Things to Do in Lower North Thailand – See Ancient Parks & Local Markets

Like its upper counterpart, Lower North Thailand is characterized by mountains and rivers, but its landscapes opens up to plains. Dubbed the “cradle of Siam,” Lower North Thailand is home to a wealth of cultural and historic monuments, temples, and other attractions. It also boasts a glorious natural setting that’s filled with lush green landscapes teeming with flora and fauna. Get packing for adventures! Here’s a list of things to do in Lower North Thailand.

Kamphaeng Phet

Kamphaeng Phet makes a great jumping off point for exploring the surrounding region that includes national parks and ancient ruins.

• Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park – Once an important military outpost during the Sukhothai period, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park offers visitors a view of the site’s archaeological artifacts and ruins.
• Mae Wong National Park – With its 900 square miles of jungle terrain, Mae Wong National Park is home to dazzling landscapes and wildlife like elephants, tigers, and kingfishers.
• Khlong Wang Chao National Park – This national park encompasses a lovely teak forest and many waterfalls, some as tall as 1,500 meters.
• Wat Khu Yang Kamphaeng Phet City – A small temple perched above an old canal, Wat Khu Kamphaeng is an important local site that is popular with visitors owing to its unique architecture and above-water construction.
• Grand Canyon Kamphaeng Phet – Featuring rock structures and an emerald green pond, this popular attraction is visited by tourists and locals alike.
• City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Mueang – This popular area shrine houses the city’s pillars. The shrine itself is known for its ornately decorated style.

Phetchabun

Phetchabun is a popular destination for outdoor lovers with its natural attractions and mountain scenery.

• Phu Thap Buek Mountain – Phu Thap Buek Mountain is famous for its green cabbage fields and misty mountain ambience. Locals refer to it as the home of the cabbage.
• Khao Kho Windmill Field – Many visitors head to the Khao Kho Windmill Field to witness the spectacular turbines at sunrise or sunset.
• Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew – A major pilgrimage destination, the temple and Buddha of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew gleam before their mountain backdrop. The structure contains many Buddhist relics and ceremonial halls.
• Phukaew Adventure Park – This adventure park seems to offer excitement for all types of outdoor enthusiasts with activities like canoeing, rafting, archery, rope swinging, and more.
• Nam Nao National Park – A wealth of flora and fauna, this national park is home to no less than 300 butterfly species. It also features diverse landscapes like its bamboo groves and flower meadows.

Sukhothai

Known as the first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai is filled with historical landmarks as well as religious sites and natural attractions.

• Sukhothai Historical Park – One of the most important archaeological sites in Thailand, Sukhothai Historical Park encompasses the ruins of Sukhothai, one of the kingdoms of Thailand and its historic capital.
• Ramkhamhaeng National Park – Ramkhamhaeng National Park is a breathtaking combination of pristine forested landscapes and ancient and historic sites, making it a popular destination for tourists.
• Sukhothai Marigold Field – A relatively new tourist attraction, the Sukhothai Marigold Field attracts nature lovers with its bright yellow-orange blooms.
• The Holy Heartland Talayluang – With its heart shape, the Holy Heartland Talayluang reservoir is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site.
• Phra May Ya Shrine – This shrine holds the statue of Phra May Ya, an ancient noble woman of the Sukhothai period. Although revered, her true story is unknown.
• Sawankhalok Street Art – This street is literally filled with street art made by local artists. It makes for a fun contrast to the area’s ancient art and artifacts.

Phitsanulok

A major tourist center, Phitsanulok is known for its river rafting adventures and lush scenic landscapes.

• Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan – This Buddhist temple features a Buddha image that’s often regarded as the most beautiful in Thailand. The surrounding structure is also known for its intricate craftsmanship and beauty.
• Phu Hin Rong Kia National Park – With its forested mountains and trails, this national park remains popular with ecotourists and hikers.
• Phu Lom Lo – When its annual cherry blossoms are in bloom, Phu Lom Lo is like no other field with its pink blooms bursting from their green backdrop.
• Thung Salaeng Luang National Park – With its spectacular big green savannas, Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is famous for the beauty of its terrain and waterfall attractions.
• Noen Maprang Viewpoint – Noen Maprang Viewpoint features a tree platform that offers arresting views of the surrounding valley.

