Phitsanulok Hotels, attractions and travel guide, Thailand.

Thailand destinations: Bangkok, all Provinces, Isan (North-east), ...

Introduction

Phitsanulok province covers some 10,584.5 sq.km. The riverside provincial capital is 377 km. North of Bangkok. Phitsanulok is situated on the geographical and administrative line uniting the central and northern regions.
Phitsanulok was the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great of Ayutthaya (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 Ayutthaya waged war with Burma, and was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the 1448-1488 reign of Ayutthaya King Boromtrailokanat

The climate of Phitsanulok is generally hot and humid. It borders with Uttaradit in he North, Phichit 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 MaPrang
- Wang Thong

How to get there

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Festivals & Events

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.