Exploring Phrae’s Ancient Treasures
Phrae may lack the tourist attractions found in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, but still provides an authentic glimpse into northern Thai culture. From stunning temples to scenic forests and local hill tribes – discover an impressive natural wonder and cultural treasure here!
Visit Vongburi House Museum to experience life during Phrae’s 19th-century lifestyle. This beautifully restored teak wood house will bring history alive!
Wat Phra That Cho Hae
Phrae Province boasts ancient temples and architectural marvels which epitomize its cultural beauty and timeless allure, offering travelers an experience full of culture, craftsmanship, natural wonders and spiritual significance that is sure to leave an impactful mark. Visits here offer something for every traveler and are sure to leave an impactful mark upon every traveller who comes.
Wat Phrae That Cho Hae stands as one of the most stunning temples in all of Phrae. Situated in Ban Na Khu Ha village, this incredible structure stands as a breathtaking testament to local artisans’ skill. From far away, its main chedi stands proud and resplendent against its magnificent surroundings; inside are intricate Naga stairways that lead up to its viharn where Buddha Chinnarat sits serenely with its head protected by its coiling body.
Another viharn within the complex features a shrine with sacred relics of Lord Buddha and reverent images of Luang Pho Chao, its Ubosot leader. According to local legend, bestowing three-colored silk fabric on this statue will help protect you from various dangers and obstacles encountered throughout life.
Visit Wat Phrae That Cho Hae and other heritage sites in Phrae for an unforgettable experience, complete with murals, architecture, and spiritual devotion that is sure to leave an impactful mark.
For those wanting to explore the history and people of Phrae, museums provide an ideal way to do so. Of particular note are Khum Chao Luang Museum and Vongburi House Museum as well as Seri Thai (Free Thai) Museum which exhibits artifacts related to resistance movements against Japan during World War II.
Khum Wong Buri
Khum Wong Buri, an ancient Thai house located on Kham Lue Road and constructed 113 years ago by former ruler of Phrae Chao Luang Piriyachaithepwong, offers stunning pink ancient Thai architecture combining Thai and Colonial influences. Extensive wood carvings can be seen on gables, finals, windbreakers and apertures of doors and windows of this captivating pink ancient Thai home.
Phrae was one of Siam’s premier teak trading centers during its golden years, with rulers reaping huge gains from this lucrative trade. Their riches resulted in many luxurious mansions combining Thai and colonial designs that today can be appreciated from outside or taken for tours to witness how these wealthy rulers ruled their province in style.
One of the most beloved activities in Phrae is learning how to make traditional indigo-dyed cotton clothing, or “mo hom,” which has become synonymous with its inhabitants and can be seen worn by farmers, mahouts, loggers, school teachers, food vendors and even farmers themselves. Ban Matjai Homemade and Cafe provides an interactive workshop teaching the fundamentals of indigo dyeing fabrics while simultaneously encouraging mindfulness and community spirit amidst lush mango and longan trees.
Phrae is known as the gateway of Eastern Lanna and overflows with holy significance and cultural charm. When exploring this captivating province, its charming temples, intricate architectural details, and natural wonders will capture your heart and refresh you at every turn. Sanctuary environments offering peaceful environments to venerate sacred relics while nature’s artistic creations will provide an experience you won’t soon forget!
Phae Mueang Phi
Phrae Forest Park boasts this fascinating natural attraction, which boasts an intriguing collection of mushroom rocks and distinctive sandstone pillars formed through natural erosion processes. Additionally, there are rare and exotic trees such as Bombax anceps, Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, Croton argyratus, Meliosma pinnata and Gigantochloa albociliata that make an appearance here.
Phae Muang Phi is an area renowned for its natural beauty and is popular with both locals and visitors for its serene ambience and picturesque sceneries. Families and groups of friends alike often spend quality time outdoors here while taking pictures of its interesting formations and walking through. Phae Muang Phi should be visited between late November and late February when temperatures are cool enough for exploring outdoors.
Phrae’s oldest Buddhist temple is famed for its tranquil atmosphere and exquisite architecture, serving both as a place of pilgrimage for locals as well as being the center for cultural and religious activities. Anyone seeking an immersive experience should definitely pay this temple a visit!
Phrae Province offers visitors an exquisite travel experience filled with ancient temples and historic sites as well as fascinating geological formations that beckon them back time after time. Nature meets tradition here for an unforgettable journey into Thailand’s past treasures.
Phrae’s prime season to visit is between late November and early February when temperatures are dry and cooler and crowds are at their lowest. Flights to this region can be found from Bangkok as well as other major Thai cities; alternatively visitors may also reach Phrae via bus, car or train.
Khum Chao Luang Mueang Phrae
Khum Chao Luang Temple stands as a remarkable testament to Phrae’s artistic talent, boasting intricate wood carvings and murals which offer an intriguing blend of Thai and European style elements, perfect for exploring its cultural heritage.
Khum Chao Luang Temple boasts an imposing 14-meter reclining Buddha, making it a must-see destination for both fans of Buddhist art and those interested in regional history. Established more than 700 years ago and considered Phrae’s oldest structure, visitors will gain a valuable glimpse into its past.
Phae Muang Phi Forest Park provides nature lovers with an ideal escape, giving them a relaxing retreat while admiring what Mother Nature has created over time. Boasting an excellent trail system, Phae Muang Phi Forest Park makes for a fantastic way to escape daily life’s hectic pace and soak up its serene atmosphere.
Something about visiting temples makes us feel spiritually and alive, whether it be the stunning gold-tipped spires, soothing atmosphere or incense wafting through the air. If you want to discover some of Thailand’s ancient treasures then join Chiang Mai USAC on an incredible trip through Phrae and Nan Province during our Fall Semester trip!
Phrae has become one of Thailand’s premier community tourist destinations due to its picturesque landscape and charming villages, earning itself the designation as “one of Thailand’s renowned community tourist destinations.” Offering unique local attractions and offering something for every traveler. Phrae’s best times for visiting are from late November through late February when temperatures are generally cooler and crowds tend to be smaller.
Vongburi House Museum
Phrae offers visitors an abundance of captivating museums that provide visitors with insight into its rich history. One such museum is Vongburi House Museum (Ban Wongburi). This exquisitely preserved home displays life during 19th-century Phrae and features antique furnishings to give an insight into life during that era.
This house was completed in 1897 and represents both Thai and European styles of architecture. Constructed from stunning teak wood, its beautiful teak wooden structure boasts elaborate embellishments both outside and in. Large windows with ornate carvings grace both inside and out of its rooms while hip roofs boast ornate wooden carvings on their gables and eaves; furthermore a square portico protrudes from its front facade of this unique structure.
Visit the Phrae House Museum to witness traditional performances and gain an insight into local customs, including Khum Chao Luang ritual where Buddhist devotees circle a chedi holding lit candles; it is said that this practice brings good luck and prosperity for residents in its city of origin.
Vongburi House Museum features antique household items, clothing and musical instruments from Phrae’s rich cultural past – an invaluable experience! For anyone interested in exploring Phrae’s past.
Phrae may seem like a quiet town at first glance, but it actually offers several exciting tourist attractions. To experience all that Phrae has to offer in its full glory during a visit, the best time would be between late November and early February during its dry season when temperatures are cooler and crowds smaller; but as its many offerings make Phrae an excellent vacation option year-round.