Things to do in Tak Province
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Taksin Maharat National Park
Taksin Maharat National Park covers 149 sq km; the entrance is 2km from the Km26 marker on Rte 105. The most outstanding features here are the 30m, nine-tiered waterfall Nam Tok Mae Ya Pa and a record-holding đà·bàhk, a dipterocarp that is 50m tall, 16m in circumference and 700 years old. Birdwatching is said to be particularly good here; known resident and migratory species include tiger shrikes, forest wagtails and Chinese pond herons. This park offers utilitarian rooms that sleep between four and 10 people and a camping ground. Food service can be arranged here.
reviewed
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Khao-Mao Khao-Fang
Like dining in a gentrified jungle, this place, designed by a Thai botanist, replaces chandeliers with hanging vines, orchids and lots of running water. It also has one of the more interesting Thai menus you'll find anywhere, with dishes featuring local ingredients such as fish from the Mae Nam Moei or local herbs and veggies. Try one of the several delicious-sounding yam (Thai-style spicy salads), featuring ingredients ranging from white turmeric to local mushrooms. The restaurant is north of town between the Km 1 and Km 2 markers on the road to Mae Ramat.
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Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary
The Nam Tok Thilawsu falls are near the headquarters of the Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 50km from Um Phang, towards Sangkhlaburi in Kanchanaburi Province. The 2km path between the headquarters and falls has been transformed into a self-guided nature tour, with the addition of well-conceived educational plaques. Surrounding the falls on both sides of the river are Thailand's thickest stands of natural forest, and the hiking in the vicinity of Nam Tok Thilawsu can be superb. The forest here is said to contain more than 1300 varieties of palm; giant bamboo and strangler figs are also commonplace.
The wildlife sanctuary links with the Thung Yai Naresuan Nationa…
reviewed
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Lan Sang National Park
Nineteen kilometres before Tak, Lan Sang National Park preserves a 104-sq-km area of rugged, 1000m-high granite peaks – part of the Tenasserim Range. A network of trails leads to several waterfalls, including the park’s 40m-high namesake. Lan Sang National Park rents rustic bungalows that can accommodate two to 32 people. Two-person tents are also available. Food service can be arranged in this park.
reviewed
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Doi Muser Hilltribe Cultural Center
At the top of the mountain on the road to Tak is this research and cultural centre where you can visit for the day, or spend the night. Here they grow and sell crops such as tea, coffee, fruits and flowers. Call ahead to find out about seeing a cultural performance. The temperature can go as low as 4°C in the winter. During November and December, boo·a torng (a kind of wild sunflower) blossom around the centre.
reviewed
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Khrua Canadian
This is the place to go if you want to forget you're in Asia for one meal. Dave, the Canadian, brews his own coffee and also offers homemade bagels, deli meats and cheeses, in addition to a huge breakfast menu. The servings are large, the menu is varied, and when you finally remember you're in Thailand again, local information is also available.
reviewed
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Lucky Tea Garden
For the authentic Burmese teashop experience without crossing over to Myawadi, visit this friendly cafe equipped with sweet tea, tasty snacks, and of course, bad Burmese pop music. Or come with an empty stomach and try one of the better biryani in town.
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Bai Fern
The cosy, wood-furnished Bai Fern has a pleasant atmosphere and is popular all day long.
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Pa Ni
Has a brief English-language menu, which includes a couple of veggie options (the Thai menu is much more expansive). It’s generally considered the best kitchen in town. The restaurant is just across the bridge on the road leading out to Ban Palatha.
reviewed
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Casa Mia
Tucked down a side street, this simple restaurant serves the cheapest homemade pasta dishes you'll find anywhere. And better yet, they're right tasty. They also do Thai and Burmese, and some exceptional desserts, including a wicked banoffee pie.
reviewed
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Cookery Course
Held at Borderline shop, this course teaches Shan, Burmese and Karen dishes, and includes a trip to the market, food and drink preparation, a cookbook, and sharing the results in the adjoining cafe. Courses decrease in price with bigger groups.
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Kung’s Bar
Popular with the NGO set, this fun bar is decked out with murals and an odd combination of antiques and kitsch. A huge and detailed drink menu will appeal to those who don’t do beer.
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Trekker Hill
This recommended outfit has the greatest number of English-speaking guides and offers a variety of treks running from one- to four-days.
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Hazel Taste
This modern, air-conditioned cafe offers a huge selection of great coffee drinks, tasty sweets and internet.
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Se. Southeast Express
Does three- to four-day tours to Um Phang and around, as well as one-day tours around Mae Sot.
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Max One Tour
This company conducts adventure-centric tours, mostly based around the Um Phang area.
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Sangkhalok Museum
This small but comprehensive museum is an excellent introduction to ancient Sukhothai’s most famous product and export, its ceramics. It displays an impressive collection of original 700-year-old Thai pottery found in the area, plus some pieces traded from Vietnam, Burma and China. The 2nd floor features examples of non-utilitarian pottery made as art, including some beautiful and rare ceramic Buddha statues.
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Weera Tour
Located just off the main road, this company arranges excellent tours, although the number of English-speaking guides is limited.
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Water Bar
More of a Thai scene, this place has open-air tables, draught beer, snacks and a big screen for the big game.
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Tu Ka Su Cottage
If none of the above work, contact this resort for help in arranging English-speaking guides.
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Tham Ta Khu Bi
From Ban Mae Klong Mai, just a few kilometres north of Um Phang via the highway to Mae Sot, Rte 1167 heads southwest along the Thai–Myanmar border. Along the way is the extensive cave system of Tham Ta Khu Bi, which in Karen allegedly means 'Flat Mango'. There are no guides here, so be sure to bring your own torch.
reviewed
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Poeng Kloeng
After 12km, turn left onto Rte 1288, which leads to the checkpoint for Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary. Past this point the road deteriorates in quality, yet continues more than 70km, terminating in Poeng Kloeng – a Karen, Burmese, Indo-Burmese, Talaku and Thai trading village where buffalo carts are more common than motorcycles. The picturesque setting among spiky peaks and cliffs is worth the trip even if you go no further. From the sŏrng·tăa·ou station in Um Phang there are sŏrng·tăa·ou to Poeng Kloeng (100B, 2½ hours, every hour 6.30am to 3.30pm).
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Phudoi Restaurant
When open, this restaurant has decent food. There's a bilingual menu and it's often the only place open past 9pm.
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Phat Thai Mae Sot
This cosy place serves pàt tai with a local twist: toppings of pork rind and barbecued pork. It's a bit tricky to find, so look for the wooden house with the old-school advertisements.
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