Location: Phitsanulok
Top Things to do in Phitsanulok
- 1. Phra Buddha Chinnarat
- 2. Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
- 3. Sgt. Maj. Thawee Folk Museum
- 4. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
- 5. Phitsanulok-Lom Sak Route (Highway No. 12)
- 6. Wat Ratcha Burada Temple
- 7. Nang Phaya Temple (Wat Nang Phaya)
- 8. Phitsanulok Night Bazaar
- 9. Phitsanulok Railway Station
- 10. Shrine of King Naresuan the Great
What to do and see in Phitsanulok, Thailand: The Best Places and Tips
Phitsanulok (Thai: พิษณุโลก, pronounced [pʰít.sā.nú.lôːk], also locally known as Pilok) is an important, historic city in lower northern Thailand and is the capital of Phitsanulok Province, which stretches all the way to the Laotian border. Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. It is best known as the birthplace of King Naresuan, who freed the country from Burmese domination in the late 16th century, and that of his brother and successor King Ekathosarot (Sanphet III). As the crossroad between the northern and central regions of the country, it has long been important both for political and strategic reasons, and was fought over many times in centuries past. Phitsanulok was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the reign of King Boromma Trailokanat of Ayutthaya. On the banks of the Nan River, the city was originally a small Khmer outpost known as Song Kwae, before the Khwae Noi River changed its course in the 11th century CE. Phitsanulok was also a provincial center of the Angkorian Empire during the Angkorian period. Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, as well as to a major Royal Thai Army base.
Restaurants in Phitsanulok
1. Phra Buddha Chinnarat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Considered one of the most beautiful images of Buddha, this statue was cast during the late Sukhothai period in 1631.
Reviewed By ghtay - Bangkok, Thailand
If you are traveling to Phitsanulok, do take a stop at this temple. It is one of the beautiful temple in Thailand. The Buddha statue and the building interior decoration is original.
You can meditate, pray or "see your fortune" by shaking a bamboo container containing many bamboo stick carved with numbers. You may ask your thai friends to translate the number and collect the fortune paper.
Please be respectful...
2. Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Built in 1357 and later developed into a monastery, this temple now houses Phitsanulok’s most revered statues of Lord Buddha.
3. Sgt. Maj. Thawee Folk Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
The Museum was founded by Sgt Maj Thawee, it comprises three buidings of fascinating memorobilia collected by the Sgt Major Thawee. Opposite the Museum is a foundary where they make Bronze Buddha Images. The entry fee for the museum is fifty baht for everyone and to inspect the factory there is no charge. The Sgt Major has made several Buddha Images and other statues around Phitsanulok. The City also houses a famous Buddha Image in Wat Yai and a fabulous coffee shop called "Coffee and More".
Reviewed By Howard R
This is truly an amazing collection, particularly considering that it is primarily the work of a single person. Good displays, with thoughtful notations in both Thai and English. Mostly things from everyday life in the area, household goods, tools, pottery, costumes, mockups of a kitchen and a room for giving birth. The setting is lovely and peaceful, full of plants and flowers.
4. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By falangsabai - Phitsanulok, Thailand
Some interesting rocky landscape, but nothing spectacular. However if you are a history buff, a couple of decades ago this was a communist stronghold in Thailand, and there was significant fighting here with government forces.. They were eventually disbanded with government pardons. There is a small museum with "rebel" paraphernalia, a few small souvenir stands. There were some cottages for rent and a camping area. Interesting for a couple of hours, but not worth going out of your way for. You definitely need a private vehicle to get here.
5. Phitsanulok-Lom Sak Route (Highway No. 12)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Phongsan_M - Phitsanulok, Thailand
The views and the attractions (waterfalls, markets, viewpoints) along the route have always been nice, but the road was quite narrow. But not anymore!! The road has just been widen all the way to Lom Sak. So, it's now safer and more convenient. If you don't have your own, just rent a car or a motorbike (not a scooter) and enjoy the refreshing mountain route!
6. Wat Ratcha Burada Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Ariel W
I would consider this place equally a temple and a community center. It contains a gold Buddha that is over 700 years old, murals dating back to the mid-19th century, and classical Thai wooden buildings that survived the city's enormous fire in the 1950's. There are good luck rituals related to:
1. Crawling under a boat that orignally carried King Rama V on a visit to the city
2. Climbing the stairs up an old Bodhi tree, ringing a bell, and walking through the hole in its trunk
My favorite part of this temple was the local Thai herbal sauna in the back of the complex. Better to go with a local who can show you the ropes, and prepare for a strong steam scented with lemongrass, citrus, and tumeric. Dress modestly.
7. Nang Phaya Temple (Wat Nang Phaya)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Malcolm J
Being so close to Wat Yai, this temple gets few visitors, but it is well worth a visit. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals down each side.
The Wat was established in the 15th century but little remains from that period, apart from the original chedi, which was adorned with gold fabric when I visited, and so not worth a photo.
8. Phitsanulok Night Bazaar
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 95 reviews
Located along the Nan River side of Puttabucha Rd, between Naresuan and Surasari Roads. It contains boutiques, restaurants, massage, etc.thing fa
Reviewed By Nlenigma - Corner Brook, Canada
Lots of good food choices here. Not too hectic. Of course the bugs was my highlight. No scorpions tonight though
9. Phitsanulok Railway Station
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
This railway station offers all of the basic services related to transport - ticketing services, restrooms, taxi services, a convenience shop and tourist information. It is located in the heart of Phitsanulok - a short walk to hotels, food markets, and most major tourist sights. There are plenty of places to wait for your train , both indoors and outside. There is an old steam locomotive on display out in front.
10. Shrine of King Naresuan the Great
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By hannwe - Hua Hin, Thailand
King Naresuan the Great is Thailand's national hero and warrior king. He was born here and reined the former county of Phitsanulok from the age of 16 years as governor. Famous is the symbolic cock fight he won against Crown Prince Maha Phra Uparaja at the Burmese court (at the age of 9 years, hence the many Roosters throughout the country - in temples, restaurants or in the private garden). History, however, is the elephant duel of Nong Sarai in 1592; the King Naresuan defeated the crown prince of Burma. Who is interested in the Siamese history should have a look at the 5-part epic film "The Legend of King Naresuan". To date, the Thai people worship this king very much. This shrine here in his birthplace is one of the places to commemorate him.
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