In addition to its importance in the history of Thailand, Phitsanulok features rivers, mountains, and forests, ideal for lovers of natural beauty.
Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, Phitsanulok contains evidence of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 and 4,000 years, including ancient stone axes. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came to power in the 12th century. Phitsanulok prospered under both the Kingdoms of Sukhothai (1238-1378 C.E.) and Ayutthaya (1350-1767 C.E.). In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it became the Kingdom’s royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.Phitsanulok was also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (R. 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthaya’s independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan is known for his victorious and honorable single-hand combat atop an elephant-back against a Burmese Crown Prince.
Once named Song Khwae, meaning two rivers, Phitsanulok is situated between the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers, which is also a strategic location between Thailand’s central plains, northern mountains, and northeastern plateau. Phitsanulok is therefore a natural hub and an ideal base for travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast. However, Phitsanulok is more than just a stopover for tourists; it is a province with a number of tourism opportunities. While most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, one third of the area is covered by mountains in the north and east, where national parks and waterfalls await exploration.
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 06.30 - 18.00
Category : Temple
Attraction Details : Locally dubbed as "Wat Yai", the complex is considered the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Housing Thailand's famous Phra Phutthachinnarat, Wat Yai is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river. The temple was built during the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357.
Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. The large Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai. The statues unique feature is the flame-like halo a symbol of spiritual radiance. In 1931, King Ekatotsarot (King Naresuan's younger brother) commanded a gold coating of the image, making it outstanding against the dark backdrop.
Today, thousands of visitors, both Thais and foreigners, flock to Wat Yai just to get a glimpse of Phra Phutthachinnarat. Most of contemporary Buddha images are cast using Phra Phutthachinnarat as a model. There is even a saying that, your trip to Phitsanulok is not complete without visiting Wat Yai to pay respect to Phra Phutthachinnarat. Only the Emerald Buddha situated in the Grand Palace, Bangkok, is more highly respected by Thais. A celebration to honour the statue is held annually in late January.
Other outstanding features of the temple (vihan in Thai) include the large pearl-inlaid wooden doors, the gateway to see Phra Phutthachinnarat. The doors were completed in 1756 by Ayutthaya's royal craftsmen. Inside the vihan are the Italian marble floor, two painted pulpits (thammas) placed to one side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha.
Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other Buddha images worth seeing. Phra Attharot, a standing Buddha statue cast in same period as Phra Phutthachinnarat, is situated in front of the large Phra Prang (pagoda) behind the Viharn.
A 36-metre high Phra Prang was built in the early Ayutthaya style. There are staircases leading up to the place where relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined.
There is also a small museum, which exhibits a good collection of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya-era Buddha images and related religious items that is worth visiting. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively.
Wat Phra Si Mahathat Woramahawihan is open daily between 6.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. The Phra Phutthachinnarat National Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The museum is closed on public holidays, for more information, click www.thailandmuseum.com.
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 06.00 - 18.00
Category : Mountain (Doi), National Parks & Marine Reserves
Attraction Details : Phu Hin Rong Kla is a distinctive national park with a unique mixture of scenic attractions and historical sites. It was once the stage of armed conflicts between two extreme political ideologies. The Park covers a total area of 191,875 rai of land (76,750 acres) and is approximately 130 kilometers from Phitsanulok city. It can be reached by taking Highway No. 12 and turning left at Km.68 marker into Highway No. 2013, a road leading to Nakhon Thai District.
The park area is mainly covered with lush green forests, several awesome waterfalls, and a vast plain of rocks with cracks scattered all around. The highest point of the park is 1,617 meters above sea level. Here, rock formations are naturally formed into different shapes beyond your wildest imagination. Some rocky grounds have deep splits (Lan Hin Taek), while others have uneven formations.
Apart from natural attractions, the park offers opportunities to explore many of its historical sites that tell the story of national political conflicts.
Because Phu Hin Rong Kla was the strategic headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) during 1967 to 1982, the area was declared as a red area by the Thai government. For nearly two decades, the site had become a strategic battlefield between the Royal Thai Army and the CPT. Phu Hin Rong Kla was the perfect location for the CPT to fight the military. Its remote, closed mountainous area was superb for an elusive defense. It was not until 1982 that the conflict was overcome when the government granted amnesty to all the students who had joined the CPT. In 1984, Phu Hin Rong Kla was declared a National Park.
