village. This large cave with a high ceiling has a wide path in tiers and many walking lines inside. Its stalagmites and stalactites are attractive. The cave is around 3 km in depth. Visitors can walk through it to Mae Klong Mai village.
''To get there:'' Take the Mae Klong Mai ? Namtok Thi Lo Su route from Amphoe Umphang for around 3 km.
''Accommodation:'' The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary has provided an area for visitors who bring their own tents. The service fee is 20 Baht/person/night. Tents are also available for rent at the headquarters. It is suggested for visitors to bring their own foodstuff. Kitchen utensils are available upon request. For more information, contact the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Amphoe Umphang, Tak 63170. Tel. 0 5550 0706, 0 5550 0919 ? 20.
''To get there:'' Follow Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route) for around 96 km and switch to Highway No. 1090 (Mae Sot ? Umphang route) to Amphoe Umphang. The total distance is around 164 km.
'''Amazing Hill''' This is the second amazing hill of Tak. It is located on the Umphang ? Ban Pa La Tha route, just past Km 16 for around 500 m. A car, without starting the engine, can run up the hill from a test point. A sea of mist can be also viewed at this hill.
It was once a city of Tak and an important gateway to the west of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. During the reign of King Thammaracha in the Ayutthaya period, the city of Tak was moved to the right bank of the Ping River, opposite the present location of Tak town. Thus, most attractions in Amphoe Ban Tak are ancient places. Amphoe Ban Tak is located on Highway No. 1, around 22 km from Amphoe Mueang to the north. Visitors can also follow Highway No. 1107 parallel to the west bank of the Ping River to Amphoe Ban Tak; the total distance is around 25 km.
'''Wat Phra Borommathat''' Located in Tambon Ko Taphao, this ancient temple underwent several renovations. The Ubosot (ordination hall) has a beautifully carved-wooden door. Its pediment and gable roof are also woodcarving. The gilded carved windows depict the history of Lord Buddha. The stair_fs heads feature Nagas (serpents). The old Wihan (image hall) has a high ceiling with double tiers, and is well equipped with ventilation channels so that it is cool inside. A gilded stucco Buddha image is housed in the Wihan. Furthermore, there is another ancient hall with woodcarving that is worth a visit. This temple is among the ones of great archaeological value. To get there: From Amphoe Mueang Tak, follow Highway No. 1107 (Tak ? Ban Tak route) for around 35 km and take a left turn to Highway No. 1175 for around 1 km; the temple is on your left.
'''Chedi Yutthahatthi or the Chedi in Honour of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great''' Being commonly called by villagers as Chedi Chon Chang (a pagoda of an elephant back fight), the Chedi is located on Doi Chang in Tambon Ko Taphao. Doi Chang is a small hill away from the north of Doi Phrathat. Built in the Sukhothai period over 700 years ago, this Sukhothai ? styled artwork stands on a cement square base of 12 m in width. The indented square-shaped relic chamber is 16 m high, with the upper indented square part to its lotus bud-shaped finial under the umbrella. There are traces of repair over the past time, but the pagoda still remains in its original form. The square base of the lotus bud-shaped spire has beautiful stucco of a lion_fs face; the design on the northern side is still perfect while broken images appear on other sides of the base. The pagoda is mostly covered with lichen. It will be cleaned and decorated when the fair to pay homage to the Buddha_fs relics of Ban Tak is coming.
'''Petrified Wood''' This is the largest fossil of plants in Asia, located at Mu 7, Tambon Tak Ok in the national forest reserve of Mae Salit ? Pong Daeng. The entrance is at Km 443 on Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road). To access the site, use a lane opposite Ban Tak Hospital for around 2.5 km. This petrified wood is the largest one ever found in Asia; it is about 20 m long and 2 m in diameter. It is a kind of fossil produced by nature by means of soaking decaying plants in ground water which contains silica. During the sedimentation, the replacement of molecules gradually transforms the plants into rock without further changes in their form and structure. Petrified wood is usually found in the gravel layer of soil. It was presumed that the formation occurred in the Quaternary Period, about 2 million years ago. Considering the spread of the existing sedimentary bench, it may be assumed that the formation occurred on an alluvial terrace of the Ping River in the past. Following a period of many changes, the river diverted its course to the present-day location.
