Phrae
Travel Guide
The province of Phrae is located in the centre of far northern Thailand and has a number of attractions making it well worth your time to visit as the area is steeped in history and natural beauty.
The provincial capital Phrae is one of the oldest cities in Thailand -- originally founded in 828 under the name Muang Phon. Though nominally independent, the city state changed hands on numerous occasions throughout its history.
A stint under Burmese rule culminating in the sacking of the city in 1902 by Shan invaders resulted in its last ruler Chao Piriyathapawong fleeing to Luang Prabang after which Phrae was assimilated into Thailand proper. Traditionally teak has been the province's main industry though the recent logging ban has curtailed this to small-scale furniture making using salvaged existing wood.
Like many Thai cities, Phrae is split into old and new sections. The new is quite uninteresting, but the old is packed with traditional Thai architecture in the form of beautiful teak houses, eclectic wats and quiet lanes worth spending a few hours wandering through. The proliferation of large, colonial-style teak mansions date to the 19th century when many European traders set up business here for the teak trade.
If you're looking for something to buy other than a teak mansion, 'Made in Phrae' is a well-known phrase for the indigo dyed cotton worker's shirts you see all over Thailand. Phrae is where the best originate.
The surrounding area possesses large stretches of teak-covered mountains which are now protected, national parks, hilltribe villages and the bizarre soil pillars at Phae Muang Phi -- if you've the time, it is an interesting region to explore.
Text and/or map last updated on 12th August, 2009.
Jump to a different destination in Thailand
Get orientated with a map of Phrae, Thailand
Have your say
Photo gallery
Add your photos to this via Flickr More info
Jump to a destination
- Hot spots
- Bangkok & surrounds
- Central Thailand
- Northern Thailand
- About this region
- Ban Huay Kon
- Ban Toei
- Chiang Dao
- Chiang Kham
- Chiang Khong
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Chiang Saen
- Chom Thong
- Doi Inthanon
- Doi Khun Tan N.P.
- Doi Phukha N.P.
- Hang Dong
- Hot
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Khun Yuam
- Lampang
- Lamphun
- Mae Chaem
- Mae Na Chon
- Mae Hong Son
- Mae Salong
- Mae Sariang
- Mae Sot
- Mae Sai
- Nan
- Nan to Ban Huay Kon
- Pai
- Phayao
- Phitsanulok
- Phrae
- Phrao
- Phu Chee Fah
- Phu Lang Ka
- Sanpatong
- Si Satchanalai
- Soppong
- Sukhothai
- Tak
- Umphang
- Northeastern Thailand
- Eastern Thailand
- Southern Thailand
- About this region
- Ao Nang
- Ao Phang Nga N.M.P.
- Ban Krut
- Bang Saphan Yai
- Betong
- Cha-am
- Chumphon
- Chumphon Beaches
- Haad Nopphara Thara
- Hat Yai
- Hua Hin
- Khao Lak
- Khao Sam Roi Yot N.P.
- Krabi
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Beaches
- Narathiwat
- Pattani
- Phang Nga Town
- Phattalung
- Phetburi
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Railay Beach
- Ranong
- Satun
- Sungai Kolok
- Surat Thani
- Tak Bai
- Trang
- Yala
- Islands in Thailand
Off the blog
Wat Pan Tao
Thu, 2 Feb 2012
Chiang Mai's "Chinatown"
Mon, 30 Jan 2012
Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh
Tue, 24 Jan 2012
Photo: Chiang Dao trees
Thu, 19 Jan 2012
Suan Buak Hat: Chiang Mai's only park
Sun, 15 Jan 2012
More off Travelfish's blog on Chiang Mai
Travelfish on Facebook
Onward travel
-
Phrae
Lampang
Si Satchanalai
Nan
Doi Khun Tan National Park
Phayao
Lamphun
Sukhothai
Phu Lang Ka
Chiang Mai
Sanpatong
The above are all within 200km of Phrae.
Sites & blogs we like
-
Got a favourite site? Let us know.
Thailand FAQ
-
How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Thailand?
What should I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
What is the voltage in Thailand?
Is Thailand safe?
Is Thailand a safe place to travel alone to?
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Thailand?
Should I bargain for everything I want to buy in Thailand?
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
What standard of acommodation can I expect for US$5?
Can I use drugs in Thailand?
Can I trust the Thai police?
What shouldn't I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room while travelling in Thailand?
What are Thailand's visa requirements?
Book Online
Maeyom Palace Hotel
181/6 Yantarakitrakosol, A. Muang, Phrae 54000From: US$40.00 with Agoda
PhoomThai Garden Hotel
31 Sasibutr Road, Tambon Naiwieng, Amphur MuangFrom: US$30.00 with Agoda
Thepvong Place
346/2 Chaloenmuang Rd.,From: US$17.00 with Agoda
Phrae reviews
Backchat from the Travelfish community
Not a soul has had a thing to say about this place -- why don't you get the ball rolling?