The province of Phrae is well known in Thailand for its seua maw hawm, an indigo-dyed cotton farmers shirt, worn by many Thais all over the country. It is also known for its teak industry, which thrived until the government ban on logging in 1989. Fine teak carvings can be found at Talaat Hua Dong, a market specialising in wooden carvings, in the Sung Men district.

The provincial capital, Phrae, is an attractive city situated in a narrow valley along the banks of the Mae Yom River. Founded in the 12th century, it was known as Wiang Kosai or 'Silk Cloth City'. It was an independent Thai state up until the 16th century, when it was overtaken by an army from Ayutthaya. When the power of Ayutthaya started to diminish in the late 18th century it came under the rule of the Burmese.

 

Places of Attraction

Wat Luang

This wat was founded in the 12th century and is the oldest in the city. It has an interesting large Lanna style chedi, Phra That Luang Chang Kham, which is usually wrapped in Thai Lü silk. The wat compound also contains a museum, with a varied collection of fine exhibits, including valuable Buddha images, coins, swords, jewellery and ceramics.

Wat Chom Sawan

This temple is situated on the outskirts of the old city, on Ban Mai Rd. It was built earlier this century by Shans, in a distinct mixture of Shan and Burmese styles. The wooden viharn and bot are combined in a high, tiered, multi-roofed structure. The large chedi has lost some of its stucco work, revealing the artful brickwork underneath. The main viharn holds a rare tripitaka, 16 pages of ivory engraved in Burmese.

Phrathat Cho Hae

This pagoda is located in Tambon Pa Daeng, about 9km from town. Standing at a height of 33m it is coated with a thin gold sheet. The name cho hae is derived from the satin that is wrapped around the pagoda by the villagers as an offering.

Wat Phrathat Chom Chaeng

The wat is located 3km past Phrathat Cho Hae. It is believed to enshrine a Buddha hair. A small museum in the compound exhibits various artefacts from the area.

Ban Prathap Jai

Situated on the western outskirts of town, Ban Prathap Jai (impressive house) is also known as Ban Sao Roi Tan (hundred pillar house). This large teak house was built using the timber from nine old teak houses. The inside support pillars are decoratively carved.

Phrae Meuang Phii

'The City of Ghosts' is a geological phenomenon, located about 18 km north east of the city. The soil has eroded, leaving pillars of soil and rock with an almost uniform height.