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General Information
Covering some 105,815 square kilometers, Phitsanulok is 377 kilometers north
of Bangkok. It borders Uttaradit Province on the North, Phichit Province on
the South, Loei and Phetchabun Provinces on the East, and Kamphaeng Phet and
Sukhothai Provinces on the West. Situated on a strategic location dividing
Thailands Central and Northern regions, and connecting to the Northeastern
region, Phitsanulok is undeniably an important hub and an ideal base for
travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast.
Phitsanulok, however, is not just a stopover for tourists, but is a province
with promising tourism opportunities.
Phitsanulok City spans the banks of
Maenam Nan and has Maenam Kwae Noi running through it. Therefore, it is
locally known and historically referred to as Song Kwae City (song means two
and kwae means a river). Most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, with
one third of the area being mountain ranges on the north and the east. Its
unique natural endowments including natural parks and waterfalls make a trip
to Phitsanulok worthwhile.
Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors
with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For
example, remains of an ancient community dating back between 2,000-4,000
years, including old stone axes, was found here. In addition, the old temple
of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even
before the Sukhothai Kingdom burst into power.
Phitsanulok prospered along with the powerful Sukhothai (1238-1378) and
Ayutthaya (1350 1767) Kingdoms. In particular, it played a strategic role in
the Ayutthaya era when it had become the Kingdoms royal capital for 25 years
during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.
Phitsanulok is also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (reigned
1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthayas independence from
Burma in 1584. King Naresuan the Great is known for his victorious and
honorable single hand combat on elephant back Yutthahatti against a Burmese
Crown Prince. His heroic power and strong dedication to expelling the
invaders from his motherland saved the country, and truly united the Kingdom
which later was known as Siam and currently known as Thailand.
Phitsanulok was also a strategic location for other Ayutthaya Kings as it
was a major center for military recruitment and a training camp when
Ayutthaya waged wars with Burma.
How to get there
By Car
a) From Bangkok, use Highway No. 1 to Wang Noi, then proceed to Nakhon Sawan
Province along Highway No. 32 via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong and Sing Buri
Provinces. After that, take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok. The total
distance is 337 kilometers.
b) Take the same Highway to Sing Buri Province and switch to Highway No. 11
(In Buri-Tak Fa route), then turn into Highway No. 12 and proceed to
Phitsanulok Province via Wang Thong District. The total distance is 450
kilometers.
By Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) to
Phitsanulok. Contact Transport Co. Ltd. at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66; Phitsanulok
Yan Yon Tour at Tel: 0 2936 2924-5; Choet Chai Tour at Tel: 0 2936 0199 and
Win Tour at Tel: 0 2936 3753.
By Rail
Daily regular trains depart daily from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway
Station. Call 1690 or visit
www.railway.co.th for more information.
Trains leave Bangkok for Phitsanulok daily from 7.05 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., 14
times a day. There are express trains (Sprinters) from Bangkok to
Phitsanulok departing daily from 8.25 a.m. to 11.10 p.m., 5 times a day.
Trains leave Phitsanulok for Bangkok daily, from 2.05 a.m. to 11.29 p.m., 14
times a day. There are daily express trains (Sprinters) departing from
Phitsanulok to Bangkok from 2.05 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., 4 times a day.
By Air
Thai Airways International operates several direct flights daily from
Bangkok to Phitsanulok. The trip takes 40-45 minutes. For more information,
contact the Bangkok Office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Phitsanulok
Office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or visit
www.thaiairways.com.
By Rental Car
For visitors interested in touring Phitsanulok independently, Budget has a
small operation at the airport. Call tel. 05525-8556 for reservations and
information. Avis operates out of an office adjoining the Phitsanulok Youth
Hostel.
Travelling around the city is easy as the town is relatively compact. Sam
lor will cost 30-50 baht/person, depending on the destination and city buses
are also available (4-6 baht/person, non air-conditioned). The station is
located on Thammabucha Road, near the train station.
Attractions
Amphoe Bang Kaeo
Bang Kaeo Dog Farm
The Bang Kaeo Dog Farm specialises in raising the Bang Kaeo breed of dogs.
The Bang Kaeo 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.
