Phitsanulok is a must-see for many visitors, because it is home to the most beautiful Buddha statue, the "Buddha Chinnarat" at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat.
The city itself has little charm, perhaps because it was partially destroyed by a terrible fire in 1960 and rebuilt hastily.
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On the forum : Good deals on Phitsanulok
History
Khmer period
In the 11th century, the place was just a small Khmer outpost called Song Khwae (two rivers, because the Nan and Khwae Noi rivers cross the area).
Sukhothai period (1238-1365)
During this period, Phitsanulok was the main city in the east of the Kingdom of Sukhothai (1238-1365).
Ayutthaya period (1350-1767)
In 1419, King Sailuethai, a vassal of Ayutthaya, transferred his capital from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok.
The city remained the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom until its demise in 1448.
The king of Ayutthaya, Borommatrailokanat, in turn transferred his capital from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok in 1463 to better control the northern borders of his kingdom during the war against Lanna (1456-1474).
His successor, Boromma Ratchathirat III (1488-1491), then brought the capital back to Ayutthaya.
In 1555, King Naresuan the Great was born in the city, and the region was an important recruitment center during the wars he waged against the Burmese of the Taungû Dynasty.
In 1756, King Boromakot built the inner mother-of-pearl doors of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat.
After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese King Hsinbyushin in 1767, a mad monk seized control of the city from its governor.
King Taksin the Great (1734-1782) was injured in a failed attempt to retake the city.
Thon Buri Period (1775)
Phitsanulok became a strategic city to face new Burmese invasions.
During a fierce battle, the commander of the Burmese army 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 Chakri Royal House, and the current king, Rama X, descends from this lineage.
Geographical situation
Phitsanulok is located in the heart of the central plains of Thailand, at an altitude of 45 meters, on the Nan River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya.
See the city on the map of Thailand.
Things to see and do in Phitsanulok
The tourist office is located a few streets from the railway station.
Address: 209/7-8 Boromtrailokanat Road
The Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and the Buddha Chinnarat
This temple, also called Wat Yai (large temple) by the locals, was built in 1357.
It houses the Buddha Chinnarat, a statue considered to be the most beautiful representation of Buddha and therefore continuously receives visits from both foreign and Thai tourists.
The Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is very commercial, a bit like Lourdes, you will find many religious objects for sale at the entrance and in the main hall where the Buddha Chinnarat is located.
At the back of the temple, there are many souvenir shops where they sell crafts (statuettes, masks, puppets...), medicinal and decorative plants, photos and paintings.
There are also many restaurants and beverage stalls inside and next to 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 production.
If you want to bring back small or large Buddha statues, this is the place, the factory has opened a small shop where you can buy them at the best price.
Address: 26/43 Wisutkaset Rd, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
The Sergeant Major Thawee Folklore Museum
It is located in the same street as the Buddha factory.
Sergeant Major Thawee is an enthusiastic individual who has gathered many objects used in Thailand in the past in a beautiful house
You will discover zebu carts, lacquer chests, massage utensils, looms, and many other beautiful objects presented with descriptions of their uses.
There is also a section that presents old photos of the city and a souvenir shop.
Open every day except Monday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Admission: 50 baht
Address: 21/138 Wisutkaset Rd, Phitsanulok, Thailand
The Bird Garden
For ornithology enthusiasts or simple curiosity, this garden is located next to the Buddha factory.
You can discover many species of birds in cages, including some rare ones, such as the Helmeted Hornbill.
Admission: 50 baht per person.
Open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Night Market or Night Bazaar
If the city is very quiet during the day, it comes alive in the evening, and the large night market, the night bazaar, is the most lively place.
You can get a massage at the entrance, there are many food stalls, gadgets, souvenirs, clothing, antiques, and amulets.
You will also find restaurants with entertainment such as Pak Boong throwing (Ipomoea aquatica or morning glory), an aquatic plant cooked with garlic and soybeans, which is a local specialty.
You can also have a drink in the section facing the Nan River, where there is a whole series of bars, some with small stages for musicians.
Nightlife: Topland's discotheque
The Topland, also known as Topland Bazaar and Topland Center, is a complex that includes a shopping center with many stands on several floors attached to a hotel, the Topland.
On the top floor of the hotel is the most famous nightclub in town, Topland, which is very popular with the Thai-Chinese community.
Address: Topland Hotel & Convention Centre, 68/33 Ekathosarot Rd
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Transport in Phitsanulok
To compare transport prices, check schedules or book a ticket for plane, bus, train or boat on 12go.asia.
Getting around town
There are many buses and songtaew (pick-up trucks), but it's not easy to use them when you don't speak Thai, so consider getting a map from the tourist office or your hotel.
The main means of transport for foreigners are taxi motorcycles, which are quite expensive in this city (expect to pay 50 to 60 bahts for an average trip).
Join or leave Phitsanulok
The city is 5 or 6 hours by bus from Bangkok (at a distance of 390 km) and 6 hours from Chiang Mai.
It has an international airport (see flights to Phitsanulok on Trip.com.), a railway station connecting Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat central station) to Chiang Mai, and two main bus stations:
A main bus station with buses that connect to major cities in 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 on Phitsanulok
Visit the night market
Video on the main places to see
Maps of Phitsanulok
You will find other maps on the forum:
Phitsanulok Maps
City Map
Province Map
Google map
Source and Photos: wikipedia.com ; wikitravel.com ; PierreTo
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