'''Mae Salit Stone Mortar and Production Site''' Located on Highway No. 1, (Phahonyothin Road) in front of the Mae Salit Subdistrict Administration Office, is the largest granite mortar in Thailand. It is 2.1 m in diameter, 1.6 m high and 7,000 kg in weight, with a large pestle of 2.1 m long, 1.35 m wide and 1,000 kg in weight. The fact that the village of San Klang in Tambon Mae Salit is where the famous stone mortar _eKhrok Ang Sila_f is made as an OTOP handicraft, is known to a few. During the summer, Tak is the hottest place since it is the largest source of granite in Thailand. The granite found here is of Thailand_fs best quality. Visitors can buy Tak_fs granite mortars at shops in front of the Mae Salit Tambon Administration Office on Asian Highway, Amphoe Ban Tak, Tak.
'''Pha Sam Ngao''' It is located in Tambon Yan Ri. From Amphoe Mueang, follow Highway No. 1107 and, after passing a junction to Chedi Yutthahatthi, drive on for around 25 km. Or drive along Highway No. 1 to Km 463 and take a left turn to Bhumibol Dam for around 10 km. Here, in Amphoe Sam Ngao, visitors will see a mountain which is called by the villagers as _eKhao Pha Sam Ngao._f There, three deep holes were carved into the cliff at the mountain foot, and a gilded Buddha image is housed in each of the three niches. A wooden ladder is provided for visitors to worship the Buddha images. Legend has it that Queen Chammathewi, daughter of the King of Lawo, had this place built on her way along the Ping River to rule the city of Hariphunchai or Lamphun.
'''Doi Soi Malai''' This hill is located in the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, about 1,600 m above sea level. Follow Highway No. 1175 (Ban Tak ? Mae Ramat route) for 60 km. An interesting thing here is a salamander or water lizard, a rarely seen ancient creature; its pink body is similar to the lizard_fs. Most areas are covered with a pine forest. There are viewpoints and a beautiful misty morning. Visitors can put up a tent for an overnight stay at the headquarters. For further details, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4, Tel. 0 5551 4341 ? 3.
'''Wat Chonprathan Rangsan''' Located at Mu 3, Ban Chatsan in Tambon Sam Ngao, around 5 km from Bhumibol Dam, this temple was built by the Royal Irrigation Department. Since the construction of Bhumibol Dam caused flooding over the community area of Tambon Ban Na, the villagers were evacuated to the area allocated by the Department. The temple was established to replace the eight temples which were flooded in 1959; namely, Wat Ban Huai, Wat Si Thaen, Wat Don Kaeo, Wat Luang, Wat Tha Duea, Wat Tha Pong, Wat Umwap, and Wat Phrathat Loi. Important items of each of the eight temples which were moved to be maintained in this temple are the Lord Buddha_fs relics, Phrathat Loi ? the sacred relics, the umbrella at the pagoda_fs top, the three bronze Buddha images called _eLuangpho Thanchai,_f bronze Buddha images in different sizes and attitudes, the gilded casket containing Buddha_fs teachings, wooden cabinets, etc.
'''Wat Phrathat Kaeng Soi''' This temple is located in Tambon Ban Na, around 56 km from Bhumibol Dam. It underwent several renovations; the important one was done by Khruba Chaiyawongsa, the revered Buddhist monk of Wat Phrabat Huai Tom, who renovated the pagoda and built a new umbrella on its top as well as numerous quarters for monks. According to legend, the Lord Buddha_fs relics and hair were contained in the pagoda.
It was presumed by the Fine Arts Department that this area was probably an important gateway town of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, named _eWiang Soi,_f over 800 years ago. Travel in the past had to be made along the course of the Ping River. Wiang Soi flourished and had up to 99 temples. The ruling was passed down several generations. Indigenous people are _eLua._f The last ruler was _ePhaya Utum._f Nowadays, the archaeological evidence of the town lays underwater, and it can be seen only when the water recedes just to a very low level.
