Tak (Thai: ตาก) is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. The western edge of province has a long boundary with the Kayin State of Myanmar (Burma).

The Bhumibol Dam (named after king Bhumibol Adulyadej, the old name was Yanhee Dam) stops the river Ping, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya river. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km² and is the largest in Thailand. The Taksin Maharat and the Lan Sang National parks are located in the province. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary is shared with Kanchanaburi and Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary at border with Uthai Thani are declared as a World Heritage site.

Tak was a historical kingdom built over 2,000 years ago, even before the Sukhothai period. The ancient kingdom had its peak during around 1st century. By the 5th century the capital of this kingdom was move south to Lavo (present day Lopburi Province). A city named Ban Tak were established by Cham Thewi (พระนางจามเทวี), princess of Lavo king, around 663 AD. It became part of Sukhothai kingdom through battles by Ramkhamhaeng the Great and formed the main fortress on the western front. The city was moved further west and renamed Mueang Rahang when the Ayuthaya kingdom was lost to Burma during King Maha Thammaracha's reign. The city was moved back east of the river during the early Bangkok period.

King Taksin was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma. As his name was Sin, he became called Tak-Sin during his duty in Tak.

Agriculture is a major part of Tak economy, producing rice, corn, vegetables, fruits, beef, tilapia, etc. Industries in Tak include mining, granite, jewelry. Handicrafts and Myanmar products are also important trade. For tourism, the Bhumibol Dam in the northern part of Tak is its most popular tourist attraction. Tourism, especially ecotourism, in the southern part are seasonal with popular destinations such as Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Thi Lo Le Waterfall, hiking and white water rafting in its various forest reserves. Tak is also famous for its Loy Krathong festival where krathong sai (กระทงสาย) consisting of many krathongs are floated in a long line. It is held on Ping River in Amphoe Mueang Tak on Loy Krathong night.

Tak is a key communication and transportation center of the North, with three Asian highways passing the province. AH1 enters through the Myanmar-Thai border at Amphoe Mae Sot; AH2 passes through the province from north to south. Also AH16 terminates at Tak. Tak is located 426 km from Bangkok. Daily flights were also between Bangkok and Mae Sot by Phuket Air but now the service has been stopped. The flight takes one and a half hour.

About a quarter of the population belongs to one of Thailand's hill tribes: Yao, Karen (Thai Gariang), Akha (Thai Egaw), Lahu (Thai Musay) Hmong (Thai Meo) and Lisu (Thai Lisaw). The largest tribe in Tak is Karen.

The seal of the province shows King Naresuan on the royal elephant. Sometimes below the elephant a garuda is depicted, as the garuda is the state symbol of Thailand. King Naresuan is shown pouring consecrated water on the ground, a symbolic act to declare independence. This refers to the war of 1584 with Burma, when Tak was the first border town to be liberated from Burmese control.

The provincial tree is the Asian Jatoba (Xylia kerrii), the provincial flower the Orchid tree (Bauhinia sp.).

The province is subdivided in 8 districts (Amphoe) and one minor district (King Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 63 communes (tambon) and 493 villages (mubaan).

Extracted from Wikipedia: Tak Province

Tak is a northern province covering an area of 6,406 largely mountainous square kilometres. The provincial capital is 426 kilometres north of Bangkok, and is situated on the Ping river basin. To the west, the border touches on Myanmar demarcated by mountain ranges and the Moei River.

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Attractions


King Taksin the Great Shrine Located on Charot Withithong Road, this statue of Tak's most famous native son (1734-1782) is the site of an annual fair from December 28 until January 3. King Taksin was the Thai monarch who expelled the Burmese from Thailand after the 1767 destruction of Ayutthaya as the Thai capital.

Mani Banphot Swamp This scenic, extensive area within the heart of Tak city is located near Wat Mani Banphot on Phahonyothin Highway. Inside the temple, a Chiang Saen Buddha image dating from the late 1200's is enshrined.

Khao Tham Located in Tambon Mai Ngam, this 71-metre rocky hillock, near Phahonyothin Highway, contains replicas of the Lord Buddha's Footprint on the summit. Tak residents pay homage throughout the year, most particularly during Songkran, which marks the traditional Thai New Year each April 13.

