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The Essential Phrae Travel Guide [Must-Sees, Hidden Gems & Local Tips]

| Last Updated: July 2024

My recent trip to Phrae was a wonderful surprise. Like most travelers who stop there before heading to the greater Lanna region, I planned to stay for a day, not expecting anything remarkable. Boy, was I wrong!

Sure, Phrae is no Chiang Mai, but it wasn’t long until I realized its untapped potential. Just a short walk along Kham Lue Road opened my eyes to an elegant Lanna-style temple, a vintage pink teakwood mansion that leads to a lively street market.

There and then, I decided to extend my stay and learn more about this overlooked gem beaming with woodwork masterpieces and natural beauty. Here’s everything you’ll love when you come visit Phrae, the gateway to Northern Thailand. Read on!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai), Phrae Pwo

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Phrae, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Phrae Airport

Best Time to Visit Phrae

The best time to visit Phrae is between November and February for the dry weather, cool temperature, and low humidity. That makes it ideal for sightseeing and exploration since you don’t have to worry about sweltering heat or constant rainfall.

With this, you can visit your target destinations at any time of the day.

How to Get to Phrae

Bus: The best way to get to Phrae from Bangkok is to catch a provincial bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. You have 3 bus carrier options: Porphyria, Nakhonchai Air, and Sombat Tour, which can take you to Phrae’s town center in 7 to 8 hours.

Train: You can also get to Phrae from Bangkok via the trains that depart at the Krung Aphiwat Central Terminal. However, this can only get you to the train station in Den Chai District, so you still need to catch a taxi to Phrae’s capital.

The total travel time should be approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Rental Car: If you have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit, renting a car is an option to take.

To get to Phrae from Bangkok, you must drive north via Highway 347 and Highway 32 until you reach Luang Pho O Junction in Nakhon Sawan. 

Afterward, switch to Highway 1 and Highway 117 until you reach Phitsanulok where you’ll continue to drive north via Highway 11. 

At the intersection past Phrae College of Agriculture and Technology, turn right to Highway 101 and keep going until you arrive at Phrae’s town center.

Where to Stay in Phrae

Huern Kan Thong Hotel

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Address: 346/2 Charoenmueang Road, Nai Wiang

Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 54 521 985

Website: https://www.facebook.com/huernkanthongofficial/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

The place to go if you want stylish and budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Phrae Town. Huern Kan Thong Hotel features cozy rooms with modern classic interiors, so expect your stay to feel elegant and comfortable.

You also get a dressing table with a classy vanity mirror which is nice for people who like to look their best every day. The hotel is also in a quiet neighborhood along a narrow street, so you’re not bombarded with passing vehicles every minute.

It’s also smack in the middle of town which is the optimal location for sightseeing.

Hug Inn Phrae Hotel

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Address: 6, 1 Tesaban Road 2, Thung Kwao

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 62 572 0077

Website: http://www.huginnphrae.com/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Hug Inn Phrae Hotel is a chic hotel tucked away in a tree-lined neighborhood on the town’s northwestern portion. It features airy rooms with contemporary interiors and a charming nature-themed cafe full of potted and hanging plants.

The hotel is perfect for families because it offers upgraded rooms with added seating areas and loft beds. This provides sufficient space and privacy, so you don’t have to book a separate room.

It also has an excellent location which is only a 10 to 14-minute walk to Khum Chao Luang, Khum Vongburi Museum, and the Saturday Night Market. They also offer rental bikes for a more convenient town exploration.

Ayla Chalet

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Address: 199 Cho Hae Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 64 490 9779

Website: https://www.facebook.com/AylaChalet.Phrae

Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

If you want the ultimate privacy during your stay in Phrae, Ayla Chalet is your best option. This hotel is hidden amid a lush field and forest on the outskirts of town, so it’s the perfect holiday hideaway.

Their rustic Nordic-style rooms are spacious and decked out with modern amenities for a comfortable and entertaining experience. Moreover, you get a wooden balcony with a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding vast green fields.

