On traveling to Tak Province, expect
to discover a place with long history, where natural wonders
are magnificently enhanced by ethnic diversity.
Mostly forested and mountainous, Tak is a
northern province peacefully situated on the Maenam Ping basin.
The province covers an area of 16,406 square kilometers and
is 426 kilometers north of Bangkok. As Tak shares natural
border with Myanmar, it is highly regarded as a western gateway
to Myanmar, and a northern doorway to Thailand's major cities
such as Lampang and Chiang Mai.
The Past
A province with a long history, Tak was earlier
called Mueang Rahang. Historians believe it was built prior
to the Sukhothai era and was treated as the western frontier
of the Kingdom. Tak was also associated with Thailand's former
Great Kings, from King Ramkamhaeng the Great, King Naresuan
the Great, King Narai the Great to King Taksin the Great.
These four Kings usually called their troop assemblies in
Tak. That is why the seal of the province depicts King Naresuan
the Great on the royal elephant, pouring sacred water on the
ground. This is a symbolic representation of the declaration
of the independence of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya during the
war with Burma in 1584. Tak was considered the first district
to be liberated from the power of the Burmese Kingdom.
The Present
Today, Tak is no longer a strategic military
frontier between two great nations. It is however a trading
gateway to Myanmar at Amphoe Mae Sot, where lots of economic
activities take place daily along the border. In addition,
the province has the Asian Highway that runs from Thailand's
western border towards the northeastern region at Chong Mek
(Mae Sot Sukhothai Phitsanulok Ubon Ratchathani - Laos).
Apart from Tak's military and economic importance
the province is also an environmental and cultural center
with magnificent forests, spectacular waterfalls and caves
and fascinating hill tribes such as Karen, Lisu, Musoe (Lahu),
Akha, Yao and Hmong.
How to get there
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) and Highway
No. 32 to Nakhon Sawan via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri
and Chai Nat Provinces, then take Highway No. 1 again and
proceed to Tak via Kamphaeng Phet Province. The total distance
is 426 kilometers.
By Bus
From Bangkok: Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's
Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal)to Tak between
5 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day. The journey takes 6 hours. Call
0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for updated schedules.
Daily bus services to Tak are also available. They are operated
by private bus companies such as Thanchit Tour (Tel: 0 2551
1307), Choet Chai Tour (Tel: 0 2551 1054).
By Train
From Bangkok: There are no trains going directly to Tak.
The nearest train transfer station is Phitsanulok. From there,
tourists can take a local bus to Tak. Contact Bangkok Railway
Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th
for more information.
By Air
Thai Airways International operates several direct flights daily from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. The trip takes 40-45 minutes. For more information, contact the Bangkok Office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Phitsanulok Office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or visit www.thaiairways.com
By Rental Car
For visitors interested in touring Phitsanulok independently, Budget has a small operation at the airport. Call tel. 05525-8556 for reservations and information. Avis operates out of an office adjoining the Phitsanulok Youth Hostel.
Travelling around the city is easy as the town is relatively compact. Sam lor will cost 30-50 baht/person, depending on the destination and city buses are also available (4-6 baht/person, non air-conditioned). The station is located on Thammabucha Road, near the train station.
