Laplae & Uttaradit on a Long Weekend
New Year–Songkran · A quiet second-tier town, away from the crowds
Want to travel over a long weekend but dread the traffic, crowds and fully-booked rooms? Try a second-tier town like Laplae and Uttaradit — a slow, laid-back atmosphere where you can make merit for the New Year or play in the Songkran water without the jostle. This article rounds up a 3–4 day plan and tips for booking ahead.
Why a Second-Tier Town Is the Way to Go on a Long Weekend
Over long weekends like New Year, Songkran and back-to-back holidays, the most popular destinations are packed with cars and tourists. Laplae and Uttaradit are a second-tier choice that's still quieter, easy to reach by Northern Line train or by car — perfect for those who really want to rest rather than fight for a photo spot.
New Year is great for making merit and praying for blessings. Wat Phra Thaen Sila At and Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang are close together, followed by the Laplae City Gate and Mae Phun waterfall. The cool-season weather (year-end) is pleasantly crisp, while around Songkran there's the water-pouring tradition and the warm community feel of a small town.
If you time it with the province's festivals, it's even more fun. The Phraya Phichai Dap Hak fair and the Red Cross fair fall around January, while the sweet langsat-longkong festival is around September (see the calendar in our "Uttaradit Festivals" article). Dates can shift from year to year, so check the latest schedule before you travel.
Recommended length
3–4 days over a long weekend
Best windows
New Year merit-making · Songkran
The draw
A second-tier town, away from crowds
Must do
Book your stay ahead
A 3–4 Day Long-Weekend Plan for Laplae & Uttaradit
Day 1: Make merit at temples near the resort
Start gently at Wat Phra Thaen Sila At (~3 km) and Wat Phra Borommathat Thung Yang (~4 km) to bless the start of your holiday, then stroll the Laplae City Gate for photos. End the day with local food. Read on in our "Wat Phra Thaen" and "Merit-Making Trip" articles.
Day 2: Waterfalls and nature
Head to Mae Phun waterfall to cool off (a Songkran favourite), then on to Mon Laplae for the view and the weaving, with a stop at a garden café — relaxed, no rushing. Read on in our "Mae Phun Waterfall" and "Waterfalls of Uttaradit" articles.
Day 3: Venture further — the dam and the city
Drive out to Sirikit Dam for the reservoir view (~60 km), or head into Uttaradit town to pay respects at the Phraya Phichai monument and shop for souvenirs. Good if you're staying several nights. Read on in our "Uttaradit in 3 Days 2 Nights" article.
Catch a festival if the timing's right
If you arrive during the Phraya Phichai Dap Hak fair (around Jan) or the langsat-longkong festival (around Sep), set aside time to wander the fair too. See the calendar and check the latest dates in our "Uttaradit Festivals" article.
Book your stay ahead
Even second-tier towns fill up over long weekends. We recommend booking several weeks ahead, especially for New Year and Songkran. Message Hua Dum Resort on LINE or call 099-5029339 to hold a room.
Stay Comfortably at Hua Dum Resort This Long Weekend
Want a long-weekend trip without fighting for space? Come to Laplae and Uttaradit and stay at Hua Dum Resort in the heart of Laplae, near the temples and sights. Clean air-conditioned rooms ฿450–600 a night, breakfast included. Rooms fill fast over festivals — book ahead via LINE or call 099-5029339.