Balconies also have outdoor tubs so you can enjoy a relaxing soak, a refreshing drink, and a scenic view simultaneously.

Where to Eat in Phrae

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Address: 94/1 Charoen Mueang Road, Nai Wiang

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 54 523 671

Website: https://www.facebook.com/GingerbreadPhrae/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Gingerbread House Gallery is a cutesy hotel and cafe known for its gorgeous teakwood interiors and excellent all-day breakfast options. Its picturesque cafe also has numerous vintage-looking decor that Instagram fanatics will absolutely adore.

Plus, it’s one of the earliest breakfast spots to open within Phrae Town, so it’s a great option if you like to go out for early morning walks or runs. Our go-to is their signature egg toast which pairs nicely with the single-origin coffee they source from Laos.

Don’t miss out on their standard and premium dinner sets as well. These consist of local specialties that every foodie will definitely enjoy.

Rommaiyai

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Address: 234 Phaya Phon Road, Nai Wiang

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 85 617 7442

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Rommaiyairestaurant/

Pricing: ฿฿

Rommaiyai is a lively restaurant known for its gorgeous alfresco dining area and wide selection of Thai and international dishes. Its massive dining area has plenty of seating options and the large koi pond in the middle adds to the atmosphere.

If you’re having beer (go for the Belgian), order their German-style deep-fried pork knuckle. The skin’s super crispy while the meat inside remained tender and juicy, it’s just perfect!

A live band plays music from 7 p.m., so it’s perfect for a chill night out!

Hommaekorn Restaurant

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Address: 106 Cho Hae

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 96 698 9503

Website: https://web.facebook.com/Hommaekorn

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy food and the company of nature, Hommaekorn Restaurant is the clear-cut choice. Their shady alfresco dining area is next to a small waterfall, resulting in a relaxing and melodic atmosphere.

You can listen to the soothing water stream and the chirping birds while you eat. They also serve an excellent selection of Thai dishes, so the incredible food elevates the overall experience.

The foodies on our team particularly like their mixed vegetable curry with sun-dried fish. This hearty dish’s spicy and sour broth just hits the spot when you’re in an idyllic place like this. 

What to See and Do in Phrae

Tour the house museums in Phrae Town

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Addresses: 

Operating Hours: 

  • (Khum Vongburi Museum) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
  • (Khum Chao Luang) 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: 

  • (Khum Vongburi Museum) +66 88 664 5444
  • (Khum Chao Luang) +66 54 524 158

Website: 

Admission Costs: 

  • (Khum Vongburi Museum) 30 baht

Khum Vongburi Museum and Khum Chao Luang are popular house museums tourists frequent in Phrae Town. Khum Vongburi Museum, also known as the Pink Mansion, is a traditional teakwood house with a vibrant pink exterior.

Inside, you’ll see various vintage Thai and European-style furniture, decor, and clothes. It also has historical accounts of the mansion’s owners, so it’s a great place to learn about the lives of Phrae’s old noble families.

Khum Chao Luang is also a teakwood house with Thai-European architecture. It’s the governor’s residence, so it has lavish teak furniture and decor, but there’s also a hidden underground prison for slaves and criminals.

Stroll around Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri

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Address: Sai Yoi, Den Chai District

Operating Hours: 

  • 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Weekdays)
  • 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Weekends)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083377470558

Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is a haven for fans of Buddhist temples. Though recently constructed, its structures and Buddha images combine traditional Lanna, Mon, and Burmese styles so it feels like an ancient temple.

In fact, it took inspiration from 11 other popular Lanna temples. This includes Wat Chet Yot’s 7-headed Naga, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang’s front arch, Phraya Mangrai Palace’s zigzag temple base, Wat Phra Singh’s carved doors and windows, and more.

The temple complex is also massive, so it takes at least an hour to explore fully. 

