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The Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) is planning a series of tourism development
projects and marketing promotional strategies for the province of Phrae
as part of its plans to draw more visitors to this lesser known northern
area of the kingdom, as well as neighbouring Nan province.
Wat
Phra Thai Cho Hae, Phrae
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Wat
Phra Thai Chae Haeng, Nan
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Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor, said, “Statistics
show that more and more European tourists are staying overnight in Phrae,
which has long been seen as one of the most “off-the-beaten-track” parts
of Thailand. Its appeal lies in its slow and relaxing pace of life, and
it is a place where the worries and cares of the world seem very, very
far away.”
TAT is lining up seasonal marketing and promotional
activities to attract tourists through roadshows, e-marketing and social
media drives. A fam trip for members of the international media was held
in early March to help tell the world of Phrae’s existence and its
amazing history and culture.
Phrae boasts a rich history as well as vibrant
local cultures and traditions. Just over a hundred years ago, the area
played a significant role as the gateway to the Lanna kingdom. During
World War II, it also served as the northern base of the Free Thai
movement. There are many interesting buildings in the province that have
colonial-style architecture, evidence of the strong links the region had
with neighbouring nations during the colonial period.
Over the past two years, accommodation options in
Phrae have improved considerably with several international style resorts
and hotels having been opened including Hoern Na Na – the newest and
trendiest boutique hotel in the province. But this is still a low-key
industry in the province with only 1,200 rooms to date.
One of the attractions created for the increasing
numbers of visitors is a Walking Street style bazaar hosted by members of
the local communities. This is held every Saturday evening and nearby
there are pleasant restaurants, local markets and some unique tourist
attractions.
If Phrae’s relaxed pace of life gets a little too
slow, there are more historical and cultural offerings to be enjoyed in
the nearby province of Nan, located about 200 km. away which can usually
be covered in a couple of hours. TAT is encouraging visitors to combine
both destinations in one trip.
Phrae
and Nan, were once part of the ancient kingdom of Lanna, and so they
share a rich history and culture. Both destinations are home to various
ethnic groups. Nan is currently the more developed of the two provinces
in terms of tourist infrastructure, which is why it is suggested that
visitors see both regions to enjoy the delights of both.
Phra
That Cho Hae Festiva, Phrae
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Colonial-style
building, Phrae
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Hoern
Na Na hotel, Phrae
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Tram
tour, Nan
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Both
provinces can be reached by plane from Bangkok. Nok Air operates a daily
direct flight to Phrae and Nan from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport.
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