Phitsanulok Map Hotels Travel Agents Guide Phitsanulok

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.

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.

Wat Phra Si Mahathat commonly called Wat Yai by the people, is on the east bank of the Nan River in town limit. The Wihan of the temple houses what is regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Buddha statue in Thailand, the large bronze sitting statue of Phra Phutthachinarat in the Sukhothai style. The statue attracts hundreds of foreign and Thai visitors daily who come to admire and pay their respect. An annual celebration in honor of Phra Phutthachinarat is held in late January.

Other prominent features of the temple include the large pearl-inlaid doors of the Wihan made in circa 1756 by royal craftsmen of the late Ayutthaya Period. Another is Phra Attharot an 8-metre-tall, standing statue cast in the same period and Phra Phutthachinarat (circa 1257). Originally housed in a large Wihan, today it stands in the open air as the covering building has all crumbled away with only a few large columns standing.

In addition, there is the principal Phra Prang of the early Ayutthaya style. It is believed that the structure was originally a lotus bud-shape Chedi, a style called Phum Khao Bin regarded as genuine Sukhothai. It was later altered into a Prang (pagoda) during the Ayutthaya period.

On the east bank on the Nan River and south of Wat Phra Si Mahathat is Wat Ratburana. The Ubosot features graceful three-headed Naga (mythical serpent) over its eaves. It was built by King Borom Trailokanat, Who resided for twenty five years in Phitsanulok and played a major role in fostering Buddhism in the province.

Another interesting temple is Wat Nang Phaya with its extensive collection of the highly coveted Nang Phaya votive tablets. Then there is Wat Aranyik, a Sukhothai-era temple which is surrounded by moats. Wat Chedi Yod Thong on Phaya Sua Road is another interesting site which has a lotus bud-shape Chedi of typical Sukhothai style, the only such structure left in the province.

Wat Chula Mani on the east bank of the Nan, is about 5 kilometres from town on the Borom Trailokanat Road. The oldest temple in town, it was once the site of the original town. King Borom Trailokanat, accompanied by more than 2,000 followers was ordained as a monk here in 1416.

An important ancient structure in the temple is the Mondop containing a Holy Footprint and inscription stone built by King Naria the Great of Ayutthaya. There is also a Khmer-style Prang (pagoda) built with laterite and adorned with intricate design of a swan.

The King Naresuan the Great Shrine is located at the site which was once the Chan Palace, the birthplace of Naresuan the Great. Within the shrine is a statue of the king in the posture of declaring independence from Burma. The entire site of the palace has been restored and renovated as a major historical area.

The 700-year-old Giant Tamarind Tree is located at Tambon Ban Kok outside of town. To reach it, take the road to Nakhon Sawan and turn left at the foot of the bridge across the Nan River proceeding for a further 700 metres.

The Folklore Museum on Wisutkrasat Road in town has some of the largest collections of indigenous arts and household utensils. These include pottery, ancient kitchenware and agricultural tools and other native products, all reflecting the lifestyle and creativity of the community. The founder of the museum, S. Maj. Tawee Buranakhet, has been designated a leader in the area of sculpture and indigenous art preservation. He also operates a foundry sepecialising in casting Buddha images and statues, which is situated opposite the museum and attracts many visitors.

The City Walls of Phitsanulok were originally made of clay similar to those of Sukhothai and built during the Ayutthaya period to deter raids from Lanna and Burma. Today, its remnants can be seen to the north and east of town. The original City Moats measuring 12 meters wide are still in existence to the west of town parallel to Phra Ruang Road.

House-boats on Nan River are a landmark of the province. On both banks of the river which runs from north to south past the town are lined with hundreds of such floating rafts, a scene representing the serene ambience of the community.

Attractions on Phitsanulok-Lom Sak Route (Highway No. 12)

Cutting through the eastern mountain ranges of Phitsanulok, the route offers several spots of attractions including waterfalls and forested areas within national parks. To visit these places transport can be hired from operators in town, the most convenient and popular means of travelling. Attractions include:-

Wang Nok An Waterfall within the Sakunothayan Arboretum, which is one kilometre off the main highway at Km. 33. A small fall fed by the Wang Thong stream, there are the Kaeng Sai Rapids lying across the waterway creating small levels of current.

At round Km. 45 is the Kaeng Song Waterfall.

Nam Tok Poi is a waterfall one kilometre off the main road at Km. 60. The surrounding natural area is suitable for recreation and relaxation.

At the end of the highway at Km. 72 and a further 2 kilometres off the road is a huge, 3-level waterfall, Kang Sopha. Water flows down rocky crevices through shady forests. Best time to visit is during September-December when the flows are at maximum.

The Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a huge area blessed with beautiful pineries and fields bright with colourful flowers and blooms in different seasons, particularly during late rainy season (October). The park headquarters, where information may be obtained and accommodation booked, is located at Km. 80 of High - way No. 12. Towering mountain ranges are watersheds feeding several streams flowing into the Nan River.

Most of the park's attractions are suitable for nature treks. Starting from the sub-office at Km. 100) and the route leading up to Khao Kho some 40 kilometres further on, the following spots may be visited:-

Thung Salaeng Luang, a savanna-type grassland covering an area of 16 square kilometres with high mountain ranges as backdrops.

Thung Phaya is a grassland hemmed in by pineries and virgin jungles. It is 12 kilometres further from Tung Salaeng Luang.

A flatland on the mountain-top in the heart of the park, Thung Non Son is noted for its profusion of wild flowers during October-December. It is located 16 kilometres by car and a further 15 kilometres on foot from Ban Nong Mae Na.

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.

The Nam Tok Chat Trakan National Park covers forested areas to the northeast with headquarters some 145 kilometres from town. lt is accessible by taking Highway No.12 all the way to Ban Yang. At Km. 68 turn left into route No. 2013 to Nakhon Thai district. Then continue further on route No.1143. just before reaching Chat Trakan district there is a turn to the waterfall a distance of another 10 kilometres. A major attraction of the park is a stunning 7-level waterfall cascading down high mountains. ln front of the lowest level is a beach and a wide pond suitable for recreation. Several bee-hives are located over the cliff. On some other cliffs are traces of carvings indicative of prehistoric symbolism. Tourists may camp out within the park after contacting the park officials.

The Phu Soi National Park stretches along the Thai-Laotian border within Chat Trakan district with the highest peak being 2,102 metres above sea level and the climate cool most of the year. One of the most attractive features of the park is the savanna amid dense pineries. During the rainy season wild flowers run riot all over the area. There are also beautiful waterfalls amid dense foliage, eminently suitable for jungle walks. However park rangers should be contacted to act as guides to the various attractions. As overnighting is necessary, camping equipment should also be prepared.

Phu Hin Rong Kla is an outstanding national park with unique scenic attractions and historical significance. It was once the stage of armed conflicts due to political differences between the Thai people themselves.

Located to the northeast along the border between Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, Phu Hin Rong Klo can be reached by taking a right turn at Km. 68 of Highway No. 2013, a distance of 28 kilometres from which is Nakon Thai district. Then proceed on Highway No.2331 for another 31 kilometres.

Many buildings and structures are reminders of those struggles. The living quarters, schools, hospitals and other facilities of the former Communists have not changed much since those far-off days. There are also a couple of beautiful waterfalls.The prevalent rocky grounds are strangely-shaped, some of which having deep crevices as if created by earthquakes. Others are full of jagged rock formations spreading over a wide area.

There are facilities for accommodation and food, as well as camping sites.

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.