When the exhaustion of work and daily routines starts to wear you down, many people turn to travel as a way to heal the heart and recharge both body and mind. Traveling offers a chance to create new experiences and discover inspiration in unexpected places.
One such destination is Tha Pla, a hidden gem in Uttaradit Province, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rhythm of local life, explore distinctive community products, and take in breathtaking natural scenery that’s impossible to resist.
Today, Tha Pla is fully prepared to welcome travelers with a wide range of agritourism activities. At Ban Tha Rua Kao, also known as the Fishermen’s Village, visitors can experience authentic rural living through cozy lakeside homestays.
The village sits on the edge of a vast reservoir, complete with a pier used for fish transport. From here, you can embark on scenic raft cruises that glide across the Sirikit Dam Reservoir, offering panoramic views of the calm waters surrounded by forested mountains.
Be sure to stop by the lively local fish market, where villagers can sell fresh and dried fish from the lake. And don’t miss the Hat Kaitoi Community Enterprise, famous for its cashew nuts-considered the true “JEWEL” of Tha Pla. That Grown in the rocky highlands, cashews are small, firm, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, making them a delicious and healthy local delicacy.
Another must-see attraction is the Skywalk at Huai Nam Ri, a breathtaking landmark built over the reservoir under the Royal Initiative Project. The structure extends more than 700 meters into the valley, has allowed visitors to take in sweeping views of the reservoir and its surrounding mountains. It’s also one of the most beautiful spots to watch the morning sea of mist-a truly heartwarming experience.
Nearby, Sirikit Dam offers equally stunning views of sunrise and sunset, as well as the unique sight of the “two-colored river,” where two water currents meet. Visitors can also pay respects to the Phra Puttha Sirisattarat (Luangpho Chet Kasat) replica, then head to the Queen Sirikit Commemorative Bridge-a suspension bridge built across the Nan River to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s 72nd birthday.
The bridge, linking Uttaradit and Nan provinces, is especially enchanting at night when it’s illuminated with decorative lights, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors to enjoy a different, yet equally beautiful, view.
Today, Tha Pla have, full of warmth and vitality, is the result of decades of perseverance. In the past, the area faced long-standing issues related to incomplete land allocation under the Lam Nam Nan Settlement Project. Some areas overlapped with state-owned land, such as national forest reserves, Lam Nam Nan National Park, Huai Nam Li Forest Park, and agricultural reform zones.
The people of Tha Pla fought tirelessly for their land rights for more than 50 years. Eventually, the government assigned the Office of the Land Policy Board (ONLB), together with other relevant agencies, to step in and resolve the problem through the “One Map” initiative-a comprehensive, integrated mapping system at a 1:4000 scale designed to clarify land boundaries and provide lasting stability and security for local communities.
Securing official land rights has transformed the lives of Tha Pla residents. With legal ownership of their homes and farmland, people now enjoy a better quality of life, sustainable livelihoods, and increased income through agriculture and tourism.
If you’re looking for your next travel destination, Please come and experience the charm of agritourism in Tha Pla-a place of simplicity, warmth, and natural beauty. Which, you can recharge your energy, lift your spirits, and unwind with relaxing local experiences. On your next getaway, make Tha Pla, Uttaradit Province, your destination for a heartwarming escape.
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