Amazing Thailand always amazes you. It really does. It may be a marketing slogan, but it could have been specifically written for Uthai Thani. Overseas visitors here are rare. Even among Thai travellers, this is a destination that flies under the radar. And it is this absence of mainstream tourism that makes Uthai Thani so special. This is ‘Unseen Thailand’, a province that rewards intrepid travellers seeking the slow life away from the main tourist trail.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Although it’s only a three-hour drive north of Bangkok, Uthai Thani still gets overlooked. Thai travellers seeking a rural retreat tend to head to better-known areas like Khao Yai. And for overseas travellers short on time, most will bypass Uthai Thani, blissfully unaware of its existence. But if you’re in no rush or want to visit somewhere new on your Thailand travels, Uthai Thani is a wonderful option. However, it does take a little more planning to travel there, getting around isn’t always easy, and English isn’t widely spoken. While that might put off cautious tourists, they are the same reasons why open-minded travellers should embrace destinations like Uthai Thani.
Traditional life on the river
The Sakae Krang River plays a vital role in everyday life in Uthai Thani. The river is home to the Sakae Krang Floating Village Community, reportedly the last such raft-house community in Thailand. Over a hundred raft houses are dotted along the scenic stretch of river that runs through the centre of Uthai Thani town.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Residents of the floating community make a living through freshwater fishing. Using traditional techniques, fish such as catfish and gourami are caught and processed into dried or salted varieties. These are then sold locally, with Uthai Thani residents able to buy the products at the town’s markets.
Water hyacinths are prominent on the Sakae Krang and can clog the water, but the community helps by repurposing the plants for compost and feed. The raft-house residents also cultivate sweet pandanus. Known in Thai as ‘bai toey‘, the bright green pandanus plant has a variety of uses. Sometimes referred to as the ‘vanilla of Southeast Asia’, bai toey is used in Thai cooking to add colour and flavour. Leaves are also used as a natural wrapping for chicken or fish before grilling.
Pandan leaves are often tied into small clumps and used to prepare soups like tom kha gai. When boiled with water and a little sugar and lemongrass added, it also makes a refreshing drink, nam takrai bai toey, that is sometimes served at spas and hotels as a welcome beverage.
What to see and do in Uthai Thani town
Uthai Thani may not be packed with famous tourist attractions, but it is packed with oodles of character. This is not a destination where you rush from location to location, ticking off photos for social media. Instead, hire a bicycle or walk along the riverbank, enjoy the views and ease into the slow life.
Take a walk along the prom
A riverside promenade runs from near the main market all the way to the bridge to the south of the City Pillar. Perfect for a stroll or bike ride, there are a few places along the route where you can take a break if it gets too hot.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Take a seat for a refreshing drink at the Sakae Krang Floating House and Cafe and watch for kingfishers darting into the river. The upstairs balcony at Moom Sakae Cafe, with views of the river, temple and Wat Bot Bridge, is another handy vantage point to watch daily life unfold.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Visit Wat Bot and observe alms giving on the river
The Wat Bot bridge connects the town with the temple of Wat Uposatharam (Wat Bot) on the other side of the river. In the early morning, monks cross by boat to the pier at the morning market for alms giving. Arrive around 7 AM and take the opportunity to observe this tradition before walking across the bridge to the temple.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Cycle the quiet roads of Ko Thepo
Wat Bot is actually located on an island encircled by two rivers: Sakae Krang and Chao Phraya. Known as Ko Thepo, the island is home to rural villages and is characterised by lush scenery with forests and rice paddies. The quiet, flat roads are ideal for cycling with a choice of short or longer routes.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Take a cruise on the Sakae Krang River
Taking a boat cruise along the Sakae Krang is an enjoyable way to soak up the scenery and support the local boat operators. Larger wooden boats are available for special occasions and larger groups, but for most visitors to Uthai Thani, the more practical option is to join a boat ride on one of the smaller boats.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
With no fixed times for boat departures, the best chances of joining a trip without booking in advance are on weekend mornings. At weekends and public holidays, Uthai Thani sees a trickle of discerning Thai tourists from Bangkok. The morning market and alms-giving at the river are popular activities, and the boatmen are often on standby. Alternatively, if you’d like to be sure of going on a boat trip, you can ask your hotel in Uthai Thani to arrange it. Prices for the 40-minute cruise are around 100 Baht per person.
