The
Praya Phichai Dap Hak Memorial is installed in front of
the townhall erected in honour of a hero. As governor of
Muang Phichai (south of Uttaradit) about 200 years ago
during the Thon Buri Period, the valiantly fought with
Burmese evaders until one of his swords broke in two.
But he prevailed over them. Hence the sobriquet Phichai
of the Broken Sword.
Once the
official residence of the provincial governor, the Uttaradit
Provincial Cultural Hall houses important historical relics. A
major item is the "Yan Mat", a carved wooden carrying pole made
by Late Ayutthaya Period craftsmen.
Wat Klang,
about three kiometres from Muang district at Tambon Ban Kae, is
an old temple with beautiful plaster bas-reliefs over the
Ubosot. Inside are rare wall murals of the Early Rattanakosin
Period style depicting the Jataka and assemblage of celestial
beings.
Located in
town on the Nan River bank is Wat Tha Thanon, which houses Luang
Pho Phet, the principal Buddha statue of he province. It is of
the Chiang Saen style and cast in bronze.
Wat
Thamma Thipatai at In Chai Mi intersection is where the
door panels of the large and ancient Vihan of Wat Phra
Fang are kept. The panels, made of wood, measure 2.2
metre wide x 5.3 metre high. The carved design is of the
graceful style of the Late Ayutthaya Period. They are
rated as the second best such creation next only to
those at Wat Suthat in Bangkok.
To the
east of town about three kilometres away on Samranrun
Road is Wat Yai Tha Sao. It features and old chapel with
beautiful wood-carved door panels and lintels.
