Phrae
Lively and rich Phrae, center of the province of the same name and one of Thailand's oldest towns, lies approximately 550 km (342 mi.) north of Bangkok in the fertile valley of Menam Yom, one of the tributaries of Menam Chao Phraya. Since the completion
of the Yom dam, agriculture has been the most important factor in the region's economy. Tobacco (dried in large, brick-built ovens), sugar cane, maize and peanuts are the main crops.
The numerous temple buildings are stylistically similar to those of Lamphun, as both towns once belonged to the Haripunchai kingdom. Traces of Burmese and Laotian occupation remain.
By car: from Phitsanulok Highway 11 (180 km (112 mi.)). From Lampang highways 11/101 (85 km 53 mi.)), from Nan Highway 101 (125 km (78 mi.)).
By rail: nearest station Den Chai (23 km (14 mi.)).
By air: daily from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.