π Updated 21 Jun 2026
Before we dive in, let's be honest: Uttaradit isn't a city with theme parks or kids' museums like the big cities have. What it does well is nature, local food, and an easygoing pace with no travel hassle. If your family likes relaxed drives, letting the kids splash around, tasting fruit, and meeting real village life, this place is a great fit. But if you're after thrill rides, you'll want to dial your expectations down a notch.
The 3-day plan at a glance
- Day 1 β Into town, pay respects at the Phraya Phichai monument, eat local, then head to Laplae to swim at Mae Phun Waterfall in the afternoon
- Day 2 β A full day at Sirikit Dam: wide views, cool air, room for kids to run
- Day 3 β Visit a Laplae fruit orchard (if you come in fruit season), see an old temple, grab souvenirs before heading home
Best time to come with the family
If you want the kids to taste Long Laplae and Lin Laplae durian, plus langsat and longkong straight from the orchard, come around May to August, which is fruit season. For the most fun at the waterfall, go right after fresh rain when the water is clear and not running too hard.
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 β prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 β Town center + Mae Phun Waterfall
Into town, temple, waterfall splash
Day 2 β A full day at Sirikit Dam
Sirikit Dam is in Tha Pla district, the largest earthen dam in Thailand. It blocks the Nan River to form a wide reservoir above the dam, with open views, cool comfortable air, and plenty of space for kids to run. It's a spot where a family can spend the whole day without rushing.
Wide views, good air, waterside
Day 3 β Laplae orchards + old temple + souvenirs
On the last day you round out the Laplae experience: an orchard where the kids actually see durian and langsat on the tree, the ancient Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang, and the Laplae City Museum that tells the town's legend to the whole family, before you load up on souvenirs to take home.
Fruit, legend, souvenirs
Local eats the family should try
Uttaradit food, especially in Laplae, has local dishes that are hard to find elsewhere, with mild flavors that work for kids on several counts. Here's what we'd suggest trying during the trip.
Khao phan phak
Thin steamed rice sheets wrapped around blanched veg like cabbage, bean sprouts and morning glory; some shops add egg and minced pork, then ladle hot broth over the top. Rounded, easy flavors that kids take to, and a signature Laplae dish.
Mi phan (Laplae style)
Blanched rice noodles tossed with bean sprouts, lettuce and fried garlic, then rolled in a khao kaep sheet into a long stick. Slightly sweet with a touch of sour, an old local snack.
Khao kaep
Thin, crisp rice crackers made from fermented rice flour; eat them on their own or wrapped around mi phan. They keep well and are a favorite Laplae souvenir.
Long Laplae & Lin Laplae durian
Local durian varieties with smallish fruit, fine dry flesh, shrunken seeds, and a sweet-rich taste. You'll only find them in season at Laplae orchards β the good stuff people drive out to the orchard to taste.
Laplae langsat & longkong
The town's famous fruit, with clear flesh and a sweet-tart taste kids love. You can pick them fresh from the orchard in season, at better prices than in the big cities.
Lakeside freshwater fish
Restaurants on the Sirikit Dam crest serve fish straight from the reservoir; order it fried or steamed for easy eating with kids, with the waterside view thrown in.
Smooth-sailing tips for Uttaradit with kids
- Your own car is the easiest way β the sights are spread out and public transport within the province is limited, so driving yourself or renting is far more flexible
- Pack a change of clothes for the waterfall β the kids will definitely get in the water at Mae Phun; bring towels and non-slip shoes too
- Fruit season gets busy β from May to August the orchards and fruit markets are lively, so going a bit early is more relaxed
- Bring hats and water β the dam and the waterfall get strong midday sun; kids should wear hats and drink often
Straight talk
If your trip is only 2 days, we'd suggest dropping the orchard day and keeping just the dam, the waterfall and the in-town food β that's plenty to keep the kids happy. No need to force every spot in.
Plan your stay and full sightseeing route for Uttaradit
See the Uttaradit travel guide β