What places to visit in Phrae?
What to see in Phrae
The city of Phrae can be visited quickly. The monument to absolutely see during your stay in Phrae is the Wat Phra That Cho Hae, a big temple 8 kilometers outside the city. Otherwise, we recommend a walk in the old town (part that was surrounded by walls) including: Wat Phra Bat Ming Muang, Wat Luang, Wat Pong Sunan, Wat Phra Non and maybe the Vongburi House.
If you have a vehicle, you can also explore the countryside and why not go to Phayao and its lake or Den Chai and see the Wat Phra That Su Thon Mongkhon Khiri temple.
Must-visit places in Phrae
My opinion :
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A recent temple, but certainly it worths a visit at least for its big reclining Buddha in the temple courtyard. There is also a golden chedi, a main building with a two naga staircase leading to it, as well as numerous statues. The temple is right next to Wat Luang.
My opinion :
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Literally translated Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is true that the 9 meters long statue it houses is superb but the architecture and the fine decoration of the main hall are also very beautiful.
My opinion :
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Located 8 miles outside of Phrae on a small hill, it is THE temple to visit when you come here. There is a saying that states that if you came to Phrae without visiting the Wat Phra That Cho Hae you did not really come to Phrae.
My opinion :
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This temple is certainly recent but does not lack interest. For its large reclining Buddha with impressive feet obviously but not only. Its architecture mixes Lanna and Burmese styles and has many interesting statues and elements. It is one of my favorites temples little known by foreign tourists in northern Thailand.
My opinion :
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Called 'Kad Phra Non' which means reclining Buddha market because it is close to Wat Phra Non, this friendly night market is held every Saturday evening in the city center of Phrae in a pretty little street thqt is pedestrian for the occasion. The Walking Streets are numerous in Thailand but here the atmosphere is unique, more local, more relaxed and less touristy.
My opinion :
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The Mo Hom indigo dyeing is Phrae's most famous specialty and for me, you can not come here without trying to dye a handkerchief, a scarf or a shirt by yourself. It's fun to do and possible in Ban Thung Hong village not far form the city. And that will make you a unique memory.
Other nice places to visit in Phrae
starstarstarstar is usually the first temple of the old city Phrae that people visit. Its chedi is considered as the heart of Phrae city. Its Kosai Buddha image and the holly Buddha footprint are other elments that make it interesting to visit.
starstarstarstar There are many interesting temples in the surrounding mountains in Phrae but this one with its bamboo bridge over the fields, its mountain with 2 caves and a superb dominant viewpoint is clearly one of my favorites. It is located 27 kilometers east of the city and is still very little mentioned in the book guides even in Thai.
starstarstar the oldest temple in the Phrae city even it was restored and renovated like its chedi, the oldest building of the temple. The temple hosts a small museum open on Saturdays.
starstarstar one of the the most remarkable ancient teck houses in city of Phrae. Today it is a museum about the history of teak exploitation and in the province.
starstarstar There is little or no mention of this temple in the city of Phrae in guide books. However it is beautiful place. I especially liked its front door and the Nagas heads that frame the staircase leading to the ordination hall.
starstarstar This less known and therefore less visited temple is only 2 kilometers away from Wat Phra That Cho Hae. Personally, I like its atmosphere (except perhaps the ''garden of hell'' part although it is often undergoing renovation or extension. I advise you to visit it after Wat Phra That Cho Hae .
starstarstar The highlight of this temple located 23 km east of Phrae, is its reproduction in more modest dimensions of the sacred golden rock in Myanmar but I think that all the small circuit on its brick paths is interesting. And by combining it with Wat Na Khu Ha and its bamboo bridge a little further, it's a nice trip.
starstarstar This forest park 12 kilometers from the Phrae city is famous for its stone columns formed by erosion. They cover only a small area but it is still interesting to see. And why not go for a little walk on the trails in the forest ?
star this Burmese style temple entirely built with teak wood is certainly not the most interesting visit to do in Phrae but for the curious who want to see a different architecture, why not check it out.
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