555km from Bangkok by road, Phrae is in northern Thailand, capital of Phrae Province. This small and quiet town locates on the banks of the Yom River, plays an important role in Northern Thailand’s community after Chiang Mai. It’s home to one of the largest reserves of teak forest in the country and surrounded on all sides by hills and impressive mushroom mountains. Phrae is not on the main tourist trail. It is often forgotten by tourists but it has its charms. Ancient Wat Chom Sawan and Wat Phra That Cho Hae are two most important Buddhist temples in Phrae. Visiting Phrae can be quick but every single landscape of this town, from the lake, hills to beautiful countryside and its small night market give you the authentic sense of Thailand and a deeper dive into Thai culture and history. Phrae has a tropical climate. Winters are dry and warm. Summer begins in April, which is hot with the average daily maximum at 37.6 °C. The monsoon season runs from May through October, with rain during the day, although nights remain warm.