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Uthai Thani travel guide: Wat Tha Sung, the river and wild forest

Uthai Thani is one of the least visited provinces of central Thailand: a small riverside town, a hill with a temple and a view, and to the west the forests of a World Heritage wildlife sanctuary. There is no railway and no rush. Come for a slower stop between Bangkok and the north, when you want temples without crowds and an evening by the river.

AsiaVela editorial teamUpdated 4 min read
The many-spired golden castle building of Wat Tha Sung in Uthai Thani under a pale sky
The golden castle at Wat Tha Sung (Wat Chantaram).
Suggested time
2 days
Where to stay
Uthai Thani town, near the Sakae Krang River
Season and timing
Mid-October to mid-February is cooler and drier; the rainy season (mid-May to mid-October) brings heavy rain to the forests in the west.

The short answer

Two days suit Uthai Thani: one for the town — Wat Tha Sung, the climb up Khao Sakae Krang and the Sakae Krang riverside — and one for an outing into the countryside or towards Huai Kha Khaeng. Stay in town near the river. You need a car or a hired driver for anything outside the centre.

Is Uthai Thani for you?

Choose Uthai Thani if you like small provincial towns, temple architecture and nature, and you have a car or do not mind arranging one. It works as a stop between Bangkok and the north, or as a break from the busier central circuit.

It is less suited to a first, short trip to Thailand. There is no railway, little English signage and few organised tours, and the most interesting nature lies well outside town.

Wat Tha Sung: the glass hall and the golden castle

Wat Chantaram, better known as Wat Tha Sung, stands by the Sakae Krang River just outside the town centre. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory dates it to the Ayutthaya period and explains the name: logs (sung) once lay in the river in front of it. Its restoration is linked to the revered monk Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam, whose body is kept here and draws many devotees.

The directory lists its highlights as the glass vihara — a long hall lined with mirrors, glass and chandeliers — the golden castle and a riverside fish sanctuary. It also lists visiting times starting at 9:00, with an afternoon period until 16:00; check on the day, as it is an active temple with ceremonies. Dress modestly and keep quiet inside the halls.

A long hall lined with mirrored glass pillars and chandeliers inside Wat Tha Sung
The glass vihara of Wat Tha Sung.

Make time for the local food

What to eat and where to look

01

Grilled river fish (pla pao)

Whole freshwater fish stuffed with lemongrass, crusted in salt and grilled over charcoal, then eaten with herbs, noodles and a sharp chilli sauce.

Where to look
Riverside restaurants along the Sakae Krang.
Fit it into your day
An evening meal to share by the water.

Fish bones; ask about the size and price before ordering.

02

Sour fish curry (gaeng som)

A tamarind-sour, chilli-hot curry with fish and vegetables, common in central Thai home cooking.

Where to look
Rice-and-curry shops and riverside restaurants.
Fit it into your day
With rice and an omelette at lunch.

Very spicy; contains shrimp paste.

03

Rice and curry (khao gaeng)

Trays of ready-made curries, stir-fries and soups over rice — the quickest local lunch in town.

Where to look
Shophouse kitchens and the market in the town centre.
Fit it into your day
A fast lunch between Wat Tha Sung and Khao Sakae Krang.

Ask which dishes are mild (mai phet).

Khao Sakae Krang: steps to a view over the town

Khao Sakae Krang, the hill above the town, can be climbed by a long staircase from the courtyard of Wat Sangkat Rattanakhiri, or reached by road. The directory describes the view over Uthai Thani from the top, a mondop with a replica of the Buddha's footprint and a large bell cast by the townspeople in 1900.

Climb in the early morning or late afternoon; the staircase is long and exposed. Carry water, and watch your bags if monkeys are around.

Rooftops of Uthai Thani town spreading towards the hills, seen from a hilltop
Uthai Thani town from above.

The Sakae Krang River

The town lies along the Sakae Krang River, and its riverside is the heart of a visit: houseboats and floating raft homes moored along the banks, fish raised in floating cages, and simple restaurants by the water. Walk along the river in the late afternoon and choose dinner there.

Raft homes are private houses. Look from the bank or a boat, and ask before photographing people at close range.

The ornate Chinese gateway and roofs of a Hainanese shrine in Uthai Thani
A Hainanese shrine in Uthai Thani town.

Huai Kha Khaeng: a World Heritage forest

In the west of the province, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of the Thungyai–Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage site, listed by UNESCO in 1991. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory describes it as one of Thailand's largest sanctuaries and lists nature trails, bird watching and the house of the conservationist Seub Nakhasathien among its visitor activities.

This is a protected wildlife sanctuary, not a resort park. It is a long drive from town, facilities are basic and access to areas and trails is controlled. Contact the sanctuary before going, travel with a driver who knows the route, and keep expectations realistic: wild animals are rarely seen on a short visit.

A small herd of wild banteng grazing in a forest clearing in Huai Kha Khaeng
Wild banteng in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

Practical questions

Is Uthai Thani worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a quiet provincial town with striking temples and a riverside, and you have transport. It is not the best choice for a very short first trip.

How do I get to Uthai Thani?

By road. There is no railway; buses and minivans run from Bangkok, and many travellers come by car via Nakhon Sawan. Hire a car or driver for the countryside.

What is special about Wat Tha Sung?

Its long glass vihara lined with mirrors and chandeliers and its golden castle. It is also an important centre of devotion to Luang Por Ruesi Ling Dam.

Can I visit Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary?

Parts of it, with planning. It is a protected World Heritage sanctuary with basic facilities and controlled access; contact the sanctuary first.

How long should I stay?

Two days: one for the town and river, one for the countryside or the sanctuary.

Sources and checks before you travel

Reference sources for the version dated 1 October 2026. Confirm opening times, access, transport and conditions for your travel dates.

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