Check out the ghost pillars at Phae Mueang Phii Forest Park

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Address: Phrae-Nan Road, Nam Cham

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 5351 1899

Website: https://www.dnp.go.th/

Admission Costs: 20 baht

If you like hiking, Phae Mueang Phii Forest Park’s barren landscape is definitely worth the challenge. Here, you can explore a vast sandstone area full of naturally decayed pillars and stone formations.

The soil contains various layers, from gravel, stone, sand, and fine sandstone. These layers react differently to natural conditions, creating the unique sandstone formations the park is known for.

It’s an open area, so be sure to bring an umbrella and water if you plan to visit during midday.

See the vintage clothing displays at the Komol Fabric Museum

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Address: Huai O, Long District

Operating Hours: 

  • 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday- Saturday)
  • 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 81 807 9960

Website: https://www.museumthailand.com/th/museum/Komol-Antique-Textile-Museum

Komol Fabric Museum is a must-visit for xenophiles and fashionistas. Their exhibits showcase Lanna-style clothing, from traditional woven fabrics to elegant brocades.

They also sell clothes which is great if you like hunting for unique and vintage fashion items. If you’re not into clothes and Lanna culture, there are also many displays of popular TV and film characters which is a plus.

Moreover, the friendly owner knows a lot about Phrae’s history and is always happy to share his knowledge with visitors.

Visit Wat Phra That Cho Hae

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Address: 1 Moo 11 Cho Hae

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 54 599 209

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Watphrathatchohae

Wat Phra That Cho Hae is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Phrae, so it’s definitely worth checking out. It also has relics for people born in the “Year of the Tiger,” so you can’t miss this if the tiger is your zodiac animal.

The temple is large, so expect to see numerous Buddha images, golden pagodas, Lanna-style shrines, and wall paintings. There are also small shops so you’re covered for food and drinks.

You must climb a tall staircase to reach the temple complex, but there’s also a lift for visitors with weak knees.

Explore Wat Phong Sunan’s temple complex

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Address: 1 Kham Lue Road, Nai Wiang

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015574959456

Wat Phong Sunan, also known as the Temple of the Tortoise, is popular for its beautiful Buddha images and shrines. It has a distinct architectural style incorporating an array of small pagodas.

This includes the tip of its front arch, the roof of its ivory-white wihan, and the pillars next to its giant reclining Buddha image. But our favorite is the wihan’s ornate interior with colorful wall and ceiling paintings, intricate carvings, and gilded patterns.

Next to it is a unique giant tortoise shrine with a white standing Buddha image on its back.

Eat your way through Phrae’s Saturday Night Market

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Address: Kham Lue Road, Nai Wiang

Operating Hours: 3:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Saturday)

Phrae’s Saturday Night Market is the place to be for foodie adventures. It’s packed with food vendors selling traditional Thai street food and local specialties.

There are cafes and restaurants along the street as well, so you have many food options. You’ll also find handicraft, souvenir, and indigo textile shops if you want to satisfy more than just your tummy.

Explore Tham Pha Nang Khoi’s colorful caverns

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Address: Ban Mae Sai-Ban Mae Yang Pho, Rong Kwang District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

If you’re adventurous and like taking photographs, Tham Pha Nang Khoi is the place to be. It has picturesque caverns with numerous limestone formations and colorful interior lights.

That’s how it earned the nickname “Cave of Colored Lights.” The cave is popular because the colorful lights add a layer of intrigue to the already stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Drop by Wat Na Khu Ha

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Address: Suan Khuean

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily) 

Wat Na Khu Ha is a unique temple surrounded by vast rice fields. We particularly like going here after the planting season because the fields are lush and green.

This makes the temple’s giant golden Buddha image stand out more, which anyone who delves into photography will definitely appreciate. Plus, walking along the long and winding wood bridge to the temple is more fun when surrounded by vibrant rice fields.

If you visit during the monsoon season, the temple looks even more impressive during foggy mornings.

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