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Uttaradit: More Than Just a "Passing Through" Town

Today, #Travelers have a great opportunity to be part of the Thai travel program of Amarin TV Channel 34, "Cheerful Thailand". We will take you on a tour of various places in Uttaradit Province that I believe many people have never been to. These include the durian of Lap Lae, the Khao Phak Wan vegetable dish that can only be found here, and the cashew nuts that are believed to be grown only in the south… which will make you say, "Wow, they grow them here too?!" And many other things that I would like to invite everyone to pack their bags and follow me on a trip.

Our journey to the hidden city of "Uttaradit" began on a Monday evening. We departed from Bangkok via Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) > Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. We then turned onto Highway 32 > Ang Thong > Sing Buri > Chai Nat > Nakhon Sawan. From there, we took Route 117 > Phitsanulok and continued on Highway 11 > until we reached Uttaradit province.

Tourist Attractions on This Trip

• The Secret Gate of Lae: A city where lying is forbidden.
• Huadong Fruit Market: The center for buying and selling Lae durians.
• Phu Rid Durian Orchard: An all-you-can-eat durian buffet with a tour of the durian orchard.
• Khao Phankae: A local dish; if you don't try it, you haven't truly experienced Uttaradit.
• Lao Wiang Learning Center: Witness the group's embroidery and weaving skills (embroidering bags and weaving the edges of "katoy" fabric).
• Observe the Local Way of Life: Spend time with the coconut broom-making group.
• Tha Pla: Observe the local lifestyle and fishing practices at the Tha Pla earthen dam.
• Had Kai Toei Community Enterprise: Learn about the process of making cashew nuts.
• Banana Processing Shop: Run by agricultural housewives.

Expenses

• Homestay accommodation at Had Song Kwae, 350 baht per night per person, including dinner and breakfast.
• Roundtrip fuel costs, 1500 baht.
• Durian buffet, 699 baht per person, all-you-can-eat. Yum!
• Rice wrapped in vegetables, 350 baht.

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Welcome to Lablae City!!

First morning | Lablae City Gate Arch |

Take a check-in photo. This is a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Lablae. If you don't come here, it's like you never came at all.

Laplae City Museum

Huadong Fruit Market

Upon opening the car door, the first thing that hits you is… the smell of durian! The aroma of durian permeates the entire market, no matter where you turn. Durians are piled high everywhere, and the most famous variety here is the "Lhong Lap Lae", a rare and expensive fruit. Prices for Lhong Lap Lae durian start at 250 baht per kilogram, while Lhin Lap Lae durian starts at 400 baht per kilogram.

Buy....cut....and then.....eat it right in front of the shop 555

Is this a durian mountain? There are so many!

After browsing the durians at the Huadong Fruit Market, we set off for our next destination: a durian buffet.

The journey ahead is a bit long, but we're excited!

We have arrived!!! #Phurid durian garden It takes only 20 minutes from Huadong fruit market to the durian garden.

For those who are going to have this place, I recommend that you should have a private car.

This durian buffet offers an incredible value at only 699 baht. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat Monthong and Lhong Lap Lae durians, renowned in Uttaradit and priced between 250-400 baht, along with a variety of other dishes.

Let's dig in!

Sweet and creamy durian dessert ^_^

Durian in syrup: fragrant, sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

And then followed by Mieng Kham, a special recipe of Suan Phurit [included in the buffet].

After a satisfying buffet lunch, it was time to explore the durian orchard. We were both full and knowledgeable by the end of the visit.

There are two ways to reach the durian orchard.

1. After a 30-minute walk, I discreetly inquired with the garden's owner, an elderly gentleman. He informed me that others had also ascended the path, using it as a form of exercise.

2. Motorcycle racing. This method will tell you that those who like to travel in a rough way should not miss it. It's a lot of fun. The road is secretly brutal.

Then Brother Kong drove the car first...

We have arrived at the durian orchard. Here are the "หลง" and "หลินลับแล" durians of Uttaradit province. The owner of the orchard demonstrates the traditional method of picking durians from the tree. He also explains the differences between "หลิน" and "หลง" durians.

The High Price of Durian: A Matter of Time

One question that lingered in my mind before visiting the durian orchard was: why are durians so expensive? Given the high market demand, why aren't more durian trees being planted?

The answer lies in the lengthy cultivation process. From planting to first harvest, a durian tree requires a staggering 25-30 years. This extended timeframe explains the high price of durians. It's not a matter of simply planting a tree and reaping the rewards within a few years; it's a long-term investment demanding patience and dedication.

Our hero took us on a thrilling ride up the mountain.

After visiting the durian orchard, we stopped by to see the durian slingshot, an essential tool for transporting durians. Since the durians are grown on the mountain, a convenient, time-saving, and cost-effective transportation method is necessary.

Durian in the sky ^^

This is the vehicle used by local residents to transport durian.

After indulging in the delicious durian of Laplae, we decided to continue our culinary adventure.

We heard that a must-try dish in Uttaradit is...

Khao Pahn Phak, a local delicacy.

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/QcTNZt4GACJ2

The chef of the restaurant

Golden Needle Mushroom Omelette

This is rice wrapped in vegetables.

Go big or go home.

One more plate, please.

After enjoying the must-try dishes, we continued our walk to the rice cracker shop.

I even had the chance to try making them myself. Check it out! ^_^

The process of making crispy rice uses the same pot as steamed sago.

After that, dry it in the sun for about 2 days.

Next alley, we will see the local fabric dyeing auntie.

After a full day of exploring, it's time to rest and recharge.

We'll be back tomorrow with more adventures!

Embark on a journey to the heart of Lao culture at the Vieng Lao Learning Center, where skilled artisans gather to practice the traditional crafts of embroidery and weaving.

In this haven of creativity, senior citizens and local residents come together to stitch intricate patterns onto purses and weave the borders of "katoy" garments, a testament to their enduring skills and cultural heritage.

Traveling in the Thai way, witnessing the smiles of the locals, sometimes brings an indescribable joy.

The Embroidered Image: A Glimpse into a Unique Thai Tradition

This embroidered image depicts the "Tak Bat Hab Jhang Han" ceremony, a unique local tradition found only in Thailand. Passed down through generations, this ceremony offers a window into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The next group is the **coconut broom making group**.

| Tha Pla | will be located in the Sirindhorn Dam.

The admin had the opportunity to take a boat trip to see the way of life of the people here.

The fishing traps are not in use because it is currently the "red water season" or spawning season. Fishing is prohibited during this time, but people can still use fishing rods (except for longlines) for subsistence.

This weighs approximately 4-5 kilograms.

The next stop is the cashew nut cluster planted in the South...which makes you exclaim, "Wow, they grow here too?!"

Additional Information: Ban Hat Kai Toei Community Enterprise

Facebook: CommuntyEnterpriseBanHadKaiToy

Google Map: Link to Google Map

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Cultural Street

Banana Processing Shop

Recommended Accommodation: Haad Song Kwae Homestay

Affordable price at 350 baht per person per night, including 2 meals (dinner and breakfast).

This place is lush and perfect for relaxation. In the morning, wake up to the refreshing air.

Before leaving, the kind uncle cut fresh rambutans from the tree for us to take home and enjoy on our journey back to Bangkok. ^^

Additional: Homestay at Hat Song Kwae

Google Map: Link to Google Map

Facebook: Homestay Haad Song Kwae

Tel: 055 496 062

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Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey. For those who would like more information, please feel free to contact us.

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#Lablae #Uttaradit #TaPla #LablaeCityGate #PhuridGarden #Durian #TravelLover #Uttaradit