PHICHIT

Phichit

Phichit

Phichit

Phichit

Phichit

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Phichit is situated in the lower Northern Region of Thailand. The name " Phichit " means " The Beautiful Town " It is believed to date back to 1058, when it was founded by a local lord, Phraya Khot Thabong.During the Sukhothai period (1238-1350), the community was named " Sa Luang " which was one of the important town of Sukhothai.

Geography:

The rivers Nan and Yom flow through the Phichit province, before they join shortly before the Chao Phraya is formed. The province mainly consists of low fertile river plains, making rice and lotus the main crops.

History:

The town Phichit was established in 1058 by Phraya Kotabongthevaraja, and was first part of the Sukhothai kingdom, and later of Ayutthaya.

The name of the main city changed several times. At first it was called Sra Luang (city of the royal pond), in Ayutthaya times it was called Okhaburi (city in the swamp), and then finally Phichit (beautiful city).

Attractions:

Wat Tha Luang This monastery is situated on the west bank of Mae Nam Nan near the Provincial Hall, housing a bronze Buddha image of Chiang Saen period, cast in the attitude of subduing evil, in the main shrine hall. This image is believed to have been brought from the north, by Khun Phaen, to be enshrined here. The name of the Buddha image is "Luang Pho Phet" having a lap width of 1.40 meters and regarded an important Buddha image of Phichit which is highly respected by Phichit inhabitants.

Bung Sifai This 12,100 rai swamp, located 1 km. west of Phichit Market, having water all year round, is a fish breeding source surrounded by lotus, grown by the people for use of its flowers and leaves, along the bank. In the area there is a park called "Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin". It is nice place for relaxation and picnic dining. The place is also decorated with 'Phichit Crocodile Auditorium', an auditorium constructed in the shape of a crocodile, since Phichit was once full of crocodiles. Main functional part is the 'Stomach' which contains at most 30 persons in an air-conditioned hall. Its other dimensions are as follow : 38 meters long, 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long for the mouth. There is also an "Aquarium' which is open daily from 10.00-19.00 hrs.

The Old City Park It is located on Phichit Wang Child Rd., about 7 kms. from Phichit township. It is believed that this area used to be the old Phichit town approximately 900 years ago. In the Park, there is an arboretum, a peaceful relaxing place for local people. In addition, there are Ko Si Mala, Tham Chalawan and sculptures of important features from a Thai literature, 'Kraithong 'Wat Mahathat' It is located in the area of the Old City Park, presumed to have been constructed in Sukhothat period. Objects of art found from excavation made in this wat are potteries and Buddha images of various eras.

Wat Nakhon Chum This is an ancient monastery located in Tambon Muang Kao in the area of the old city, 9 kms. from town. It had been utilized as a place where an oath-taking ceremony took place in the old days. This is the place where an old Main Shrine Hall and an 800-year-old Buddha image are located.

Wat Pho Prathap Chang Located in Tambon Pho Prathap Chang, 27 kms. from town on Phichit-Wang Chik-Pho Prathap Chang Route, is an ancient monastery surrounded by walls and once was used by King Narai the Great as a camp site for his troops in a northern trip. It is also the place where King Sua or King Sanphet VIII was born.

Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon This is also called'Luang Pho To Taphan Hin' the largest Sitting Buddha, openly enshrined in Wat theva Prasat. The construction was completed in 1970 having a lap width of 20 meters with 24 meters in height and its name was bestowed by H.M. the king as "Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon".

Phichit Annual Boat Racing With cooperation of the Phichit Province and Tourism Authority of Thailand, provincial boat racing is restored to be a national level festival, taking place on every first Saturday and Sunday of September, at Wat Tha Luang located on the bank of Mae Nam Nan. The main features of the festival are boat racing and boat procession beauty contest which is regarded an exciting, joyful, and colorful one.

Major Events: 

Boat racing is a traditional event of long standing. It is usually held after the homage-paying rites to the province principal Buddha statue during September each year on the Nen River in front of Wat Tha Luang.

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