'''Bhumibol Dam or Yanhi Dam''' It is the first multipurpose dam in Thailand. This large curve-shaped concrete dam is the highest one in Thailand; its height is 154 m from the base to the top. Built across the Ping River at Kaeo Mountain in Amphoe Sam Ngao, the dam is used for electricity production and irrigation. The river is 207 km long from the dam to Amphoe Hot, Chiang Mai. The area around the dam is used for recreational purposes and as a breeding site of freshwater creatures. Furthermore, there are nature study trails on the river banks above the dam in the national forest reserve of Mae Tuen; they go through deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed deciduous forest, a variety of rocky mountains, creeks, waterfalls, and reforestation areas. The trails offer an opportunity for visitors to commune with nature as well as promote ecotourism.
''Rafting:'' A raft towed by a boat and a cruise service are available on the reservoir for visitors to admire the beauty of nature. The raft or cruise trip goes along attractions, from Phra Phutthabat Khao Nam, Ko Valentine, Doi Chaopho Luang, Khao Phra Phutthabat, Tham Ap Nang, Boransathan Kaeng Soi to Doi Tao in Chiang Mai, totalling 204 km. For more information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 4 (Tak), Tel. 0 5551 4341 ? 3. There are private tour companies providing a rafting service: Thong Nathi Company Limited, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2457 3428, 0 2457 6873 ? 4, and 0 2467 2557; Edelweiss Princess Company Limited, Bangkok,
Tel. 0 2931 2810 ? 4; Phae Mae Ping Tour (Thong-in Tour), 76/2 Mu 2, Tambon Sam Ngao, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak 63160, Tel. 0 5554 9310; Phae Mae Ping Resort, 123 Mu 5, Tambon Ban Na, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak, Tel. 0 1953 4287.
''Places of Interest at Bhumibol Dam''
A charter boat is available from Bhumibol Dam to those two islands. The trip takes about 30 minutes.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand provides sports facilities such as a golf course, a tennis court, rent boats, etc.
A guided tour with briefing is available for a group of students. A permission letter should be addressed in advance to the Director of the Bhumibol Dam, Amphoe Sam Ngao, Tak 63130.
''Accommodation:'' The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand provides an air-conditioned common room for 30 people at 5,000 Baht, and houses from 800 to 2,500 Baht. For further details, contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand Bhumibol Dam, Tel. 0 5554 9509, 0 5559 9003 ? 6 ext. 2501, 0 5559 9093 ? 7, Bangkok Tel. 0 2436 3271 ? 2.
''To get there:'' From Amphoe Mueang Tak, follow Highway No. 1 and take a left turn at between Km 463 ? 464 to the dam for around 17 km.
'''Sericulture Experimental Station''' It is located on Highway No. 1 (Tak ? Kamphaeng Phet) at Km 396, about 30 km from town. This place is where the growing of mulberries and the raising of silkworms are done on a large scale. Products of mulberry leaves as tea or to be mixed with canned fish as food, mulberry fruit juice, and mulberry wine are available for sale. It is open during official hours. Tel. 0 5559 3015.
'''Routes to Study the Hill Tribe Ways of life'''
'''The Karen Village of Pa La Tha''' This ancient Karen village is located on the bank of the Mae Klong River in Amphoe Umphang. It is a developed village, having an electricity supply, a health unit, and a school. The people here still wear their traditional dress. There is a loom in each house; cloth is woven for personal use only. Pigs and chickens are raised as food and elephants as a vehicle for travel and transportation. Most Karen people earn a living from farming. To get there: From Amphoe Umphang, take the Umphang ? Ban Pa La Tha route for around 27 km to the Karen village of Pa La Tha. From the village, visitors can take a forest trek or an elephant ride to the Karen village of Kho Tha and Namtok Thi Lo Su. The village is also a starting point for a rubber dinghy trip along the Mae Klong River to Namtok Thi Lo Re.