Amphoe Chat Trakan
Namtok 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.
To get to the national park take Highway No. 12 to Ban Yang. At Km. 68, turn
left onto route No. 2013 which leads to Nakhon Thai District. Then proceed
on route No. 1143 to Chat Trakan District. Alternatively, you can take a bus
from Phitsanulok. It departs 7 times a day: 6.00 a.m., 7.20 a.m., 9.30 a.m.,
11.30 a.m., 3.20 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Visitors may camp out in the park with
permission from the park officials. Call 05 523 7028 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th.
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.
One of the most distinctive features of the park is the savanna field amidst
the dense pine trees. Another attraction worth visiting is the five-tiered
Namtok Phu Soi Dao which is located quite near to the park office. Larn Paa
Son which can be reached in 4-5 hours via mountainous trails is also a
highly recommended place for an overnight stay. In addition, Namtok Sai Tip,
the next waterfall on the way, is a place where visitors can marvel at moss
and lichen covered cliff. Advanced notice to Park Officers is required and
highly recommended. Call 05 541 9234-5 or email reserve@dnp.go.th for more
camping and travel information.
How to get to Phu Soi Dao
From Phitsanulok
By Car: take the Phitsanulok - Wat Bot - Ban Pong Cae - Chat Trakan -
Phu Soi Dao route where the total distance is 177 kilometers. Alternatively,
take the Phitsanulok - Nakhon Thai - Chat Trakan - Phu Soi Dao route where a
total distance of 154 kilometers.
By Bus: there are buses departing from the city at 6.00 a.m., 7.20
a.m., 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.50 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
Amphoe Nakhon Thai
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.
To reach the national park drive along Highway No. 12 from the city for 6
kilometers, then turn left onto Highway No. 11 (Phitsanulok - Uttaradit).
Proceed for another 25 kilometers to Ban Nakam, then turn right and drive
for approximately 9 kilometers. Upon reaching Ban Kaeng Ched Kwae School,
turn right and drive along the road for 300 meters to the entrance on the
left. Accommodations are available. Contact Kaeng Ched Kwae National Park
Office (temporary) National Park Guard Unit (Phu Daeng Ron) Ban Huay Plu
,Sup Prai Wan,Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok 65130 or email reserve@dnp.go.th.
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.
The park area is mainly covered with lush green forests, several awesome
waterfalls, and a vast plain of rocks with cracks scattered all around. The
highest point of the park is 1,617 meters above sea level. Here, rock
formations are naturally formed into different shapes beyond your wildest
imagination. Some rocky grounds have deep splits (Lan Hin Taek), while
others have uneven formations.
Apart from natural attractions, the park offers opportunities to explore
many of its historical sites that tell the story of national political
conflicts.
Because Phu Hin Rong Kla was the strategic headquarters of the Communist
Party of Thailand (CPT) during 1967 to 1982, the area was declared as a red
area by the Thai government. For nearly two decades, the site had become a
strategic battlefield between the Royal Thai Army and the CPT. Phu Hin Rong
Kla was the perfect location for the CPT to fight the military. Its remote,
closed mountainous area was superb for an elusive defense. It was not until
1982 that the conflict was overcome when the government granted amnesty to
all the students who had joined the CPT. In 1984, Phu Hin Rong Kla was
declared a National Park.
During the CPT's golden era, a hospital, a school of political and political
tactics, living quarters, an air-raid shelter and other necessary facilities
were set up. Today, visitors to Phu Hin Rong Kla can travel along the parks
main road to witness the remains of a rustic meeting hall, the political
school, and the administration building.
There is also a trail leading to Lan Hin Pum, an area of jutting rocks that
the CPT used as an air-raid shelter. From the spot, it is possible to see
the remains of the CPT headquarters with a small museum displaying some CPT
weapons and medical instruments. Follow another trail to Pha Chu Thong, the
cliff where a red flag was raise when the CPT gained a victory.
Tourists or visitors wishing to stay overnight are advised to make advance
reservations at the National Park Division, Forestry Department tel. 05 523
3527 or 02 561 4292, or email
reserve@dnp.go.th. Accommodations and tents are available.
Amphoe Wang Thong
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
To get to this waterfall, take Highway No. 12 until reaching markers at Kms.
