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Locally dubbed as "Wat Yai", the complex is
considered the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Housing Thailand's
famous Phra Phutthachinnarat, Wat Yai is located at the foot of
Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river. The temple was built
during the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357.
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Located on the other side of Maenam Nan, opposite
the main town, the Shrine of King Naresuan the Great is in the compound
of Phitsanulok Phittayakom School. The Shrine was built in 1961 at the
site of the Chan Palace where King Naresuan the Great was born and
raised. The Shrine represents the Thais utmost respect to their beloved
King who liberated the nation from Burmese power.
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South of Wat Phra Si Mahathat is Wat Ratburana,
another main attraction worth visiting. The temple was built at the
command of King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya who played a major role
in fostering Buddhism in the Kingdom. The temple features a
three-headed Naga (mythical serpent in Buddhism) over its eaves.
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Located approximately 5 kilometers from town on the
east bank of Nan river, Wat Chula Mani is the oldest temple in town. It
was built prior to the Sukhothai era and was once the spot where the
original town was located. Wat Chula Mani is a temple with long
history. King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya and 2,000 of his followers
were ordained as monks at this temple in 1416. The Khmer-style pagoda
attracts students and archaeologists to explore the beautiful,
intricate swan design. Moreover, the Mondop contains a Holy Footprint
and an inscription stone built by King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya.
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The park, which was built by Phitsanulok Municipality in 2002, is situated in the middle of the town, on the eastern bank of Nan river. Inside the park, is a Boathouse Museum showcasing the daily life of people living in boathouses.
*Admission is free.
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Usually taken at night, visitors can see the city
from a different perspective when on the tricycle. The trip will pass
the commercial part of town, markets and ancient places. Chauffeur
services are available. Reservations can be made at local hotels.
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The city pillar is located in the shrine on the western bank of the Nan
River, opposite the Mueang Phitsanulok District Administration Office.
Designed by the Fine Arts Department, the Prang-shaped building houses
the city pillar which is made of different kinds of sacred wood in its
various parts and has gone through a religious ceremony at the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.
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Situated in the western territory of Thung Salaeng Luang National Park,
the cave has a subterranean river running through it. Visitors have to
climb over rocks at the cave’s entrance to get in, just to find a large
chamber and subterranean river. At the length of 1.4 kilometres, the
cave is beautified with stalagmites and stalactites. It can be visited
during the dry season and a personal torch is required. High water
during rainy season makes it dangerous to visit. To get there: The cave
is 85 kilometres from downtown Phitsanulok. Motorists can use Highway
12, then use Highway 11 and 1115 to Amphoe Noen Maprang. The cave is 6
kilometres away.
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This is definitely the place for those wishing to learn more about the
Thai lifestyle. Step inside a group of Thai pavilions and explore a
private collection of antique items representing Thai rural life. They
include indigenous arts, pottery, farming and trapping equipment and
household items. Old photographs revealing Phitsanulok's good old days
are also on display.
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The city walls of Phitsanulok were made of clay
similar to those of the Sukhothai era. The walls were built at the
command of King Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya to prevent attacks from
both the Lanna and Burmese Kingdoms. It was not until King Rama I of
the Rattanakosin era that the walls were destroyed. The demolition was
undertaken to prevent enemies using the city walls as shelter for their
troops.
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An exciting activity, visitors are provided with a
truly unique experience while whitewater rafting especially with the
refreshing natural scenery along Maenam Kek in Wang Thong District. The
entire trip takes only 2.5 hours to complete. The best time to go
downstream is between June and October. Reservations can be made at
your hotel or at any resorts located along Highway No. 12 .
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Located at Km. 45 along the Highway, the waterfall,
which is slightly bigger than Namtok Wang Nok An, is set against a
mountainous backdrop.
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This waterfall, Phitsanulok's largest, is located 2
kilometers off of Km. 70 marker along Highway No. 12. It is possible to
walk around and explore the rocky surroundings especially during the
dry season. This 2-tiered waterfall cascades down the steep cliffs to
the rocks below providing a different ambience for every season.
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Namtok Poi and Khao Krayang Forest Plantation are situated between Kilometre 59-60 on Highway 12, turn right and proceed
for another 2 kilometers. The surrounding area is suitable for
recreation and relaxation activities. The Forest Industry
Organisation’s forest plantation houses a beautiful waterfall that
allows visitors to enjoy nature. Nature trails and accommodation are
available.
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Situated in the arboretum only one kilometre off of the main highway 12
(Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Road) Kilometre 33, the small fall is surrounded
with different kinds of plants. On the west is a royal pavilion that
once welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen during their royal
visit to the North, with another pavilion by the water in the east.
Nearby is Sai Rapids, where visitors can enjoy the scenery. Within the
park is Namtok Wang Nok Aen, a 10-meter high waterfall, that cascades
down the rock with strong currents that have gradually shaped the
stones into the most unique formations.
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The birthplace and a resident of King Naresuan the
Great, Chan Palace is located in the compound of Phitsanulok
Phittayakom School. At present, the site is being excavated and the
entire palace will be restored as a future historical attraction.
