Phitsanulok is a must-see for many visitors, as it is home to the most beautiful Buddha statue, the "Chinnarat Buddha" in Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat.
The town itself has little charm, perhaps because it was partly destroyed by a terrible fire in 1960 and hastily rebuilt.
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On the forum: Good deals on Phitsanulok
History
Khmer period
In the 11th century, the place only a small Khmer outpost called Song Khwae (two rivers, because the Nan and Khwae Noi rivers flow through the area).
Sukhothai Period (1238-1365)
During this period, Phitsanulok was the main city in the east of the Sukhothai (1238-1365).
Ayutthaya Period (1350-1767)
In 1419, King Sailuethai, a vassal of Ayutthaya , moved his capital from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok.
The city remained the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom until its disappearance in 1448.
The king of Ayutthaya, Borommatrailokanat, in turn moved his capital from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok in 1463 to better control the northern borders of his kingdom during the war against the Lanna (1456-1474).
His successor Boromma Ratchathirat III (1488-1491) then moved the capital back to Ayutthaya.
In 1555, King Naresuan the Great was born in the city, and the area was an important recruiting ground during his wars against the Burmese of the Taungû Dynasty.
In 1756, King Boromakot had the mother-of-pearl inner doors of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat .
After Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese King Hsinbyushin in 1767, a mad monk wrested control of the city from its governor.
King Taksin the Great (1734-1782) was wounded during an unsuccessful attempt to retake the city.
Thon Buri Period (1775)
Phitsanulok has become a strategic city to face new Burmese invasions.
During a fierce battle, the Burmese army commander requested a meeting with a Thai commander, Chaophraya Chakri, and predicted that he would become a king.
Chaophraya Chakri was later crowned the first monarch of the Rattanakosin period, King Rama I, the Great of the Royal House of Chakri, the current king, Rama X descends from this line.
Geographic location
Thailand 
's central plains , at an altitude of 45 meters, on the Nan River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya.
View city on Thailand map .
Things to see and do in Phitsanulok
The tourist office is located a few blocks from the train station.
Address: 209/7-8 Boromtrailokanat Road
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and Chinnarat Buddha
This temple, also called Wat Yai (great temple) by the locals, was built in 1357.
It houses the Chinnarat Buddha , a statue that is considered the most beautiful representation of Buddha and therefore receives continuous visits from both foreign and Thai tourists.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is very commercial, much like Lourde, you will find many religious objects for sale at the entrance and in the main hall where the Chinnarat Buddha is located.
At the back of the temple, there are many souvenir shops where they sell handicrafts (statuettes, masks, puppets, etc.), medicinal and decorative plants, photos and paintings.
There are also many restaurants and drink stalls in and around the temple, on the banks of the Nan River.
Photos of Chinnarat Buddha and Wat Phra sri Rattana Mahathat
The Buddha Statue Factory
A small Buddha foundry where you can discover the different stages of Buddha statue making.
If you want to bring back small or large Buddha statues, this is the place, the factory has opened a small store where you can buy them at the best price.
Address: 26/43 Wisutkaset Rd, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
The Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum
It is located on the same street as the Buddha factory.
Sergeant Major Thawee is a passionate individual who has collected in a beautiful house many objects used in the past in Thailand
You will discover zebu carts, lacquered chests, massage utensils, weaving looms, and many other beautiful objects presented with descriptions of their uses.
There is also a section that displays old photos of the city and a souvenir shop.
Open every day except Monday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: 50 baht
Address: 21/138 Wisutkaset Rd, Phitsanulok, Thailand
The Bird Garden
For birdwatching enthusiasts or the simply curious, this garden is located right next to the Buddha factory.
You can discover many species of caged birds, including some rare ones, such as the Helmeted Hornbill.
Admission: 50 baht per person.
Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The Night Market or Night Bazaar
While the city is very quiet during the day, it comes alive in the evening and the large night market, the Night Bazaar, is the liveliest place.
You can get a massage at the entrance, there are many stalls selling food, gadgets, souvenirs, clothes, antiques, amulets.
You will also find restaurants with entertainment such as throwing Pak Boong ( Ipomoea aquatica or morning glory) aquatic plant cooked with garlic and soy, which is a local specialty.
You can also have a drink in the area facing the Nan River where there are a whole series of bars, some with small stages for musicians.
Nightlife: Topland Disco
Topland , also called Topland Bazaar and Topland Center, is a complex which includes a shopping center with numerous stalls on several floors attached to a hotel, the Topland .
On the top floor of the hotel is the city's most famous nightclub, Topland, which is very popular with the Chinese-Thai community.
Address: Topland Hotel & Convention Centre, 68/33 Ekathosarot Rd
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Transportation in Phitsanulok
To compare transport prices, check timetables or book flights, buses, trains, boats, see 12go.asia .
Getting around town
There are many buses and songtaew (pick-ups), but it is not easy to use them if you do not speak Thai, so consider getting a map from the tourist office or your hotel.
The main means of transport for foreigners is motorbike taxis which are quite expensive in this city (count 50 to 60 baht for an average trip).
Getting to or from Phitsanulok
The city is a 5-6 hour bus ride from Bangkok (390 km away) and 6 hours from Chiang Mai .
It has an international airport (see flights to Phitsanulok on Trip.com ), a railway station that connects Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station) to Chiang Mai, and two main bus stations:
A main bus station with buses that connect to the main cities of the country.
Address: 834/44-45, Mittraphap Road, Nai Mueang, Mueang Phitsanulok District, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Another bus station specializing in fast and direct transport to the capital, Bangkok.
Address: Samo Khae, Mueang Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok Province 65000, Thailand
See also: Transportation in Thailand, getting around the smile country.
Photos of Phitsanulok
Videos about Phitsanulok
Visit the night market
Video of the main places to see
Maps of Phitsanulok
You will find other maps on the forum:
Phitsanulok Maps
Map of the city
Map of the province
Google Map
Source and Photos: wikipedia.com ; wikitravel.com; PierreTo
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