Phrae, a northern province of Thailand with a rich, ancient history, is often referred to by names like “Pol Nakhon” or “Kosai Nakhon.” Evidence from nearby inscriptions and regional histories suggests that Phrae has roots stretching back to the era when the Khmer Empire influenced the region, approximately between 927-1017 AD. The province is well-known for traditional products, including its signature indigo-dyed fabric, “Mo Hom,” and is celebrated for cultural landmarks like Wat Phra That Cho Hae.

Geographically, Phrae is a mountainous area, with about 80% of the province surrounded by hills, leaving only 20% as arable land, mostly in valleys such as those around Mueang Phrae, Rong Kwang, and Den Chai districts. The province’s climate includes three distinct seasons—winter (mid-October to mid-February), summer (mid-February to mid-May), and the rainy season (mid-May to mid-October)—influenced by both the southwest and northeast monsoons, which contribute to a variety of weather conditions across the region.

Phrae is one of Thailand’s 17 northern provinces, situated approximately 551 kilometers from Bangkok. The province is bordered by Lampang, Nan, Phayao, Uttaradit, and Sukhothai provinces. Covering an area of 6,538.59 square kilometers, Phrae is administratively divided into 8 districts, 78 sub-districts, and 708 villages. Local governance includes 84 administrative bodies, with a Provincial Administrative Organization, one city municipality, 25 town municipalities, and 57 subdistrict administrative organizations.