Laplae District

History & Significance

Laplae is an ancient community with roots tracing back to the Sukhothai Kingdom, as evidenced by the Chedi Phihan stone inscription found at Wat Chedi Khiri Vihan. Historically, Laplae was part of Thung Yang city, which later served as a frontier town for the Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1438. The name 'Laplae' (meaning hidden from sight) has two main theories. Prince Damrong Rajanubhab hypothesized that refugees from Phrae and Nan fled war to settle in this dense, mountainous forest, where outsiders easily got lost. Another local legend attributes the name to 'Pa Lap Laeng' (meaning 'evening-hidden forest' in the Lanna dialect), as the surrounding mountains block the sunlight, making the area dark even before sunset.

In 1901, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the area, leading to the official establishment of Laplae as a district. In 1914, the legendary local leader Phra Sri Phanommas relocated the district office to Mon Siamin, the site where King Rama V's royal pavilion once stood.

Highlights & What to See

Laplae is highly celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and agricultural abundance. Key highlights include:

• Lanna Handicrafts: The district is famous for producing exquisite 'Teen Jok' (traditional hand-woven sarongs with intricate patterns) and 'Tong Kong' brooms.
• Famous Local Fruits: Laplae is the proud home of the highly prized 'Long-Lin Laplae' durian and sweet 'Langsat' fruits.
• Historical Temples: Visitors can explore ancient sites like Wat Pa Sak, which showcases a beautiful blend of Ayutthaya and Lanna architectural styles, and Wat Chedi Khiri Vihan.

Visitor Information

Laplae District is open daily to visitors from 07:00 to 18:00. There is no admission fee to enter the district area, though individual attractions or museums may have their own guidelines. Visitors are encouraged to dress politely when visiting local temples and to respect the peaceful lifestyle of the local community.

How to Get There

Laplae District is located approximately 9 kilometers from the city center of Uttaradit. Visitors can easily reach the district by local transport, rented motorbikes, or private cars from Uttaradit town.