Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok
A major tourist destination in the Lower North, Phitsanulok is situated on the banks of the Nan River some 377 kilometres from Bangkok. Most of the terrains are flatland, with mountain ranges running on the east where waterfalls and national parks offer opportunities for nature treks.
Historically, Phitsanulok has been a major community since the time of the Khmers and enjoyed great prosperity during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. During 1463-1487 it was practically another royal capital as King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya resided permanently in the province.

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Phitsanulok is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Wang Thong, Phrom Phiram, Bang Krathum, Bang Rakam, Wat Bot, Nakhon Thai, Chat Trakan and Noen Maprang.

Wat Phra Si Mahathat


Locally dubbed as "Wat Yai", the complex is considered the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Housing Thailand's famous Phra Phutthachinnarat, Wat Yai is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river. The temple was built during the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357.

The King Naresuan the Great Shrine
Located on the other side of Maenam Nan, opposite the main town, the Shrine of King Naresuan the Great is in the compound of Phitsanulok Phittayakom School. The Shrine was built in 1961 at the site of the Chan Palace where King Naresuan the Great was born and raised. The Shrine represents the Thais utmost respect to their beloved King who liberated the nation from Burmese power.

Wat Ratburana
South of Wat Phra Si Mahathat is Wat Ratburana, another main attraction worth visiting. The temple was built at the command of King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya who played a major role in fostering Buddhism in the Kingdom. The temple features a three-headed Naga (mythical serpent in Buddhism) over its eaves.

Wat Chula Mani
Located approximately 5 kilometers from town on the east bank of Nan river, Wat Chula Mani is the oldest temple in town. It was built prior to the Sukhothai era and was once the spot where the original town was located. Wat Chula Mani is a temple with long history. King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya and 2,000 of his followers were ordained as monks at this temple in 1416. The Khmer-style pagoda attracts students and archaeologists to explore the beautiful, intricate swan design. Moreover, the Mondop contains a Holy Footprint and an inscription stone built by King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya.

Nan Riverside Park
The park, which was built by Phitsanulok Municipality in 2002, is situated in the middle of the town, on the eastern bank of Nan river. Inside the park, is a Boathouse Museum showcasing the daily life of people living in boathouses.
*Admission is free.

City tour by tricycle
Usually taken at night, visitors can see the city from a different perspective when on the tricycle. The trip will pass the commercial part of town, markets and ancient places. Chauffeur services are available. Reservations can be made at local hotels.

The City Pillar Shrine
The city pillar is located in the shrine on the western bank of the Nan River, opposite the Mueang Phitsanulok District Administration Office. Designed by the Fine Arts Department, the Prang-shaped building houses the city pillar which is made of different kinds of sacred wood in its various parts and has gone through a religious ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

Tham Duean Tham Dao
Situated in the western territory of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, the cave has a subterranean river running through it. Visitors have to climb over rocks at the cave’s entrance to get in, just to find a large chamber and subterranean river. At the length of 1.4 kilometres, the cave is beautified with stalagmites and stalactites. It can be visited during the dry season and a personal torch is required. High water during rainy season makes it dangerous to visit. To get there: The cave is 85 kilometres from downtown Phitsanulok. Motorists can use Highway 12, then use Highway 11 and 1115 to Amphoe Noen Maprang. The cave is 6 kilometres away.

The Folklore Museum
This is definitely the place for those wishing to learn more about the Thai lifestyle. Step inside a group of Thai pavilions and explore a private collection of antique items representing Thai rural life. They include indigenous arts, pottery, farming and trapping equipment and household items. Old photographs revealing Phitsanulok's good old days are also on display.

The City Walls of Phitsanulok
The city walls of Phitsanulok were made of clay similar to those of the Sukhothai era. The walls were built at the command of King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya to prevent attacks from both the Lanna and Burmese Kingdoms. It was not until King Rama I of the Rattanakosin era that the walls were destroyed. The demolition was undertaken to prevent enemies using the city walls as shelter for their troops.

Whitewater rafting
An exciting activity, visitors are provided with a truly unique experience while whitewater rafting especially with the refreshing natural scenery along Maenam Kek in Wang Thong District. The entire trip takes only 2.5 hours to complete. The best time to go downstream is between June and October. Reservations can be made at your hotel or at any resorts located along Highway No. 12 .

Namtok Kaeng Song
Located at Km. 45 along the Highway, the waterfall, which is slightly bigger than Namtok Wang Nok An, is set against a mountainous backdrop.

Namtok Kaeng Sopha
This waterfall, Phitsanulok's largest, is located 2 kilometers off of Km. 70 marker along Highway No. 12. It is possible to walk around and explore the rocky surroundings especially during the dry season. This 2-tiered waterfall cascades down the steep cliffs to the rocks below providing a different ambience for every season.

Namtok Poi

Namtok Poi and Khao Krayang Forest Plantation are situated between Kilometre 59-60 on Highway 12, turn right and proceed for another 2 kilometers. The surrounding area is suitable for recreation and relaxation activities. The Forest Industry Organisation’s forest plantation houses a beautiful waterfall that allows visitors to enjoy nature. Nature trails and accommodation are available.

Namtok Wang Nok Aen
Situated in the arboretum only one kilometre off of the main highway 12 (Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Road) Kilometre 33, the small fall is surrounded with different kinds of plants. On the west is a royal pavilion that once welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen during their royal visit to the North, with another pavilion by the water in the east. Nearby is Sai Rapids, where visitors can enjoy the scenery. Within the park is Namtok Wang Nok Aen, a 10-meter high waterfall, that cascades down the rock with strong currents that have gradually shaped the stones into the most unique formations.