During the CPT’s golden era, a hospital, a school of political and political tactics, living quarters, an air-raid shelter and other necessary facilities were set up. Today, visitors to Phu Hin Rong Kla can travel along the parks main road to witness the remains of a rustic meeting hall, the political school, and the administration building.
There is also a trail leading to Lan Hin Pum, an area of jutting rocks that the CPT used as an air-raid shelter. From the spot, it is possible to see the remains of the CPT headquarters with a small museum displaying some CPT weapons and medical instruments. Follow another trail to Pha Chu Thong, the cliff where a red flag was raise when the CPT gained a victory.
Tourists or visitors wishing to stay overnight are advised to make advance reservations at the National Park Division, Forestry Department tel. 0 5523 3527 or 0 2561 4292, or email: rongkla-00@thaimail.com, Website : www.dnp.go.th. Accommodations and tents are available.
Getting There :
From Phitsanulok, take a public bus 68 kilometers towards Lomsak. At Ban Yang, take a left and travel 29 kilometers to Nakhon Thai District. From Nakhon Thai, take a mini-van (song-taeo) the remaining 31 kilometers to the park.
Phu Soi Dao National Park
Operating day : Daily
Operating time : 06.00 - 18.00
Category : Mountain (Doi), National Parks & Marine Reserves
Attraction Details : Phu Soi Dao National Park is located in both Chat Trakan district of Phitsanulok Province and Nam Pard District of Uttaradit Province. Occupying a total area of 48,962.5 rai of land (equivalent to 58,750 acres), the park stretches along the Thai-Laos border with the highest peak measured at 2,102 meters above sea level. The climate park is cool throughout the year and visitors are able to see several species of wild flowers.
One of the most distinctive features of the park is the savanna field amidst the dense pine trees. Another attraction worth visiting is the five-tiered Namtok Phu Soi Dao which is located quite near to the park office. Larn Paa Son which can be reached in 4-5 hours via mountainous trails is also a highly recommended place for an overnight stay. In addition, Namtok Sai Tip, the next waterfall on the way, is a place where visitors can marvel at moss and lichen covered cliff. Advanced notice to Park Officers is required and highly recommended. Call 05 541 9234-5 or email reserve@dnp.go.th for more camping and travel information.
How to get to Phu Soi Dao
From Phitsanulok
By Car: take the Phitsanulok - Wat Bot - Ban Pong Cae - Chat Trakan - Phu Soi Dao route where the total distance is 177 kilometers. Alternatively, take the Phitsanulok - Nakhon Thai - Chat Trakan - Phu Soi Dao route where a total distance of 154 kilometers.
By Bus: there are buses departing from the city at 6.00 a.m., 7.20 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.50 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
Operating day : Daily
Operating time: 06.00 - 18.00
Attraction Details :
Against a backdrop of high mountain ranges is the Savannah-type grassland of Thung Salaeng Luang. Covering an area of 16 square kilometres, the park is naturally endowed with pine trees and wild flowers which blossom in virgin jungles. The parks mountain ranges are watersheds of several streams which are a source of the famous Maenam Nan. Its area spreads across Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces.
The park headquarters located at Km. 80 on Highway No. 12 is where information on the park and accommodations can be obtained. Most of the park’s attractions are superb for trekking. The route starts from the sub-office at Ban Nong Mae Na (off Highway No.12 at Km. 100 marker) to Khao Kho.
The route allows visitors to enjoy the marvelous scenery of Thung Salaeng Luang and Thung Phaya grassland hemmed in by pine trees and lush forests. Another attraction along the way is Thung Non Son, a flatland located on top of the mountain, at the heart of the park. It is famous for its wild flowers which are in their full bloom from October through December. The flatland is accessible through a 16 kilometers clay road and a walking route of 15 kilometers from Ban Nong Mae Na. There is also a study trail at the Mae Na park station which is superb for exploring the entire ecological system of the park.
Kaeng Wang Nam Yen a 50 meter x 100 meter wide rapid, suitable for white-water rafting, is located about 5 kilometers from Nong Mae Na station.
Admission : adult 400 baht, child 200 baht
Visitors who wish to stay overnight in the park are required to make arrangements with the park rangers in advance. Call 05 526 8019 or email : reserve@dnp.go.th for more details.