'''The Karen Village of Thi Pho Chi''' This village maintains their culture and traditional way of life. Their houses are roofed with natural materials found in the locality, such as tree leaves and barks. The villagers earn a living from paddy farming, cloth-weaving, etc. Elephants are kept as a vehicle. The village is deep in a forest. To get there: On foot or by elephant ride only.
'''The Karen Village of Ruesi Le Tong Khu''' This village practises traditions distinguishing from the ones of other Karens. They have a hermit or Ruesi as the centre of respect. The most important tradition is to offer a torch of fire as a gesture of paying homage to the revered hermit master around December every year. The hermit resides in a temple. Here, the important item is maintained: the ancient piece of over 400-year ivory carved in images of Lord Buddha in the attitude of meditation from the base to the end of the tusk.
''To get there:'' Take the Umphang ? Mae Klong Mai route to the Karen village of Poeng Khloen. Go further on foot for around 16 km to the village of Ruesi Le Tong Khu. A letter of permission is required one month in advance. For further details, contact the Border Patrol Police Division 347. Tel. 0 5556 1008. (Visitors are not advisable to travel on their own.)
''Whitewater Rafting and Trekking''
'''Tha Sai ? Namtok Thi Lo Su''' Visitors can use different ways to access Namtok Thi Lo Su. Sail a rubber dinghy along the Mae Klong River from Amphoe Umphang to Tha Sai for 3 hours and walk to the waterfall. Alternatively, take a four-hour boat trip to the rapids of Mo Ki Do and walk to the headquarters of the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, and walk another 3 km to the waterfall. Or walk a 25 km distance from Ban De Lo to the waterfall, taking 7 hours.
'''Pa La Lha ? Kho Tha ? Thi Lo Su''' This route starts from Ban Pa La Tha to Namtok Thi Lo Su, totalling 25 km for 6 hours. Visitors can have an overnight stay en route at Ban Kho Tha, the Karen village in the heart of forest. The villagers live a simple way of life. Most of them earn a living by raising elephants.
'''Namtok Thi Lo Re ? Ban Pa La Tha''' This route is a walk back from Namtok Thi Lo Re through Namtok Niranam, Huai Din Daeng, Namtok Se Pla, Ban Se Pla, to Ban Pa La Tha. It runs through a thick forest and alternates with hills. Wild animals may be seen on the way. It is advisable to take an elephant ride and alternate it with trekking. The total distance is 30 km for 8 ? 10 hours. Visitors have to prepare equipment for an overnight stay in the forest and bring their own meal.
''Note:'' For visitors who are interested in whitewater rafting and trekking routes, contact the Umphang Tourism Conservation and Promotion Club. Tel. 0 5556 1338.
''Whitewater Rafting on the Mae Klong River''
'''Umphang ? Namtok Thi Lo Su''' This route starts from Umphang town and along the Umphang Creek to the Mae Klong River. The river trip passes through the beauty of nature and drops by Namtok Thi Lo Cho, a waterfall flowing from the top of a steep high cliff. This is a rest point for playing in the water. Sprays of water caused by the waterfall look like falling rain. The raft goes further along a hot stream to Kaeng Ta Kho Bi, the most popular rapids among visitors, and passes Pha Phueng, Pha Bo, to Tha Sai. The total distance of the river trip takes around 3 hours. A further trip by car, one in good condition and with high performance, to the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary will take around 45 minutes. Then, visitors have to walk on to Namtok Thi Lo Su for around 45 minutes. During the rainy season, the road is closed; a car is not allowed to pass between 1 June and 30 November each year. Visitors can have an overnight stay at the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, contact the Umphang Tourism Conservation and Promotion Club. Tel. 0 5556 1338.
'''The Karen Village of Pa La Tha ? Namtok Thi Lo Re''' This route starts from Ban Pa La Tha and passes the Karen village of Kho Tha. There are large trees on the banks and wild animals may be spotted en route. Many points of the rapids are along the way to Thi Lo Su Waterfall. Kaeng Le Ke Ti, the first and large rapids, stretches for several kilometres along small waterfalls to Kaeng Khon Mong. The rapids go against numerous boulders before reaching Kaeng Ka So Chi Le, the last rapids. The raft goes further to the river curve where there is a cliff that looks like a cave on the riverside. Here, Namtok Thi Lo Re has its main stream of water falling beautifully from the cliff of the limestone mountain down into the Mae Klong River. This is the end of the whitewater rafting adventure on the Mae Klong River. It is rated at 3 ? 4 levels of difficulty. Note: Visitors have to prepare equipment for a two-night stay in the forest and bring their own meal.