59 60, turn right and proceed for another 2 kilometers. The surrounding area
is suitable for recreation and relaxation activities.
Namtok Wang Nok Aen (Sakunothayan Botanical Garden)
Situated only one kilometre off of the main highway at Km. 33 marker the
parks name was granted by H.M. the King during his tour to the North in
1958. 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.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
Against a backdrop of high mountain ranges is the Savannah-type grassland of
Thung Salaeng Luang. Covering an area of 16 square kilometres, the park is
naturally endowed with pine trees and wild flowers which blossom in virgin
jungles. The parks mountain ranges are watersheds of several streams which
are a source of the famous Maenam Nan. Its area spreads across Phitsanulok
and Phetchabun provinces.
The park headquarters located at Km. 80 on Highway No. 12 is where
information on the park and accommodations can be obtained. Most of the
park's attractions are superb for trekking. The route starts from the
sub-office at Ban Nong Mae Na (off Highway No.12 at Km. 100 marker) to Khao
Kho.
The route allows visitors to enjoy the marvelous scenery of Thung Salaeng
Luang and Thung Phaya grassland hemmed in by pine trees and lush forests.
Another attraction along the way is Thung Non Son, a flatland located on top
of the mountain, at the heart of the park. It is famous for its wild flowers
which are in their full bloom from October through December. The flatland is
accessible through a 16 kilometers clay road and a walking route of 15
kilometers from Ban Nong Mae Na. There is also a study trail at the Mae Na
park station which is superb for exploring the entire ecological system of
the park.
Kaeng Wang Nam Yen a 50 meter x 100 meter wide rapid, suitable for
white-water rafting, is located about 5 kilometers from Nong Mae Na station.
Visitors who wish to stay overnight in the park are required to make
arrangements with the park rangers in advance. Call 05 526 8019 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th for more details.
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 .
Amphur Muang
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;
Art Gallery: over 100 masterpieces of renowned Thai artists such as:
Chuan Leakpai (Thailand's former Prime Minister), Sawasdi Tantisuk (National
Artist in visual Arts field), Phun Ketchamrat (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Priyuan Aruchata (National Artist in visual Arts field),
Pratuang Emjaroen, Chavalit Saemprungsuk, Chung Moonphinit and Chalermchai
Khosipipat are on display.
Museum: Under the concept, "The Way of Life of The People in the
Lower North", more than 500 handicrafts including household utensils,
agricultural tools and manuscripts are exhibited.
Database: provided to promote the study of the Lower North, Thai
classical dance and music.
The gallery is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
For more information contact tel: (055) 230720, 259404
fax: (055) 261080, or email Homer97@hotmail.com.
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.
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.
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.
City Walls and Moats 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.
Today, the remaining walls can be seen in the area of Wat Noi and
Phitsanulok Police Station. City Moats are 12 metres wide and are visible in
the western area of the city parallel to Phra Ruang Road.
House Boat
The house boat serves as a signature of Phitsanulok. From north to south
along both sides of Nan River, house boats and rafts are lined up, creating
a unique perspective for tourists. In addition to the display of the typical
Phitsanulok way of life emphasis is placed on the strong connection between
man and the river. Hardly seen anywhere else in the Northern region, the
house boat represents the serene ambience of a united community.
Nan Riverside Park and Boathouse Museum
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.
Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi Folkore 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 museum was established by Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi Buranakhate, who is
recognized as a leader in the area of sculpture and indigenous art
preservation. He is renowned for his knowledge on Northern Thai folklore. In
addition, he is the owner of a Buddha Casting Foundry located just opposite
the museum.
The Folklore Museum received the Excellence in Tourism Award from the
Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1998 and is located on Wisutkasat Road (Sanam
Bin Road), approximately 5 kilometers from the town center. The museum is
open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Shrine of King Naresuan the Great
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.
Within the Shrine is a seated image of King Naresuan the Great pouring water
from a golden container symbolizing the declaration of Ayutthaya's
independence from Myanmar.
To reach the site from the city, pass through Naresuan Bridge and turn right
at the foot of the bridge, drive for another 200 meters and turn left to
enter the road along Maenam Nan, then proceed for another 700 meters.
