 Phitsanulok Travel Guide, Thailand
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Phitsanulok, Thailand (23 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Phitsanulok is a city in Thailand with a long history It is located in the lower northern Thailand, near to Sukhothai, and serves as the provincial capital of Phitsanulok Province.
The city of Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, having been founded in the 10th century, when it was known as Song Khwae, or "two rivers", for it was at the confluence of the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers. It is the birthplace of King Naresuan, who liberated Siam from Burmese occupation. His brother and successor King Ekathosarot was also born in Phitsanulok.
Phitsanulok is home to one of the most revered Buddha statues in Thailand, the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which is housed in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. The city has other places of interest which I will list out.
How to reach Phitsanulok
You can fly to Phitsanulok from Bangkok. You can also take the train that runs between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as it stops in Phitsanulok. Similarly, there are buses to Phitsanulok from Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A bus trip from Bangkok takes about 6 hours for the 390 km journey. From Chiang Mai it takes roughly the same duration.
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Places of Interest in Phitsanulok
- Buddha Foundry
A small workshop where Buddha statues are made.
- Sergeant Major Thawee's Folk Museum
A small museum housing a collection of rural folk crafts.
- Wat Chulamani
Khmer style temple built by King Borommatrailokanat in 1464, located 5 km south of Phitsanulok.
- Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
The most important temple in Phitsanulok, with the most revered Buddha statue.
- Wat Ratchaburana
Temple with 19th century murals.
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