INTRODUCTION

Tak is a northern province covering an area of 16,406 largely mountainous square kilometres. The provincial capital is 423 kilometres north from Bangkok, and is a gateway to Myanmar to the west, and the northern Thai cities of Lampang and Chiang Mai.

CITY ATTRACTIONS

King Taksin the Great Shrine. Located near the Tak TAT office, this statue of Tak's most famous native son (1734 - 1782 ) is the site of an annual fair from December 28 until January 3. King Taksin was the Thai monarch who expelled the Burmese from Thailand after the 1767 destruction of Ayutthaya as the Thai capital.

Mani Banphot Swamp. This scenic, extensive area within the heart of Tak city is located near Wat Mani Banphot on Paholyothin Highway. Inside the temple, a Chiang Saen Buddha image dating from the late 1200s is enshrined.

Khao Tham. Located in Tambon Mai Ngam, this 71- metre rocky hillock, near Paholyothin Highway, contains replicas of the Lord Buddha's Footprint on the summit. Tak residents pay homage throughout the year, most particularly during Songkarn, which marks the traditional Thai New Year each April 13.

OUT OF CITY ATTRACTIONS

Wat Phra Boromthat & Ancient Tak city. This monastery, located 25 kilometres upstream, in Amphoe Ban Tak, in an area which used to be the former site of Tak city. There are several ruins in the area, including a hilltop pagoda which was constructed, according to legend, by King Ramkhomhaeng of Sukhothai ( reign : 1275-1317 ) to commemorate this victory in single combat on elephant back against King Khun Sam Chon, the rule of Muang Shot ( currently Amphoe Mae Sot ).

Bhumibol Dam. Thailand's largest dam is located some kilometres north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends northwards to Chiang Mai's Amphoe Hot. Accommodation is available at the dam.

Mae Ping Lake Cruises. Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiangmai's Doi Tao Self-help Settlement edging the dam reservoir, a total distance of 140 kilometres. Full details may be obtained from the Educational Tour Centre.

Lan Sang National Park. Located on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway (Route 105), 17 kilometres from Tak city, and accessed by a 3 kilometres road, the park contains the scenic Lang Sang and Pha Phung waterfalls. Accommodation is available . Contact the National Park Division of the Royal Forestry Department in Bangkok, Tel ; 579-0529 or 579-4842 for further details.

Taksin Maharat National Park. Originally named Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand's biggest tree, this 37,250-acre national park is located 2 kilometres off the Tak-Mae Sot Highway, some 26 kilometres from Tak city. The mountainous area has several scenic viewpoints, evergreen forest, waterfalls and streams. Accommodation, primarily in the form of bungalows and camp site available.

Doi Musur Hilltribe Development & Welfare Centre. Located on the road to Lan Sang Waterfall, the area is one in which Lahu, Lissu and Meo Hilltribes reside. Hilltribe products are for sale at Km 29 on the Tak-Mae Sot High way.

Mae Sot. This riverside settlement on the Moei River, facing Myanmar(Burma) on the opposite bank, and some 86 kilometres form Tak city, is well known for its shopping opportunities, especially for Burmese goods such as cloth length, gem stones and decorative items.

Tham Mae Usu. This cave, boasting notably beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, is located on the scenic Mae Sot-Mae Sariang high way (Route 1085), at Km. 95-96. It is necessary to ford the Mae Usa stream in front of the cave to gain access. This may not be possible during the annual Rains Season ( July through October).

Doi Mae Ramoeng & Mon Krathing. Doi Mae Ramoeng is some 130 kilometres north of Mae Sot on the Mae Sot-Mae Sariang Highway. Mountain scenery is particularly spectacular in the morning when mist swirls through the peaks. The area is rich in wildlife, particularly deer species and numerous types of birds.

Amphoe Umphang is 164 kilometres of Mae Sot on Highway 1090. The scenic highway's highest point is some 1,200 metres above the sea level. The winding route takes some 4 hours to complete, particularly during the Rains Season or the Cool Season when mountain mists impede progress.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall. This spectacular waterfall is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and can be visited to the waterfall and wildlife sanctuary are recommended to enquire first with the TAT office in Tak ( Tel : 055-514341 to 3) for information regarding conditions and camping opportunities.

GETTING THERE

By Car. The 5-6 hour road journey by car from Bangkok is made via Sing Buri, Chai Nat and Nakhon Swan. The distance is 426 kilometres.

By Bus. Air-conditioned coached and non-air buses leave Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal throughout the day. Please contact Bangkok 279-4484-7( air ) and 271-0101-5 ( non-air ) for further details.

SHOPPING & SOUVENIRS

Popular local souvenirs include mangoes and bananas preserved in honey, tamarind , and decorative granite items. Mae Sot is a good place to purchase Burmese products, including silverware, lacquerware, rubies and other gem stones.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Loi Krathong, Thailand's lovely annual " Festival of Lights " on the full moon night in November, is celebrated in a unique manner in Tak. Local people thread together their krathongs which are launched simultaneously and appear as lighted necklaces on the Ping River.

Taksin Maharachanusorn Fair. Celebrated annually from December 28 - January 3 at the Taksin Shrine and provincial sports field, the fair features religious ceremonial and processions, displays and nightly folk entertainment.