Nestled between its neighbouring provinces of Lampang, Uttaradit, Nan and Phayao, Phrae today still boasts among the country’s largest teak forest reserves. It is one of the 55 secondary destinations being promoted around the kingdom in a complementary fashion with key destinations, in the ‘Amazing Thailand Go Local’ campaign.
Architectural Treasures
The old town area of the namesake provincial seat is home to a number of historic buildings and locations that are a proud testimony to Phrae’s history. And with this section of town being reasonably compact and relatively traffic free, the area lends itself to leisurely exploration on foot for those who so desire although there are motorcycle taxis and samlos (three-wheeled taxis) readily available.
Among places to visit is Wongburi House, a splendid two-storey teak mansion that was built in Phrae’s teak heydays of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and which is today open to the public as a museum. On display through various rooms of the house are old documents and photos, antiques and other artefacts that paint an interesting picture of life in Phrae in the past.
The mansion itself, which is set amid picturesque gardens, boasts turn-of-the-century architecture that blends Thai and European influences. Its colonial style of high ceilings and wide balconies is reminiscent of other such mansions that can be found across Northern Thailand.
The nearby Khum Chao Luang Museum, built during the same period, likewise stands in proud testimony to the glory days of the area’s teak trade. The furniture, ornaments, household items and period photographs on show here provide further insight into a prominent part of the local history.
Also located in the old town of Phrae is Wichai Racha House, a gingerbread teak mansion with…
