Northern Thailand
Living in Uttaradit
Thailand's durian capital with a legendary warrior heritage
Population~40,000 (city), ~460,000 (province)
Monthly Cost$280 - $480
Internet Speed80 Mbps
Safety Rating
Expat Score
About Uttaradit
Uttaradit is a provincial city in lower northern Thailand known as the country's durian capital, celebrated each June through August for the prized Long Laplae variety. The Phraya Phichai Dap Hak monument honors a local warrior who famously fought with a broken sword. Sirikit Dam, Thailand's largest earthen dam, lies 70km east with reservoir boat trips and scenic mountain views. The city sits on the northern railway line with direct trains to Bangkok. Monthly costs of $280-480 and 80 Mbps internet make Uttaradit an affordable base for exploring a region rich in fruit orchards, mountain national parks, and authentic Thai provincial life with almost no foreign tourist presence.
Best For
Fruit loversBudget seekersRailway enthusiastsAuthentic provincial life
Highlights
Long Laplae durian (June-August)
Phraya Phichai Dap Hak monument
Sirikit Dam
Northern railway line
Getting Around Uttaradit
Uttaradit sits on the main northern rail line, with trains to Bangkok (7 hours), Chiang Mai (3 hours), and Phitsanulok (1.5 hours). Buses run to all major northern cities and to Bangkok. No airport -- the nearest is Phitsanulok (100km) or Sukhothai (80km). The city is compact and walkable around the station and market area. Motorbike rental (1,500-2,000 THB/month) provides access to Sirikit Dam (70km) and Laplae district. Songthaews serve local routes.
Province of Durian and Mist
Uttaradit is famous throughout Thailand for producing the country's best durian -- the Laplae district (15km west) is the epicenter, with orchard tours available during the May-August harvest season. The Laplae area also produces excellent langsat fruit. Beyond agriculture, the province offers the massive Sirikit Dam (creating one of Thailand's largest reservoirs with floating restaurants and boat trips), the mysterious Tham Pha Thai National Park cave system, and the Phu Soi Dao National Park on the Laos border with waterfalls and high-altitude pine forests. The city's old market area retains traditional wooden shophouses.
Practical Living
Internet: AIS 4G at 50 Mbps with fiber in the city center. Healthcare: Uttaradit Hospital provides reasonable care; Phitsanulok (1.5 hours) for specialist treatment. Shopping: Daily market near the train station and fruit markets during harvest season. Cost of living is very low with meals from 25-35 THB and apartments from 2,000 THB/month. The city is very quiet and traditional, with minimal tourist infrastructure. Durian season (May-August) brings fruit-loving Thai tourists. The mountain areas are cooler and offer a retreat from the lowland heat.
Pros and Cons of Living in Uttaradit
Advantages
- Thailand's best durian
The Long Laplae variety is considered superior to common types and costs a fraction of Bangkok prices in season.
- Very affordable
Monthly costs of $280-480 in a city with good railway connections to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
- Excellent railway access
Direct sleeper trains from Bangkok (6-8 hours) make travel easy and affordable.
- Sirikit Dam nearby
Thailand's largest earthen dam offers boating, fishing, and mountain scenery 70km away.
Considerations
- Almost no expat community
One of the least internationalized cities in northern Thailand with no foreign social infrastructure.
- Very hot in summer
Lower northern Thailand experiences intense heat from March through May, regularly exceeding 40°C.
- Limited entertainment
Quiet provincial city with few restaurants, no cinema, and minimal nightlife.
Neighborhoods
Popular areas to live in Uttaradit
City Center (near train station)
The area around the railway station and municipal market with street food, shops, and affordable housing
From $60-160/moLaplae district
Agricultural area 15km west famous for durian orchards with homestays and fruit farm visits during season
From $50-140/moNear Sirikit Dam
Scenic area 70km east with reservoir views, floating restaurants, and cool mountain air
From $50-130/moLocal Living Tips
- 1Take the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok — it's comfortable, scenic, and costs as little as 300 THB
- 2Visit Laplae district during durian season to buy Long Laplae direct from orchards at 80-100 THB per kilo
- 3Sirikit Dam makes an excellent weekend trip with boat trips and floating fish restaurants
- 4The city center morning market on Thanon Thung Yang has the best northern Thai breakfast dishes from 25 THB
- 5A motorbike is useful for reaching the dam and exploring the surrounding fruit orchards
- 6Learn basic Thai — almost no English is spoken outside the train station and major hotels
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