Phitsanulok
province covers some 10,584.5 sq.km. Theriverside provincial capital is
377 km. North of Bangkok. Phitsanulok is situated on thegeographical and
administrative line uniting the central and northern regions.
Phitsanulok was the birthplace of King Naresuan
the Great of Ayuthaya (reign : 1590 - 1605), and his brother Prince Ekathosarot.
Phitsanulok has long been an important center for political and strategic
reasons. Phitsanulok was a major center of recruitment when Ayuthaya waged
war with Burma, and was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the
1448-1488 reign of Ayuthaya?s King Boromtrailokanat
The climate of Phitsanulok is generally
hot and humid. It borders with Uttaradit in he North, Pichit in the south,
Loei and Phetchabun in the East, Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai in the West.
Covering an area of 10,815.8 sq.km., the province is divided into 9 Amphoes
- Muang
- Bang Rakam
- Nakhon Thai
- Phrom Priram
- Wat Bot |
- Bang Krathum
- Chat Trakan
- Noen Ma Prang
- Wang Thong
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City Attraction
Wat
Phra Si Rattana Mahathat his monastery commonly called by
the inhabitants as "Wat Yai" is
the most important monastery of Phitsanulok, the home of the famous
Phra Buddha
Chinnarat. It is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city
side of the river.The monastery was built in the reign of Phra Maha
Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) In 1357 A.D. It houses the Phra Buddha
Chinnarat regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. It
is cast in the attitude of subduing evil. Later, in 1631, King Ekatosarot
graciously bestowed some of his gold regalia to be beaten into gold
- plate and applied them to the image worth his own hands, creating
its most beautiful Buddha image. There are many other beautiful and
noteworthy items in the monastery compound. The mother - of - pearl
inlaid wooden doors of Vihara are especially splendid, and were built
by King Boromkot in 1756 as a dedication to phra Buddha Chinarat. Behind
the Vihara, there is a large Prang 36 meters high, with a staircase
leading up to the niche containing the Buddha relics. In front of the
Prang, there is Phra Attharos, and on the 9 room Vihara slope. There
remains only the newly-renovated Buddha image.
Wat Ratchaburana
nad Wat Nang Phya Is located on the eastern bank of the Nan
river, near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to the south. These two monasteries,
assumed to be built when Phitsanulok City was ruled by King Boromtrailokanat,
have linking compounds. Wat Nang Phya has temple or bot but it is known
for the so-called "Phra Nang Phya" votive tablets special fine form
of the 3-head nagas decorated on their eaves.
Wat Chulamani
The Prang, a corncob-shaped tower at Wat Chulamani is well-known and
studied by students of archaeology and history. The wat is the oldest
historical site in Phitsanulok. Of a highly individual style and pattern,
it boasts extremely ornate and elaborate plaster design of immense interest
and value found nowhere else in the Kingdom

King Naresuan
the Great Shrine The shrine is located in the compound of
the Phitsanulok Phittayakom school, and depicts the seated king ceremoniously
declaring Ayuthaya’s independence from Burma. The shrine was constructed
on the site of the Channdra Palace where King Naresuan was born in 1555.
Sergent- Major
Dr. Thawi-Pim Buranakhet ' s Folklore Museum Located opposite
the Buranathai Buddha Image foundry, Wisutkasat road, Amphoe Muang.
This museum is well know for its collections of all folk-arts, crafts,
basketry, pottery and ancient kitchen utensils. In addition to these,
there also are instruments for agriculture occupation and household
living displayed.
Khun Kon Forest
Park Waterfall Phitsanulok has
other name so - called Song Kwae, Song Kwae means the town of two rivers.
Nan River is the main and the most important river of the province.
It is 127.5 kms long running across the province. Kwe Noi River, the
name similar to that in Kanchanaburi in the West, also comes from the
North and joins up with Nan River near the down town area. This joint
river is the main artery that divides Phitsanulok into two parts, the
East and the West Bank. As it is a main transportation route to the
province, people gather together to stay on house boats and house rafts
along both sides of the river.
Out of City Attraction
Sakunothaya Arboretum
This park is situated at km. 33 of the above highway where a right turn
leads to the 500 meters access road.The park name was graciously bestowed
by H.M. the king during his tour of the north in 1958. Within the park
area, Wang Nok Aen Waterfall?, a 10 meters high waterfall, cascades
among the rock to create a beautiful and scenic locale. The erosive
action of the currents have stacked and shaped the stones in a most
unique and uniform manner. 
Kaeng Song Waterfall
This waterfall is situated on the road side at km.45 and
is clearly visible from the road.
Poi Waterfall
A sign at km. 61 reads Suan pa Khao Krayang and introduces a 2-kilometre
access road to Poi Waterfall, Which is distinguished by a copious flow
and profuse rocky outcropping. Many species of flowering trees grace
the area.
Kaeng
Sopha Waterfall A road at km 70 branches off some 2 km. Through
forested beyond to Thung Salaeng Luang National Park office. The waterfall
is Phisanuloks largest.
Thung
Salaeng Luang National Park The forested park covers more
than 300,000 acres spreading across Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces.
The park office is located at km.80 on the picturesque Phitsanulok -
Lomsak Highway.
Phuhinrongkla
National Park This park of arresting scenic beauty
spreads across parts of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei provinces.
Major attractions include Lan Hin Taek natural reached by turning left
at the km 68 marker onto the Phitsanuloe - Nakhon Thai road, traveling
for 28 km. To Ban Nong Krathao where a right turn begin the final 31
km stage to the park office.
Chat Trakan National
Park This park, covering more than 60,000 acres, lies 135
km. From Phitsanulok provincial along the Phitsanulok- Lomsak highway
until km.68, thence on highway 2013 and then to Amphoe Chat Takran.
A seven tiered waterfall with in the park is the source of the Kwae
Noi River which unites with the Nan River in the provincial capital.
The
Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair
February 2-8
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
The six-day fair occurs on the sixth day of he waxing moon of the third
lunar month, usually late February, at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat,
and features homage-paying, folk entertainment and cultural performances.
Boat Races
September 19-20
Nan River in front of Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Maha Worawihan,
Phitsanulok Long boat races are customarily staged during the first
week-end of October on the Nan River fronting Wat Phra Si Rattana MahaThat.
TAT
Northern Office : Region 3
209/7-8 Surasi Trade Center Boromtrilokanat Rd., Amphoe Muang Phitsanulok
65000
Tel : (055) 252742,252743
Fax : (055) 252742
Areas of Responsibility : Phitsanulok,Petchabun and Sukhothai
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