About Tak
Tak Province in northwestern Thailand offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and adventure. Known as the 'Gateway to the North,' it's bordered by Myanmar, creating a unique cultural fusion visible in markets like Mae Sot. The province's crown jewel is Taksin Maharat National Park, home to Thailand's largest tree and stunning waterfalls like Thi Lo Su and Thi Lo Re. History buffs will appreciate the ancient city of Tak with its centuries-old temples and the iconic King Taksin the Great monument. The mountainous terrain provides excellent trekking opportunities to hill tribe villages, while the Ping River offers serene rafting experiences. Tak's culinary scene features distinctive northern Thai dishes with Burmese influences. From the bustling border town atmosphere to tranquil forest retreats, Tak delivers an authentic Thai experience away from mass tourism.
Upcoming Events in Tak
Things to do in Tak
Japanese Cooking Class with Local Family in Takayama Old Town
Sawanobori River Trekking Tour
Takayama Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa go
From ¥26,700
5.0 (31)
Takayama Half Day Tour (Private Guide)
From ¥17,872
5.0 (26)
Ninja experience in Takayama - Special Course
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Master's Private Tea Room
From ¥18,750
5.0 (13)
From Takayama: Foodie Adventure, Showa Era, & the Old Town
From ¥25,400
5.0 (13)
EXPERIENCE TAKAYAMA OLD TOWN 30 MINUTES walk
Takayama to Gujo Hachiman, History Traditions and Crafts
From ¥31,800
5.0 (11)
Private Tour From Takayama to Takayama and Shirakawago
From Takayama: Shirakawa-go Half-Day Tour by Bus
From ¥15,000
5.0 (9)
Takayama Mochi Making Experience in a Buddhist Temple
Private Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi Tour
Takayama: Edo-Period Old Town Walking Tour（70 Minutes）
From ¥8,800
5.0 (8)
1-Day Tour of Takayama's Cultural Treasures Hida-Furukawa
From ¥22,900
5.0 (7)Places to visit in Tak
Mall
Accra Mall
Accra, Ghana
Pub
The Honeysuckle
Accra, Ghana
Casual Dining
The Local - Bugolobi
Kampala, Uganda
Pub
Sky Bar
Accra, Ghana
Pub
+233 Jazz Bar & Grill
Accra, Ghana
Stay
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Jinja, Uganda
From $500
Specialty
The Lawns
Kampala, Uganda
From UGX 0
Park
Extreme Adventure Park - Busiika
Wakiso, Uganda
Zoo
The Reptile Village
Entebbe, Uganda
From UGX 15,000
Fine Dining
Aurous Restaurant
Kampala, Uganda
Specialty
Le Tandem
Accra, Ghana
Resorts
GKAT Resort
Mbarara, Uganda
5.0 (1)
Fine Dining
7Hills Revolving Restaurant
Kampala, Uganda
Stay
Kipling Lodge
Jinja, Uganda
Specialty
Pardis Restaurant
Kampala, Uganda
Travel Tips for Tak
Getting Around
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) connect towns and villages. Motorcycle taxis are common for short distances. Local buses operate between districts. Car rentals available in Mueang Tak and Mae Sot—4WD recommended for mountain areas. No ride-hailing apps operate locally. Boats traverse the Ping River. For remote areas, guided tours with transportation are best. Bicycles can be rented for exploring towns.
Best Time To Visit
November to February offers cool, dry weather (15-30°C), ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. This period includes the beautiful Loy Krathong festival in November. March to May is hot (up to 40°C) but good for river activities. June to October is rainy with lush greenery but some trails may be slippery and leeches are present.
Local Customs
Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. The head is considered sacred—avoid touching people's heads. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourist establishments (10% in restaurants if service charge not included). Respect monarchy and Buddhist symbols. When giving/receiving, use right hand or both hands. Hill tribe villages may have specific customs—follow guide's instructions.
Safety Information
Generally safe for tourists. Exercise caution in border areas near Myanmar due to occasional instability—follow local advice. Avoid remote border zones after dark. Petty theft can occur in markets and bus stations—secure valuables. Road safety requires attention on mountainous routes, especially during rainy season. Use licensed tour operators for trekking. Scams are rare but be cautious with gem purchases. Mae Sot area has higher security presence; carry passport at all times in border regions.
Health Information
Tak has provincial hospitals in Mueang Tak and Mae Sot District Hospital. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for rural and border areas, especially near Myanmar. Dengue fever is present during rainy season (May-Oct). Tap water is not potable—drink bottled water. Medical facilities are adequate in towns but limited in remote areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Mae Sot has clinics serving cross-border communities.
Languages Spoken
ThaiKarenBurmese
Quick Facts
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
฿
฿
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+66
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
650,000
Area
16406 km²
Government
Provincial Administration
ISO Code
TH-08