Phitsanulok is a province that can be called ‘the city of two Rivers’ because there are 2 rivers – Nan River and Kwae Noi River flowing through the city. The city is getting more popular among tourists with its interesting attractions and good facilities.

Tips

Wearing shorts or short skirts is not permitted when you go inside the hall where the Buddha Chinnarat placed in Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat. You could wear long skirt or sarong that available in the hall entrance. You should not stand and take photos in the Temple’s hall but taking photo while sitting is okay.

Going to Khek river during March – May is a good chance to see freshwater jellyfish which are hardly found in the world.

Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's History. For example, Phitsanulok contains evidence of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 and 4,000 years, including ancient stone axes. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came to power in the 12th century.

Phitsanulok prospered under both the Kingdoms of Sukhothai (1238-1378 C.E.) and Ayutthaya (1350-1767 C.E.). In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it became the Kingdom’s royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.

Phitsanulok was also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (R. 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthaya’s independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan is known for his victorious and honorable single-hand combat atop an elephant-back against a Burmese Crown Prince.

Once named Song Khwae, meaning two rivers, Phitsanulok is situated between the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers, which is also a strategic location between Thailand’s central plains, northern mountains, and northeastern plateau. Phitsanulok is therefore a natural hub and an ideal base for travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast. However, Phitsanulok is more than just a stopover for tourists; it is a province with a number of tourism opportunities. While most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, one third of the area is covered by mountains in the north and east, where national parks and waterfalls await exploration.