''Period for Rafting:'' The best time falls between November and May. Rafting is very dangerous during the rainy season since there are strong currents and water depth makes it difficult to control the raft. Thus, it is not advisable to do it.
''Preparation for Rafting:'' Seasonal rafting can be done with no risk caused by nature because the currents are not so strong and the river is not deep or wide; its banks are only 8 ? 10 m away from each side of the raft. However, visitors should be cautious while being on the raft and prepare themselves for an enjoyable and safe trip as follows:-
For a rafting activity, contact a tour company. Accommodation in Amphoe Umphang may be contacted via tour companies. Rafting fees are subject to the number of persons and the duration of rafting.
Apart from natural attractions, there are also agro-tourism attractions in Amphoe Phop Phra, Tak: centres of flowers and agricultural produce can be found on the Mae Sot ? Phop Phra ? Umphang route. From Amphoe Mae Sot, follow Highway No. 1090 and take a left turn at Km 28 for 1 km to Suan Thep Phithak, covering an area of over 900 rai. This plantation has a new species of pomegranate named _gThapthim Si Panya,_h which has sweet juicy red seeds. Other fruits grown here are tangerines: Som Si Thong and Som Sai Namphueng, and custard apple. Further details, contact Khun Buppha Chainok at Tel. 0 5552 0295 and 0 1785 5087. Go further along Highway No. 1090 to around Km 29, (500 m away from Suan Thep Phithak), you will reach Suan Sai Thong a rose garden, where there are thorn-free red roses and spiny species of white and pink roses. Here, the roses are large with bright colour and long stems. For more information, contact at Tel. 0 5552 0111 and 0 1785 1420. Located near an entrance to the Naktok Pha Charoen National Park is Suan Kulap Pha Charoen, a large scale garden of roses and marigolds; the flowers are large with bright colour and long stems. For further information, contact at Tel. 0 5552 0021. Visitors are welcome to visit these agro-farms and farm products are available for sale.
'''Long Kaeng on Lamnam Mae Lamao''' Lamnam Mae Lamao or Mae Lamao River originates from a mountain range in Amphoe Phop Phra and Amphoe Umphang, and flows to the north through Mae Lamao village in Amphoe Mae Sot to merge with the Moei River at Wang Pha Village in Amphoe Mae Ramat. The one and a half hour river trip on a rubber boat starts at Km 50 on Highway No. 105 (Tak ? Mae Sot route). It goes through the surrounding nature of a forest and mountain, winding along rock barriers in the river course. Visitors can enjoy studying species of aquatic plants and birds.
'''Long Kaeng on Lamnam Mae Tuen''' The trip starts at the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary and proceeds along the Mae Tuen River. Beautiful nature can be seen on both of the river banks; there are wild orchids and various species of birds. Visitors will experience the way of life of the hilltribe people and study ancient history. As for accommodation, they can stay in a camp at the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary or on a raft at Ko Valentine.
'''Miang Kham Mueang Tak or Miang Chomphon''' Its condiments include shredded coconut, fried dried rice, roast peanut, dried shrimps, crispy pork skin, small pieces of lemon, shallot, and ginger, fresh capsicum, soya bean sauce, and sesame cracker or leaves of Cha-phlu (Piper sarmentosum Roxb). The sesame cracker will be softened in water. The rest of the condiments will be wrapped by a soft cracker into a titbit and topped with a drop of soya bean sauce. Miang Kham is a kind of snack popular in Tak and nearby provinces.
'''Kuaitiao Phuen Mueang''' Remarkably, noodle soup here is cooked with small flat threads. Other condiments are powdered dried shrimp, small pieces of crispy pork skin, shallot, fried garlic, chopped pork, sliced cow pea, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and fish sauce. Both dry noodles and noodle soup are available. Nowadays, two noodle shops are left: Ran Pa Bang in Amphoe Mueang Tak and Ran Pa La on the Mae Sot ? Mae Ramat route in Amphoe Mae Sot.