Aranyik Temple (Wat Aranyik)
This is a Sukhothai-era temple located in the same vicinity which is
surrounded by moats.
Chedi Yot Thong Temple (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.
Chula Mani Temple (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.
Nang Phaya Temple (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.
Phra Si Mahathat Temple (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.
Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered the most beautiful Buddha image in
Thailand. The large Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by the
order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai. The statues unique feature
is the flame-like halo a symbol of spiritual radiance. In 1931, King
Ekatotsarot (King Naresuan's younger brother) commanded a gold coating of
the image, making it outstanding against the dark backdrop.
Today, thousands of visitors, both Thais and foreigners, flock to Wat Yai
just to get a glimpse of Phra Phutthachinnarat. Most of contemporary Buddha
images are cast using Phra Phutthachinnarat as a model. There is even a
saying that, your trip to Phitsanulok is not complete without visiting Wat
Yai to pay respect to Phra Phutthachinnarat. Only the Emerald Buddha
situated in the Grand Palace, Bangkok, is more highly respected by Thais. A
celebration to honour the statue is held annually in late January.
Other outstanding features of the temple (vihan in Thai) include the large
pearl-inlaid wooden doors, the gateway to see Phra Phutthachinnarat. The
doors were completed in 1756 by Ayutthaya's royal craftsmen. Inside the
vihan are the Italian marble floor, two painted pulpits (thammas) placed to
one side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha.
Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other Buddha images worth
seeing. Phra Attharot, a standing Buddha statue cast in same period as Phra
Phutthachinnarat, is situated in front of the large Phra Prang (pagoda)
behind the Viharn.
A 36-metre high Phra Prang was built in the early Ayutthaya style. There are
staircases leading up to the place where relic of the Lord Buddha is
enshrined.
There is also a small museum, which exhibits a good collection of Sukhothai
and Ayutthaya-era Buddha images and related religious items that is worth
visiting. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively.
Ratburana Temple (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.
Festivals
Long-tailed Boat Races
The traditional Long-tailed Boat Races are usually held in October when the
Nan River is full. The fair is held in front of Wat Phra Si Ratanamahathat.
Robes are placed over the Phra Buddha Chinarat, and there are contests of
boat processions and races with scores of boats.
Shopping
Kluai Tak (dried bananas)
Preserved bananas famous for their distinct sweet taste and soft texture.
Available for sale in the kiosks around Wat Yai.
Mi Sua (rice noodles)
These noodles are produced in a traditional way and are available in all
shops of the towns.
Dining
Amphoe Mueang
Bai Mussalim (Mussalim
Food)
49/2 Phra Ong Dam Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
06.00am.- 08.00pm.
Tel :: 0 5524 8276
Ban Khun Por (Thai-Chinese Food)
4-4/1 Chaophraya phitsanulok Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
11.00am.-11.00pm.
Tel :: 0 5523 1574
Chareantum (Vegetable Food)
Ekathotsarot Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
Danung (Vietnam Food)
260/2-3 Sanambin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
10.00 am.-10.00pm.
Tel :: 0 5523 0788
Fa- k-rah (Mussalim Food)
52/6 Phra Ong Dam Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
06.00am.-02.00pm.
Tel :: 0 5521 1400
So Loet Rot (Thai-Chinese Food)
4/5 Borom Trilokkanat Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
08.00.am.- 10.00 pm.
Tel :: 0 5525 1792
Three House (a la carte)
48 Sanambin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
10.00am.-01.00am.
Tel :: 0 5521 2587-8
Vietnam (Vietnam Food)
5/9 Phra Ong Dam Road, Amphoe Mueang, Phitsanulok
10.00 am-02.00pm., 04.00pm-08.30pm.
Tel :: 0 5525 9065
Amphoe Nakhon Thai
Duang Jai (Som Tum, a la carte)
Phu hin Rong Kla 172 Mu.7 U -dondamri Amphoe Nakornthai, Phitsanulok
Tel :: 0 5528 9451, 0 1675 1578
Rang Thong (Som Tum, a la carte)
Phu hin Rong Kla Tumbon nern-perm, Amphoe Nakornthai, Phitsanulok
Tel :: 0 5521 95103
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