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Phitsanulok

In addition to its importance in the history of Thailand, Phitsanulok features rivers, mountains, and forests, ideal for lovers of natural beauty.

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 Kingdoms 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 Ayutthayas 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 Thailands 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.

Transport

As a province located at the heart of the nation, Phitsanulok is easily reached via private car or public bus. Once there, traveling around the city is easy, as the town is relatively compact and local transport available for visitors includes local busses and samlors (three wheeled, bicycle powered taxis). For visiting attractions around the province however, it may be easier to get from A to B with a rental car.

Getting to and from Phitsanulok

  • By Train:

    Trains leave Bangkoks Hua Lumphong Station for Phitsanulok 14 times a day from 7.05 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. There are faster express trains (Sprinters) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok departing 5 times daily between 8.25 a.m. and 11.10 p.m.

    Trains leave Phitsanulok for Bangkok 14 times a day, from 2.05 a.m. to 11.29 p.m. The daily express trains (Sprinters) return to Bangkok from Phitsanulok to Bangkok 4 times a day from 2.05 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
  • By Car:

    1: From Bangkok, use Highway No. 1 to Wang Noi, and 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.

    2: Follow the above itinerary to Sing Buri Province and switch to Highway No. 11 (In Buri-Tak Fa route), then turn onto Highway No. 12 and proceed to Phitsanulok Province via Wang Thong District. The total distance is 450 kilometers.
  • By Bus:

    Busses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to Phitsanulok daily. 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; or Win Tour at Tel: 0 2936 3753.
  • By Air:

    Thai Airways International operates daily flights between Bangkok and 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, or visit www.thaiairways.com

Getting Around Phitsanulok


For getting around Phitsanulok town, a ride in a three wheeled bicycle taxi called a samlor will cost 30 baht upwards, depending on the number of passengers, the destination, and your negotiation skills. City buses are also available for more reasonable fees; the station is located on Thammabucha Road, near the train station.

For visitors interested in touring Phitsanulok independently, both Avis and Budget advertise rental car services. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international drivers license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.


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