PHITSANULOK

Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok

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A major tourist destination in the Lower North, Phitsanulok is Located between the Northern and Central Regions of Thailand, Phitsanulok has two important rivers, Nan and Yom some 377 kilometers from Bangkok. Many cultural and traditional activities of the people in the province have direct influence from the lifestyle that has always been associated with water. Most of the terrains are flatland, with mountain ranges running on the east where waterfalls and national parks offer opportunities for nature treks

Geography:

Phitsanulok is also sometimes called Song Kwae, city of the two rivers. The Nan and the Kwe Noi rivers meet near the city. Three national parks are located in the province: Thung Salaeng Luang at the border to the Phetchabun province, Phu Hin Rong Kla at the border to the Loei province, and Namtok Chat Trakan, with a waterfall as the source of the Kew Noi river.

History:

King Borommatrailokanat (1448-1488) moved the capital of the Ayutthaya kingdom to Phitsanulok in 1463 to strengthen the northern boundary of the kingdom. His successor Boromma Ratchathirat III moved it back after his death in 1488.

In 1555 King Naresuan the Great was born in the city.

Attractions:

Wat Phra Si Mahathat (tample) commonly called Wat Yai by the people, is on the east bank of the Nan River in town limit. "Wat Yai" is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok, the home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat, the large bronze sitting statue in the Sukhothai style. 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, in 1756 as a dedication to phra Buddha Chinarat. Behind the Vihara, there is a large Prang(pagoda) 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 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(pagoda), 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