Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The park is located approximately 18km northeast of Phrae off Rte 101; getting there
by public transport is not an option. You can charter a
sŏrng·tăa·ou
for about 600B or talk
to Khun Kung at Nok Bin for alternatives.
The area has been made a provincial park; a few walking trails and viewpoints are re-
cent additions. There are picnic pavilions in the park and food vendors selling
gài yâhng
(grilled chicken),
sôm·đam
(spicy green papaya salad) and sticky rice near the entrance.
Wat Phra That Cho Hae
( Rte 1022; daylight hours)
Named for the cloth that worshippers wrap around it, this
hilltop wát is famous for its 33m-high gilded
chedi
. Like Chiang Mai's Wat Doi Suthep, it
is an important pilgrimage site for Thais living in the north.
Tiered naga stairs lead to the temple compound. The interior of the
bòht
is rather tackily
decorated with a gilded wooden ceiling, rococo pillars and walls with lotus-bud mosaics.
The Phra Jao Than Jai Buddha image here, which resembles the Phra Chinnarat in Phit-
sanulok, is reputed to impart fertility to women who make offerings to it.
The temple is 9km southeast of town off Rte 1022. The scenery along the road leading
to the wát is picturesque and there is also an abundance of restaurants serving local dishes.
Sŏrng·tăa·ou
between Phrae and Phra That Cho Hae (20B) depart from a stop near Talat
Phrae Preeda, on Th Chaw Hae, from 6am to 4.30pm; outside of these hours a
sŏrng·tăa·ou
can be chartered for 400B.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Sleeping
Bua Khao
( 0 5451 1372; 8 Soi 1, Th Charoen Meuang, no roman-script sign; r 350-600B; )
Tucked just off the
main road, this flagrant teak compound has mostly small rooms and hard beds, but the ser-
vice is friendly and it has heaps of character.
HOTEL
$
HOTEL
$
Paradorn Hotel
( 0 5451 1177; kanthatham@hotmail.com; 177 Th Yantarakitkoson; r incl breakfast 330-800B, ste incl breakfast
900B; )
A decent budget choice a short walk from the bus terminal. The fan-cooled
rooms here have private balconies.
