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Phitsanulok Province is situated 377 kilometres north
of Bangkok and is an important centre for travellers
wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast
regions of Thailand. The city of offers many interesting
sites for visitors and a range of activities.
Phitsanulok is relatively easy for the independent
traveller as most of the residents speak central Thai,
whilst many speak English. The weather tends to be
a little more moderate than much of the region and
transportation is easy to find.
This is a great place for exploring the surrounding
countryside, and the nearby Phu Hin Rong Kla National
Park contains many beautiful waterfalls as well as
a White Hmong Village. Another area of natural beauty
just waiting to be discovered is the Tung Salaeng
Luang National Park, with its stunning mountains,
caves and waterfalls.
Phitsanulok was the birthplace of King Naresuan the
Great, who reigned from 1590-1605. This is the legendary
King who declared Ayutthaya's independence from Burma
in 1584 and is celebrated for his victorious and admirable
single handed combat on elephant back against the
Burmese Crown Prince.
There are many interesting temples to explore in
and around the city of Phitsanulok including Wat Phra
Sri Rattana Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Nang Phaya
and Wat Chedi Yod Thong. If you are interested in
temple art, make sure you pay a visit to The Buranathai
Buddha Foundry, which specializes in casting bronze
Buddha images and is unique in the province
The Sergeant-Major Dr. Thawee Buranakhet Folklore
Museum is an interesting place to spend an hour or
two as it contains a collection of folk arts, crafts,
pottery and ancient kitchen utensils.
Many visitors come to Phitsanulok to experience the
challenging and exciting rapids nearby white water
rafting, whilst others find inner peace at the Dharma
Abha Vipassana Meditation Center.
The daily night market is a great place to shop for
souvenirs, buy local fabrics and have a cheap meal,
whilst others choose to splash out on a romantic evening
meal at one of the city's floating restaurants.
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