'''Kabong Cho''' This kind of snack got its name from Burmese words: _eKabong_f means a pumpkin and _eCho_f means being fried. Pumpkin is coated with flour and fried until crispy. The tip of crunchiness lays on flour called _ePaemong_f from Myanmar which is made from young soybeans. Nowadays, besides pumpkin, other vegetables, such as raw papaya, gourd, bean sprout, etc., are applied. The fried vegetables are eaten with sweet and sour dipping of which ingredients are tamarind juice, sugarcane juice, salt, ground peanut and garlic. This snack is commonly sold at markets in Amphoe Mueang Tak and Amphoe Mae Sot.
'''Seng-phe and Halawa''' These are typical sweets of the people of Thai Yai. _eSeng-phe_f looks like red sticky rice conserve, cooked from sticky rice, sugarcane juice and coconut milk, and baked or grilled until its coconut creamy topping turns brown. _eHalawa_f is cooked from rice flour, granulated sugar, coconut milk, and tapioca, and topped with coconut cream like Seng-phe. Both of them have a sweet and creamy taste. Vendors usually make them in a round tray and cut them into small pieces for sale in the municipal fresh market of Amphoe Mae Sot.
'''Loi Krathong Sai Lai Prathip Phan Duang Tradition''' Loi Krathong Sai is an ancient tradition which has long been inherited over the past. It is held every year in November which coincides with the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. _eKrathong Sai_f is different from a Krathong cup in general. A cup of coconut shell is used as its body. Since the people of Tak love _gMiang_h ? a local snack made of coconut flesh, and produce _gMiang_h as an important local product, a lot of coconut shells are left. During the Loi Krathong Festival, the people bring them to be cleaned and polished for making Krathong Sai. Prepared fuel is put in the coconut cups and then lit before floating them away in a line along the Ping River. The glittering cups provide an attractive scene on the Ping River at night. During this event, there is a competition of releasing the Krathong cups called _eKrathong Sai Lai Prathip Phan Duang_f to win His Majesty the King_fs Cup, cultural performances, a beauty contest entitled _eThida Krathong Sai,_f and OTOP booths.
'''Taksin Maharachanuson Fair and Red Cross Fair''' King Taksin the Great who returned independence to the Thai nation had his background closely tied with Tak. The people of Tak, therefore, organise a traditional fair _eTaksin Maharachanuson_f to honour him and publicise his heroic deeds. There is a light and sound presentation held as offerings to propitiate his soul, exhibitions, entertainment performances and booths of agricultural goods and OTOP products. The fair and the Red Cross Fair are an annual event held together during 28 December to 3 January at the King Taksin the Great Shrine.
'''Khuen That Duean Kao Tradition''' This merit making event is held to worship the Lord Buddha_fs relics on the fourteenth waxing moon day and the full moon day of the ninth lunar month of Thailand_fs North, which coincides with the seventh lunar month of Thailand in general, or around late May or in June. There are processions of long drums, offerings, money donation trees, _ePha Pa_f robe trees and victory flags, and a robe to cover Phrathat (the pagoda where the Lord Buddha_fs relics are enshrined), starting from Nong Lem, Saphan Bun, to Wat Phra Borommathat. A ceremony is held to offer the pagoda robe. On this occasion, a ritual is done to propitiate the Chedi (pagoda) built to the north of the temple by King Ramkhamhaeng to mark his successful elephant-back fight against Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of the city of Chot. Also, the traditional merit-making by giving offerings to Buddhist monks is held at the temple.
'''''Example of a Tour Programme'''''
'''Day 1'''
'''Day 2'''
'''Day 3'''
'''''Tips for a Trip to National Parks'''''
'''Nature Study Walk'''
'''Forest Trek'''
'''Camping'''
'''Guesthouse in Amphoe Mae Sot'''
'''Boat and Raft in Amphoe Sam Ngao'''