🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Uttaradit sits just over an hour north of Phitsanulok, about 5–6 hours' drive from Bangkok, or you can take the northern train line and get off at Uttaradit station. The main sights in this plan are spread across two zones: the town–Laplae zone (right next to each other, a 15-minute drive apart) and the Sirikit Dam zone out in Tha Pla district, about an hour from town. Having your own car is by far the easiest, since public transport between the spots is thin.
We've put day one in the town–Laplae–temple zone because the sights sit close together and are easy to do on foot, then you stay the night in town. Day two you drive out to the dam in the morning, enjoy the cool air, eat fish by the water, then carry on in the afternoon — either head south back to Bangkok or push on up to Nan or Phrae.
Day One — Old Laplae, Local Food, Wat Phra Thaen Sila At
Day one is about taking it slow around Laplae and Thung Yang, the oldest part of the province. The old market, the legendary town gate, and Sukhothai-era temples are all within a few kilometres, so you can string them together without much driving.
Town – Laplae – Culture
Day-One Tip
Many Laplae local dishes like khao pan phak are sold from morning to midday, so if you want to try the full spread, go before the afternoon. Si Phanom Mat market is busiest in the morning too, so starting the day a little early gets you the full atmosphere.
Book the activities in your Uttaradit trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Local Laplae Food Worth Trying
Laplae has its own local dishes you rarely see elsewhere. While you're walking the market or sitting down for a midday meal, give these a go.
- Khao pan phak — thin steamed rice-flour sheets wrapped around blanched vegetables and ladled with hot broth, easy to eat. It's the morning-to-midday dish of Laplae locals.
- Mi pan — stir-fried rice noodles wrapped in a rice sheet similar to khao pan, mild and rounded in flavour. Good as a meal or a snack.
- Khao khaep — thin sun-dried rice crackers made the village way, grilled or eaten with a dipping sauce. A popular snack and souvenir.
- Lin–Long durian / Laplae langsat and longkong — from Jun–Aug, Laplae's fruit comes in fresh and you can buy it at the orchard at good prices.
Day Two — Sirikit Dam and the Cool Breeze by the Reservoir
Day two is the nature highlight. Sirikit Dam is in Tha Pla district — the largest earth-fill dam in Thailand, holding back the Nan River. It's about an hour's drive from town along a road that gradually climbs into the hills, with pretty views on both sides. Once you reach the crest of the dam the breeze is cool and pleasant, good for a stroll, photos, and eating fish by the water.
Sirikit Dam – Moving On
Day-Two Tip
Sirikit Dam is free to enter and open all year, but late rainy season into early cool season (Nov–Feb) has the nicest weather and the reservoir is full and looks great. If you want a boat trip or a raft stay, check with the operator ahead of time, since schedules and prices change with the season and the number of people.
Where to Stay for This Plan
For this 2-day, 1-night plan, one night in Uttaradit town is just right, since day one circles the town–Laplae zone and day two you drive out to the dam. Most in-town accommodation is budget-friendly hotels and boutiques starting around 500–800 THB/night — clean, easy to get around, and close to food. If you really want to sleep next to nature, there are rafts and resorts around the dam and Tha Pla, though they're a bit far from restaurants in town.
In-town hotels / boutiques
The main pick for this plan. Prices start around 500–800 THB/night, rooms are clean, and you're close to restaurants and the market — easy access to both Laplae and the dam.
Waterside stays / rafts near the dam–Tha Pla
Good for anyone who wants to wake up to a reservoir view. Quiet and close to nature, but far from town, so book ahead and bring some supplies with you.
See our hand-picked Uttaradit hotels and compare prices before you book
See Top 10 Uttaradit Hotels →What to Prep and the Route Before You Go
- Getting around — your own car is the easiest. If you arrive by train or bus into town, rent a car or hire a local driver out to the dam, since public transport between the spots is limited.
- Best time to go — Nov–Feb is cool and pleasant for both the town and the dam, while Jun–Aug lets you eat Laplae fruit fresh at the orchard.
- Cash — many local market stalls and fruit orchards mainly take cash, so keep some on you.
- Timing the dam — go from morning to early afternoon for good light and to avoid driving down the hill after dark.
Plan a full Uttaradit trip — where to stay, eat, and explore
See the Uttaradit Travel Guide →