Historically, Phitsanulok has been a major community since the time of the Khmers and enjoyed great prosperity during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. During 1463-1487 it was practically another royal capital as King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya resided permanently in the province.
Phitsanulok is administratively divided into the following districts: Muang, Wang Thong, Phrom Phiram, Bang Krathum, Bang Rakam, Wat Bot, Nakhon Thai, Chat Trakan and Noen Maprang.
Folklore Museum
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. Thawi Buranakhate, has been designated a leader in the area of sculpture and indigenous art preservation. He also operates a foundry specialising in casting Buddha images and statues, which is situated opposite the museum and attracts many visitors.
House-boats
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.
King Naresuan the Great Shrine
The King Naresuan the Great Shrine is located at the site which was once the Chan Palace , the birthplace and residence 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 meters.
Wat Chula Mani
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 monk here in 1416.
An important ancient structure in the temple is the Mondop containing a Holy Footprint and inscription stone built by King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya. There is also a Khmer-style Prang (pagoda) built with laterite adorned with intricate design of swan.
Wat Nang Phaya
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 Phra Si Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Mahathat , commonly called Wat Yai by the people, is on the east bank of the Nan River in town limit. The Vihan 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 Vihan 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 Vihan, today it stands in the open air as the covering building has all crumbled away with only a few large columns still 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.
Wat Ratburana
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.
b) Drive from Bangkok to Sing Buri and use the In Buri-Tak Fa route (Highway No. 11), then turn into Highway No. 12 and proceed to Phitsanulok via Amphoe Wang Thong, a total distance of 450 kilometres.
Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s 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.
Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Phitsanulok. Call 1690 for more information.
Air
Thai Airways has several daily flights connecting Bangkok with Phitsanulok. It takes 50 minutes for the journey. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, their Phitsanulok office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
