The site of the original town, then called Bang Pho Tha It, was located on the right bank of the Nan River. It flourished as a port for goods transportation. As a result , King Rama V elevated its status into a province and re-named it Uttradit, literally the Port of the North.

Uttradit is located 491 kilometres from Bangkok and covers an area of 7,838 square kilometres and is divided into the following districts: Mueang, Tron, Laplae, Phichai, Tha Pla, Nam Pat, Fak Tha, Ban Khok, and Thong Saen Khan.

How to get there
Car
1. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) and Highway No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, then use Highways No. 117 and No. 11 to Uttaradit via Phitsanulok.
2. From Bangkok, drive to In Buri, then turn into Highway No. 11 (In Buri-Tak Fa route) and proceed to Uttaradit via Phitsanulok.

Bus
Air-conditioned buses and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Uttaradit daily. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Private bus companies which operate daily bus services to Tak are such as Win Tour (Tel: 0 2936 3753-4), Choet Chai Tour (Tel: 0 2936 0199).

Train
Trains depart from Hua Lamphong to Uttaradit every day. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

Festivals
Langsat Day celebrates
Langsat Day celebrates the province's famous fruit. Langsat-growing has long been the main occupation of the local people. The fair is held in late September each year featuring exhibitions, contests and parades of floats decorated with fruits and flowers, as well as entertainment.

The Tradition of Buddha Cremation
The Tradition of Buddha Cremation, a religious ritual seen nowhere else, is held at Wat Phra Borom that Thung Yang after Visakha Bucha day in May. It features the re-enactment the funeral ceremony for the Lord Buddha.