Chan Palace
The birthplace and a resident of King Naresuan the Great, Chan Palace is located in the compound of Phitsanulok Phittayakom School. At present, the site is being excavated and the entire palace will be restored as a future historical attraction.

Kaeng Chet Khwae National Park
Located in Amphoe Wang Thong, Nakorn Thai District, the park covers an area of 136,250 rai of land. The terrain is mainly covered by lush forests with mountain ranges raising 100 to 645 meters above sea level. Attractions include Namtok Kaeng Bua Kam: a 5-tiered waterfall, Namtok Phu Daeng Ron, Namtok Huay Plu, Larn Mapha Dua view point, and Ban Nong Hin view point.

Art & Culture Gallery
Art & Culture Gallery, Naresuan University (Sanambin Campus), the Gallery is established with an aim to promote and preserve Thai arts and culture. Located at the resource centre on Sanam Bin Rd., the Gallery is divided into 3 sections including;

Wat Chedi Yot Thong
Located on Phaya Suea Road, outside Phitsanulok walls, Wat Chedi Yot Thong is the only temple in the province that has a lotus bud-shaped Chedi in the original Sukhothai style.

Wat Aranyik
This is a Sukhothai-era temple located in the same vicinity which is surrounded by moats.

Wat Nang Phaya
Situated near Wat Ratburana is Wat Nang Phaya which believed to have been built during the same period. The temple is famous for extensive collection of the highly coveted Nang Phaya (small Buddha images used as amulets) which was found underneath.

Thai Bird Garden
Located opposite to the folk museum, it is a bird conservation centre that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand such as jambu fruit-dove, helmeted hornbill, and birds mentioned in Thai literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue magpie, etc. The park entertains visitors with some birds that can imitate human’s voice greeting both in Thai and English such as parrot as well as those singing beautifully like black-throated laughing thrush, white-crested laughing thrush, and white rumped shama. The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. For more information, call Tel: 0 5521 254

Textile Museum
Textile Museum and Life Museum are located on the second floor of the multi-purpose building of Naresuan University, the Textile Museum displays textiles and garments from different sources domestically and internationally. The museum houses documents and research studies regarding textiles and royal suits of Their Majesties the King and Queen that were conferred to the university. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in weaving.

Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram
Located on Khao Samo Khlaeng, Ban Samo Khlaeng, approximately 14 kilometres from Phitsanulok on Highway 12 and 3 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Wang Thong. The hilltop temple houses two Buddha’s footprints, one is a replica and the other is on the face of a western cliff. A celebration is held annually in February. The temple also houses a thousand-handed Guan Yin statue, three tons in weight, from Hangzhou, China, which was carved out of white jade and sent here in 1992. On the mountain, there is a pond that never runs dry since ancient time. Uphill from the Guan Yin statue, there is a shrine of Heng Jia, the monkey hero, which is frequented by Thai Chinese visitors. The topmost viewpoint of the mountain is the location of Phra Mahathat Chedi Si Bowon Chinarat where the Buddha’s forehead bone relic is enshrined. The Chedi has a lotus-shaped spire, with a walking Buddha image on each side of its square base.

The Bank Kaeo Dog Farm
specialises in raising the Bang Kaeo breed of dogs. The Bang Keao is a mixed breed of wild and domesticated canines. Characteristically, their mouths and tails look similar to those of jackals. They are noted for their devotion to their owners. Bang Kaeo dogs do not come cheap.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Phu Hin Rong Kla is a distinctive national park with a unique mixture of scenic attractions and historical sites. It was once the stage of armed conflicts between two extreme political ideologies. The Park covers a total area of 191,875 rai of land (76,750 acres) and is approximately 130 kilometers from Phitsanulok city. It can be reached by taking Highway No. 12 and turning left at Km.68 marker into Highway No. 2013, a road leading to Nakhon Thai District.

Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry
Located opposite the Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavis Museum is a small bronze Buddha image casting foundry, which is the only of its kind in the province. The foundry allows visitors with the opportunity to witness skilled craftspersons working on the reproduction of Phra Buddha Chinnarat images. It is possible to actually walk along the production line to see the whole bronze-casting process. In addition, huge Buddha images are also cast here. The foundry is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Phu Soi Dao National Park
Phu Soi Dao National Park is located in both Chat Trakan district of Phitsanulok Province and Nam Pard District of Uttaradit Province. Occupying a total area of 48,962.5 rai of land (equivalent to 58,750 acres), the park stretches along the Thai-Laos border with the highest peak measured at 2,102 meters above sea level. The climate park is cool throughout the year and visitors are able to see several species of wild flowers.

Nam Tok Chat Trakan National Park
Located in Khao Ya Puk, approximately 145 kilometers from the city, Namtok Chat Trakan National Park occupies a total area of 146,875 rai of land (equivalent to 58,750 acres). This is the location of the famous 7-tiered waterfall which cascades down high mountain cliffs which have traces of carvings of pre-historic symbol. In addition, there is a beach and a pond suitable for swimming situated just in front of the waterfalls lowest tier.

Kaeng Wang Nam Yen
About 5 kilometres from Nong Mae Na is a 50 metres x 100 metres wide rapids, Kaeng Wang Nam Yen, affording a delightful scenery.

There are also a couple of caves with beautiful hanging and protruding groups of rocks. However, the access is not too convenient. For those who want to stay overnight in the park should contact the park authorities in advance and make their own arrangements for camping gear and provisions as there aren't as yet any facilities available