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Phrae
Phrae is a compact northern province in the Yom River valley known for its well-preserved teak mansions, centuries-old walled old town, and the striking eroded pillars of Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park — often called Thailand's Grand Canyon. The province has been a centre of indigo-dyed Mo Hom cotton weaving for generations.
Covering 6,483 km² and home to 421,745 residents as of 2024, Phrae lies between the Phi Pan Nam Range to the west and the Phlueng Range to the east, with the Yom River threading through its central valley. The province joined the Lanna Kingdom in 1443 and later flourished as a teak-trading hub, attracting European timber companies in the 19th century whose legacy survives in colonial-style mansions such as the Vongburi House. Forests still cover nearly 65% of the provincial area, and four national parks protect its highland terrain. The sacred temple of Phra That Cho Hae, whose name-giving yellow satin cloth wraps the stupa each year at the Cho Hae Festival, is the most revered pilgrimage site in the province. Phrae's signature product, the deep-indigo Mo Hom shirt, has been worn by Thai farmers and craftspeople for centuries and remains in production in Ban Thung Hong village.