Phitsanulok
Nai Mueang, Mueang Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok, Thailand, 65000
On the Nan River in the north of Thailand, Phitsanulok sits against a landscape of mountains, rice fields, and forests— a place that was home to a settlement of Khmer people in the 10th century. Centuries later, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom moved here, and the Ayutthaya kingdom later declared it as its capital too.
The basics
Today, Phitsanulok is a bustling and diverse city with plenty of cultural attractions to please international visitors—including Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, which contains one of the most revered Buddha images in the country. Phitsanulok also makes for a convenient base from which to explore the ancient attractions of nearby Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but some multi-day tours of Northern Thailand stop here.
Things to know before you go
- Phitsanulok is a must-visit for those interested in Buddhism or Thai artistry.
- Most visitors spend quite a bit of time exploring on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and sun/rain protection.
- As Phitsanulok is a bit off the tourist trail, you may want to come with a local guide or as part of a tour group to make the most of your experience.
How to get there
Phitsanulok can be easily reached by rail, road, and air from various places across Thailand. It’s an easy stop-off when traveling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. If arriving by train and transiting to nearby Sukhothai, it's a simple case of catching a local bus or tuk-tuk across town.
When to get there
Phitsanulok is a year-round destination, but it's at its most pleasant during the dry season—from November through March—as temperatures also tend to be a bit lower during these months. Annual events include the Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair held in January and a series of dragon boat races held over the first weekend of October.
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat—also known as Wat Yai—is the most famous attraction in town, and it’s notable for its golden Buddha statue—Phra Phuttha Chinnarat—which some consider the most beautiful image of Buddha in Thailand. There's also a museum on the complex that features a large collection of art, much of which dates to the medieval Sukothai Kingdom.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!