Wat Phra Boromthat & Ancient Tak City This monastery, located 25 kilometres upstream, in Amphoe Ban Tak, in an area which used to be the former site of Tak city. pattaya. There are several ruins in the area, including a hilltop pagoda which was constructed, according to legend, by king Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (reign 1275-1317) to commemorate his victory in single combat on elephant back against King Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Muang Shot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot).

Bhumibol Dam Thailand's largest dam is located some 60 kilometres north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends northwards to Chiang Mai's Hot districts. Accommodation is available at the dam.

Mae Ping Lake Cruises Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiang Mai's Doi Tao edging the dam reservoir,a total distance of 140 kilometres.

Lan Sang National Park Located on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway (Route 105), 17 kilometres from Tak city, and accessed by a 3-kilometres road, the park contains the scenic Lan Sang and Pha Phung waterfalls. Accommodation is available.

Taksin Maharat National Park Originally named Krabak Yai National Park, after the name of Thailand's biggest tree, this 37,250 acre national park is located 2 kilometres of the Tak-Mae Sot Highway, some 26 kilometres from Tak city. The mountainous area has several scenic viewpoints, evergreen forest, waterfalls and streams. Accommodation, primarily in the form of bungalows and campsites, is available.

Doi Musur Hilltribe Development & Welfare Centre Located on the road to Lan Sang Waterfall, the area is one in which Lahu, Lisu and Hmong hilltribes reside. Hilltribe products are for sale at Km. 29 on the Tak-Mae Sot Highway.

Mae Sot This riverside settlement on the Moei River, facing Myanmar on the opposite bank, and some 86 kilometres from Tak city, is well know for its shopping opportunities, especially for Burmese goods such as cloth lengths, gemstones and decorative items.

Tham Mae Usu This cave, boasting notably beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, is located on the scenic Mae Soy-Mae Sariang Highway (Route 1085), at Km. 95-96. Pattaya ..It is necessary to ford the Mae Usu stream in front of the cave to gain access.This may not be possible during the annual Rains Season (July through October).

I've got a friend that lives in ban tak

Good guy.

Nice place.

Tak province

Sea of fog



Sea of Fog Panorama



Arrival at Thi Lo Su waterfall in Tak province, Thailand.



This is my sort of holiday

The trip to Thee Lor Su.At "Tak" province of Thailand

I visited Tak by mistake. Me and my girlfriend came from Chayaphum and was planning to take the bus to Trat but my girlfriend ended up bying tickets to Tak, all signs are in thai, so i spend 3 days up there and it was pretty nice, good hotel that cost 350 bath i night.

The best time to visit Tak i found on trip to Sukothai is Loy Kratong ,the whole town has a festival and parade ending with thousands of lighted kratongs floating on river following the king and queens giant kratong plus they send up hundreds of lighted ballons into the night sky its a great sight ,

thank you

A good drive at anytime of year is from Maesot to Umphang..I had the pleasure many times in the past whilst working in LOS.

One trip I have made a note of in my list of things to do is to head North from Maesot. Anybody BTDT???

I had posted this earlier in the visa section, I think it better belongs here:

f anyone want to go north from Mae Sot without own transport:

There is a RED sangtaew line going all the way to Mae Sariang, in Southern Mae Hongsong province. The trip takes 6 hrs and is very nice. The pickups leave starting at 6 PM until noon. The depart first from the bus station and then drive into the town. Both places offer food and in town also coffee. The entire road is paved and generally in very good shape. Several check points before and after Karen villages, you also pass a huge refugee camp. Parts of the road go through thick rain forest and can be compared to some routes in Laos. The trip costs 180 baht.

Mae Sariang is a typical tourist and backpackers outpost with guesthouse owners just waiting for you. Food places are very but not cheap. The last bus from Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai leaves at 3 PM and takes 4 hrs to Chiang Mai. It is an aircon service. First pit stop after 2.5 hrs so.....

There is a Mae Hongsong service around the same time. Tickets are sold on the bus. CM was something like 140 baht.

Guys thanks for all of the info. Can't imagine how much of a help it will be when I can go myself.

It also has a lot of great waterfalls, but I swear its the hottest province in Thailand...

How long does it take from Bangkok to Tak by car?

Any hotel recommendations?

Worth going?

Any advice much appreciated

Thanks