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Located in Amphoe Wang Thong, Nakorn Thai District,
the park covers an area of 136,250 rai of land. The terrain is mainly
covered by lush forests with mountain ranges raising 100 to 645 meters
above sea level. Attractions include Namtok Kaeng Bua Kam: a 5-tiered
waterfall, Namtok Phu Daeng Ron, Namtok Huay Plu, Larn Mapha Dua view
point, and Ban Nong Hin view point.
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Art & Culture Gallery, Naresuan University (Sanambin Campus), the Gallery is established with an aim to promote
and preserve Thai arts and culture. Located at the resource centre on
Sanam Bin Rd., the Gallery is divided into 3 sections including;
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Located on Phaya Suea Road, outside Phitsanulok
walls, Wat Chedi Yot Thong is the only temple in the province that has
a lotus bud-shaped Chedi in the original Sukhothai style.
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This is a Sukhothai-era temple located in the same vicinity which is surrounded by moats.
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Situated near Wat Ratburana is Wat Nang Phaya which
believed to have been built during the same period. The temple is
famous for extensive collection of the highly coveted Nang Phaya (small
Buddha images used as amulets) which was found underneath.
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Located opposite to the folk museum, it is a bird conservation centre
that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand such as
jambu fruit-dove, helmeted hornbill, and birds mentioned in Thai
literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue
magpie, etc. The park entertains visitors with some birds that can
imitate human’s voice greeting both in Thai and English such as parrot
as well as those singing beautifully like black-throated laughing
thrush, white-crested laughing thrush, and white rumped shama. The
garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht
for adults and 20 baht for children. For more information, call Tel: 0
5521 254
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Textile Museum and Life Museum are located on the second floor of the multi-purpose building of Naresuan
University, the Textile Museum displays textiles and garments from
different sources domestically and internationally. The museum houses
documents and research studies regarding textiles and royal suits of
Their Majesties the King and Queen that were conferred to the
university. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of
cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in
weaving.
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Located on Khao Samo Khlaeng, Ban Samo Khlaeng, approximately 14
kilometres from Phitsanulok on Highway 12 and 3 kilometres before
reaching Amphoe Wang Thong. The hilltop temple houses two Buddha’s
footprints, one is a replica and the other is on the face of a western
cliff. A celebration is held annually in February. The temple also
houses a thousand-handed Guan Yin statue, three tons in weight, from
Hangzhou, China, which was carved out of white jade and sent here in
1992. On the mountain, there is a pond that never runs dry since
ancient time. Uphill from the Guan Yin statue, there is a shrine of
Heng Jia, the monkey hero, which is frequented by Thai Chinese
visitors. The topmost viewpoint of the mountain is the location of Phra
Mahathat Chedi Si Bowon Chinarat where the Buddha’s forehead bone relic
is enshrined. The Chedi has a lotus-shaped spire, with a walking Buddha
image on each side of its square base.
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specialises in raising the Bang Kaeo breed of dogs. The Bang Keao is a mixed breed of wild and domesticated canines. Characteristically, their mouths and tails look similar to those of jackals. They are noted for their devotion to their owners. Bang Kaeo dogs do not come cheap.
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Phu Hin Rong Kla is a distinctive national park
with a unique mixture of scenic attractions and historical sites. It
was once the stage of armed conflicts between two extreme political
ideologies. The Park covers a total area of 191,875 rai of land (76,750
acres) and is approximately 130 kilometers from Phitsanulok city. It
can be reached by taking Highway No. 12 and turning left at Km.68
marker into Highway No. 2013, a road leading to Nakhon Thai District.
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Located opposite the Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavis Museum is a small bronze Buddha image casting foundry, which is the only of its kind in the province. The foundry allows visitors with the opportunity to witness skilled craftspersons working on the reproduction of Phra Buddha Chinnarat images. It is possible to actually walk along the production line to see the whole bronze-casting process. In addition, huge Buddha images are also cast here. The foundry is open on Wednesday through Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
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Phu Soi Dao National Park is located in both Chat
Trakan district of Phitsanulok Province and Nam Pard District of
Uttaradit Province. Occupying a total area of 48,962.5 rai of land
(equivalent to 58,750 acres), the park stretches along the Thai-Laos
border with the highest peak measured at 2,102 meters above sea level.
The climate park is cool throughout the year and visitors are able to
see several species of wild flowers.
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Located in Khao Ya Puk,
approximately 145 kilometers from the city, Namtok Chat Trakan National
Park occupies a total area of 146,875 rai of land (equivalent to 58,750
acres). This is the location of the famous 7-tiered waterfall which
cascades down high mountain cliffs which have traces of carvings of
pre-historic symbol. In addition, there is a beach and a pond suitable
for swimming situated just in front of the waterfalls lowest tier.
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About 5 kilometres from Nong Mae Na is a 50 metres x 100 metres wide rapids, Kaeng Wang Nam Yen, affording a delightful scenery.
There are also a couple of caves with beautiful hanging and protruding groups of rocks. However, the access is not too convenient. For those who want to stay overnight in the park should contact the park authorities in advance and make their own arrangements for camping gear and provisions as there aren't as yet any facilities available.
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