Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, remains of an ancient community dating back between 2,000-4,000 years, including old stone axes, was found here. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom burst into power.

Phitsanulok prospered along with the powerful Sukhothai (1238-1378) and Ayutthaya (1350 1767) Kingdoms. In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it had become the Kingdoms royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.

Phitsanulok is also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (reigned 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthayas independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan the Great is known for his victorious and honorable single hand combat on elephant back Yutthahatti against a Burmese Crown Prince. His heroic power and strong dedication to expelling the invaders from his motherland saved the country, and truly united the Kingdom which later was known as Siam and currently known as Thailand.

Phitsanulok was also a strategic location for other Ayutthaya Kings as it was a major center for military recruitment and a training camp when Ayutthaya waged wars with Burma.

travel information for phitsanulok

Phra Si Mahathat Temple (Wat Phra Si Mahathat) Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Phu Soi Dao National Park Wat Ratchakhiri Hiranyaram Textile Museum and Life Museum Thai Bird Garden Nang Phaya Temple (Wat Nang Phaya) Chula Mani Temple (Wat Chula Mani) Chedi Yot Thong Temple (Wat Chedi Yot Thong) Shrine of King Naresuan the Great Sgt. Maj. Thawee Folk Museum Ratburana Temple (Wat Ratburana) Kaeng Chet Khwae National Park Namtok Wang Nok Aen (Sakunothayan Botanical Garden) Namtok Poi and Khao Krayang Forest Plantation Namtok Kaeng Sopha Namtok Kaeng Song Namtok Chat Trakan National Park Whitewater rafting Tham Duean Tham Dao City Pillar Shrine Aranyik Temple (Wat Aranyik) Nan Riverside Park and Boathouse Museum House Boat City Walls and Moats of Phitsanulok City tour by tricycle Chan Palace Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry Art & Culture Gallery, Naresuan University (Sanambin Campus)

By Car

a) From Bangkok, use Highway No. 1 to Wang Noi, then proceed to Nakhon Sawan Province along Highway No. 32 via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong and Sing Buri Provinces. After that, take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok. The total distance is 337 kilometers.

b) Take the same Highway to Sing Buri Province and switch to Highway No. 11 (In Buri-Tak Fa route), then turn into Highway No. 12 and proceed to Phitsanulok Province via Wang Thong District. The total distance is 450 kilometers.
 
 

Phitsanulok map
Phitsanulok map	Phitsanulok city map

 

Hotels in phitsanulok

Vanarom Hotel Royal Place hotel Yodia Heritage hotel Ratchaphruek hotel Pailyn Phitsanuloke hotel Phukird - Mitraphab Hotel Hotel

By Bus

Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (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.  
 

By Rail

Daily regular trains depart daily from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Call 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.

Trains leave Bangkok for Phitsanulok daily from 7.05 a.m. to 11.30 p.m., 14 times a day. There are express trains (Sprinters) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok departing daily from 8.25 a.m. to 11.10 p.m., 5 times a day.

Trains leave Phitsanulok for Bangkok daily, from 2.05 a.m. to 11.29 p.m., 14 times a day. There are daily express trains (Sprinters) departing from Phitsanulok to Bangkok from 2.05 a.m. to 11.00 p.m., 4 times a day.

Restaurant in phitsanulok

Tam Mua Restaurant Rang Thong Restaurant Duang Jai Restaurant Three House Restaurant Fa- k-rah Restaurant Chareantum Restaurant Bai Mussalim Restaurant

By Air

Thai Airways International operates several direct flights daily from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. The trip takes 40-45 minutes. For more information, contact the Bangkok Office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Phitsanulok Office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or visit www.thaiairways.com
 

By Rental Car

For visitors interested in touring Phitsanulok independently, Budget has a small operation at the airport. Call tel. 05525-8556 for reservations and information. Avis operates out of an office adjoining the Phitsanulok Youth Hostel.

Travelling around the city is easy as the town is relatively compact. Sam lor will cost 30-50 baht/person, depending on the destination and city buses are also available (4-6  baht/person, non air-conditioned). The station is located on Thammabucha Road, near the train station.