Nakhon Sawan

Known as the ‘heavenly city,’ Nakhon Sawan is known as the gateway between the central plains and the mountains of the north. The city attracts tourists with its festivals, religious sites, and natural beauty.

• Sawan Park – Sawan Park is a municipal park that’s outfitted with a walking bridge and stunning water dragon structure.
• Bueng Boraphet – Bueng Boraphet is a freshwater lake, the largest in Thailand, that is home to many rare species like the Siamese tiger fish.
• Khao No Mountain – This limestone mountain attracts explorers as well as visitors who come to visit its caves beset with Buddha images and relics.
• Chum Saeng Old Market – With its shops and restaurants, Chum Saeng Old Market attracts visitors in search of locally made handicrafts and authentic local cuisine.
• Nakhon Sawan Observation Tower – Nakhon Sawan Observation Tower provides visitors with terrific views of the surrounding landscape. The tower is ten stories and stands 32 meters above the ground.
• Wat Kiriwong – This beautiful golden temple is situated on a hilltop. Its gleaming gold exterior makes a stunning contract to the blue sky above it.

Phichit

Known as the “land of crocodiles,” Phichit is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts with its crocodile farms and other wild settings.

• Bueng Si Fai – This beautiful freshwater lake makes a stunning backdrop for exploring the verdant terrain.
• Phichit Historical Park – The Phichit Historical Park encompasses a site thought to date to 1058. The site is home to famous Chalawan Cave, which legend says was bottomless until landslides altered the geography.
• Wat Pho Prathap Chang – Wat Pho Prathap Chang features the ruins of an historic Buddhist temple that dates to the late 17th century.
• Wat Tha Luang – Situated near the Nan River, Wat Tha Luang is known for its historic Buddha image and relics that are carefully preserved with the 19th century temple.
• Yan Kao Wang Krot Market / Wang Krot Old Market – Travelers in search of local cuisine or souvenirs should visit this popular area market. Locally made arts and crafts are also offered for sale.
• Parco Somdet Phra Srinakarin – This relaxing park features a pavilion and water features. It’s beauty makes it a popular place to stroll.

Uthai Thani

Uthai Thani features a myriad of stunning temples as well as animal sanctuaries and beautiful landscapes. Its diverse attractions make it popular with visitors.

• Wat Chantaram (Wat Tha Sung) – This stunning temple features a dazzling interior that’s made of glass. While the temple’s exterior beckons with its ornate architecture, the glass interior is like nothing else in Thailand.
• Ban Sakae Krang Old Market – Travelers enjoy exploring this old market and walking street to find locally made handicrafts and popular street food or snacks.
• Hup Pa Tat – Hup Pa Tat attracts nature lovers with its abundance of flora and fauna like its black sugar palms and elongated tortoises.
• Thap Salao Dam Park – Thap Salao Dam Park features a dam and reservoir that form a tranquil setting, which attracts many locals on weekends for recreation and relaxation.
• Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary – Established in 1974, this wildlife sanctuary maintains a large number of wildlife, including nearly 100 Indochinese tigers, water buffalo, rhinos, gibbons, and elephants.
• Namtok Pha Rom Yen – Namtok Pha Rom Yen is a 100-meter high waterfall that’s popular with tourists as it’s easily accessible for the nearby road.

Tak

Tak, which shares a long border with Myanmar, is home to multiple national parks that contain a wealth of stunning attractions like caves and waterfalls.

• Thi Lor Su Waterfall – This grand limestone waterfall rises 500 meters high and boasts a width of 300 meters. Its size and beauty attract throngs of tourists.
• Blue Cave, Mae Sot Town – A unique geological feature, the Blue Cave features an otherworldly atmosphere with its stalagmites and stalactites, but it’s not safe to explore during the rainy season.
• Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary – A wildlife sanctuary and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thung Yai Naresuan is the setting for about 200 animals, including tigers, sun bears, Indochinese leopards, and Indian elephants.
• Mae Use Cave – Mae Use Cave is a popular attraction for cave exploration during the dry season.
• Peto Rozu Waterfall – The heart-shaped waterfall known as Peto Rozu attracts many tourists simply because of its unusual shape.