Tak Province

Tak is one of the western provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are from north clockwise, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani and Kanchanaburi. The western edge of the province has a long boundary with Kayin State of Myanmar (Burma).
Geography: The principal geographical feature in Tak province is the Bhumibol Dam (named after King Bhumibol Adulyadej). It’s located in Sam Ngao (district) of Tak and was built between 1958 and 1964. It stops the Ping River, one of the two sources of the Chao Phraya River. The artificial lake created covers an area of 300 km² and is the largest in Thailand. Some important national parks are in Tak province and two wildlife santuaries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the western side of Tak Province the Tenasserim Hills meet the Dawna Range. Tak Province occupies 16,406 km2 and lies 426 km north of Bangkok. One of only a few border crossings with Myanmar is at Mae Sot in Tak Province. Northwestwards of Mae Sot the main road on the Thai side skirts the border until it turns straight north towards Mae Hong Son.
History: Tak was a historical kingdom built over 2,000 years ago, even before the Sukhothai period. The ancient kingdom had its peak around the 1st century. By the 5th century the capital of this kingdom was moved south to Lavo (present day Lopburi Province). A city named Ban Tak was established by Chamatewi, princess of the Lavo kingdom, around 663 CE. It became part of the Sukhothai kingdom through battles led by Ramkhamhaeng the Great and formed the main fortress on the western front. The city was moved further west and renamed Mueang Rahang when the Ayutthaya kingdom was lost to Burma during King Maha Thammaracha's reign. The city was moved back to the east side of the Ping River during the early Bangkok period. King Taksin the Great was vice-governor of Tak before the Ayutthaya kingdom fell during the war with Burma in the second half of the 18th century. Accordingly he received the name ‘Tak-Sin’ during this time. He would go on to unify the kingdom and expel the Burmese.
Economy: Agriculture is a major part of the Tak economy. The province of Tak produces rice, corn, vegetables, fruits, beef, tilapia, and other foods: Look for Mu Soe (or Doi Muser) Hill Tribe Market. Industries in Tak include mining, granite, and jewellery. Handicrafts and Myanmar products are also important for trade.
Tourism: While Tak has some recorded history, by far the most important reason to visit the province is its natural treasures. Much of the province is forested bisected by the Ping River. To the north is the Bhumibol Dam and Reservoir while ecotourism in the southern part is seasonal with popular waterfalls. Hiking and white water rafting is available in various forest reserves. Tak is also known for its Loi Krathong Festival held on the Ping River.