🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Uttaradit is more than just the old town of Lablae and its langsat fruit. Turn out of the city toward Tha Pla district, about an hour away, and you'll reach Sirikit Dam with its large freshwater lake wrapped in folds of mountains. Over in Lablae and Ban Khok districts there are orchard cafes and a sea-of-mist viewpoint where the air turns cool and comfortable in winter. This plan is built for 2 days and 1 night, and traveling by your own car is by far the easiest, since the sights are spread out in different directions.
Before you set off
This trip needs your own car or a rental, because Sirikit Dam sits about 58 km from the city and Phu Lae Lao is even farther out toward Ban Khok district, with no public transport reaching either. The best window is November to February, when the weather is cool and you have a real chance of catching the sea of mist.
Day One — Sirikit Dam, lake cruise and views
Head straight for Sirikit Dam on day one. It's the largest earthen dam in Thailand, built across the Nan River at Khao Pha Som in Pha Lueat sub-district, Tha Pla. Above the dam is a wide lake locals call Suriyan-Chantra, with still, clear water and mountains all around. The sunset here in the evening is genuinely beautiful.
City → Sirikit Dam (Tha Pla)
About the first night's stay
If you want to wake up to the lake view, stay in the dam area, such as an EGAT guesthouse or a lakeside villa around Tha Pla. But if the next day you're heading to Phu Lae Lao, which is in a different direction, you might prefer to stay in the city to keep your routes simpler. You can see lodging options on our hotels page.
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.
Day Two — Mon Lablae, mountain-view cafe and souvenirs
On the morning of day two, loop back toward Lablae district and stop at Mon Lablae. It gathers local restaurants, coffee shops, a small museum and souvenir stalls all in one place. Sip a coffee while looking out at the mountains and orchards around you, an easy break before the last stretch of the trip.
Lablae → Mon Lablae → Old town
One more night — Phu Lae Lao, the two-country sea of mist
If you have more than 2 days, I'd suggest moving up to sleep at Phu Lae Lao, a viewpoint in Ban Khok district, Bo Bia sub-district. It's a two-country viewpoint where you can look across the Thai-side ranges to the mountains on the Lao side. In winter people love to come up and camp, then wake to a sea of mist filling the valley.
- Getting there — it's out in Ban Khok district, noticeably farther than the dam and Lablae. You'll need your own car; drive up Highway 1268 then onto local roads, and check the road condition during the rainy season before heading up.
- Camping fee — around Ban Muang Jet Ton and nearby rest points there are campgrounds, roughly 60 THB/tent, with toilets and staff on site.
- Best season — November to February, cool weather with a high chance of the sea of mist, and clear stars at night.
- What to pack — bring a warm jacket, a flashlight and backup food. Shops up the mountain are limited, so fill up on fuel before you go up.
Driving up the mountain safely
The road up Phu Lae Lao is a mountain route, steep and narrow in places. Drive it during daylight and avoid going up at night or after heavy rain. Check your brakes and tires before you set off.
Other nature viewpoints worth a stop
Lam Nam Nan National Park
Has a viewpoint over the Suriyan-Chantra lake, looking out at the reservoir ringed by mountains. In the evening it's a lovely sunset spot, easy to add on after the dam.
Lablae orchards
From May to July the orchards open for you to taste langsat, longkong and Long Lablae durian right at the source, in a shady setting amid the valley.
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At
An old temple paired with the town of Lablae, with its stone seat (phra thaen sila) and a cool, calm atmosphere. An easy stop to pay respects on your way in or out of Lablae.
Rough budget per person (2 days, 1 night)
- 1 night's stay — around 600–1,200 THB (sharing a twin room), depending on a dam guesthouse or a city hotel.
- Dam cruise — around 100–300 THB/person if split among a group (whole-boat charter 2,000–3,000 THB).
- 4–5 meals — around 500–800 THB; local food is budget-friendly.
- Fuel + souvenirs — around 500–800 THB, depending on distance and what you buy.
- Estimated total — around 1,700–3,100 THB/person, not including car rental.
Saving money
Going as a group of 4–6 makes the whole-boat cruise and the lodging much cheaper per person. As for Phu Lae Lao, camping yourself saves almost the entire night's accommodation cost.
Want a full Uttaradit itinerary and recommended places to stay? Check out our city guide.
See the Uttaradit travel guide →