Shop at the local markets
Support local traders and enjoy the atmospheric markets in Uthai Thani. Trok Rong Ya Walking Street sets up near the centre of town on Saturday afternoon, and while it may not be as big as other markets, it’s a great place to enjoy street food and shop for local souvenirs.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Food is the main focus of the morning and evening markets near the river, and you will see plenty of the speciality local fish for sale here in addition to fruit and vegetables.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Enjoy the views from Sakae Krang Hill
Stretch your legs and test your fitness by climbing the stairs at Sakae Krang Hill. The staircase leads up to Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, where you can take in panoramic views of Uthai Thani. This is the location for the Tak Bat Devo Festival, held the day after Awk Phansa (usually in October).
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
If the climb sounds too much like hard work, there is a road at the back that leads to the top of the hill. You can usually find tuk-tuks parked up in front of the nearby Uthai Thani Hospital, which can take you there, or you can arrange transport through your hotel.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Visit the Crystal Temple
Wat Chantharam (also known as Wat Tha Sung) is often referred to in English as the ‘Crystal Temple’. The name comes from an impressive 100-metre-long building, Viharn Kaew, that shimmers with glass chandeliers and mirrors.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
While it’s the photogenic Viharn Kaew that attracts a lot of attention, this is only a relatively small part of the vast temple complex that also includes the splendid Prasat Thong (Golden Palace), amongst other attractions.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Wat Chantharam is located around a 15-minute drive south of Uthai Thani town. If you want to explore all of the grounds, it’s best to hire a samlor in town (or ask your hotel to arrange it for you) to bring you here and take you around the various sites. Expect to pay around 200 Baht for the round-trip journey.
Other attractions in Uthai Thani province
There are several attractions located out of town, but they are not practical to reach by public transport. These include Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and the teak temple of Wat Tham Khao Wong.
Where to stay in Uthai Thani
Although there is a limited choice of accommodation in Uthai Thani, there are some excellent options.
For a unique experience, sleep in one of the raft house homestays on the river, such as the aptly named Come Sleep on a Raft or the Sakae Krang Floating House and Cafe.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
The award-winning Uthai Heritage Hotel is located in a converted schoolhouse within comfortable walking distance of the river and markets. A little away from the riverside area, My Uthai Hotel is another good choice.
Getting around in Uthai Thani
There are limited transport options in Uthai Thani. However, the town is relatively compact and with the absence of heavy traffic, it’s an enjoyable area for walking or cycling.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
There is no Grab Taxi service here (as of June 2026), but if you are arriving by bus, you can take a samlor into town (approximately 40-60 Baht) from the bus station.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
English is not widely spoken, but it’s a great opportunity to practice your Thai. If you’re not comfortable organising transport by yourself, your hotel will be able to help you.
How to get to Uthai Thani
There is no railway station in Uthai Thani, but you can take the train to Nakhon Sawan from either Bangkok or Chiang Mai. From Nakhon Sawan, it’s an hour on the local bus to Uthai Thani Bus Terminal, with departures every hour from around 8 AM until 5 PM.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Nakhon Sawan itself is worth spending at least a couple of nights. Although the main town is much bigger and busier than Uthai Thani, it retains a laid-back feel, especially if you stay in the area near the delightful Paradise Park.
If you’d prefer to take the bus from Bangkok to Uthai Thani, services depart from the Northern Bus Terminal (aka Chatuchak or Morchit 2). Minivans also travel on the Bangkok to Uthai Thani route, with Rangsit being the usual arrival/departure point for Uthai Thani. Please note that space in these minivans is limited. If you have large luggage, you may be asked to pay for an additional seat.
