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;
• Art
Gallery: over 100 masterpieces of renowned Thai
artists such as : Chuan Leakpai (Thailand's former Prime
Minister), Sawasdi Tantisuk (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Phun Ketchamrat (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Priyuan Aruchata (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Pratuang Emjaroen, Chavalit Saemprungsuk,
Chung Moonphinit and Chalermchai Khosipipat are on
display.
• Museum: Under the concept, "The Way of Life of
The People in the Lower North", more than 500
handicrafts including household utensils, agricultural
tools and manuscripts are exhibited.
• Database: provided to promote the study of the
Lower North, Thai classical dance and music.
The
gallery is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
For more information contact tel: (055) 230720, 259404
fax: (055) 261080, or email
Homer97@hotmail.com.
Buranathai Buddha Casting Foundry
Located
opposite the Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi’s 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 Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
City tour by tricycle
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.
Chan Palace
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.
City Walls and
Moats of Phitsanulok
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.
Today, the remaining walls can be seen in the area
of Wat Noi and Phitsanulok Police Station. City
Moats are 12 metres wide and are visible in the
western area of the city parallel to Phra Ruang
Road.
House Boat
The
house boat serves as a signature of Phitsanulok. From
north to south along both sides of Maenam Nan, house
boats and rafts are lined up, creating a unique
perspective for tourists. In addition to the display of
the typical Phitsanulok way of life emphasis is placed
on the strong connection between man and the river.
Hardly seen anywhere else in the Northern region, the
house boat represents the serene ambience of a united
community.
Nan Riverside Park and Boathouse Museum
The
park, which was built by Phitsanulok Municipality in
2002, is situated in the middle of the town, on the
eastern bank of Maenam Nan. Inside the park, is a
Boathouse Museum showcasing the daily life of people
living in boathouses.
*Admission is free.
Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi Folkore Museum
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.
The
museum was established by Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi
Buranakhate, who is recognized as a leader in the area
of sculpture and indigenous art preservation. He is
renowned for his knowledge on Northern Thai folklore. In
addition, he is the owner of a Buddha Casting Foundry
located just opposite the museum.
The Folklore Museum received the Excellence in Tourism
Award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1998 and
is located on Wisutkasat Road (Sanam Bin Road),
approximately 5 kilometers from the town center. The
museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Shrine of King Naresuan the Great
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.
Within the Shrine is a seated image of King Naresuan
the Great pouring water from a golden container
symbolizing the declaration of Ayutthaya's
independence from Myanmar.
To
reach the site from the city, pass through Naresuan
Bridge and turn right at the foot of the bridge,
drive for another 200 meters and turn left to enter
the road along Maenam Nan, then proceed for another
700 meters.
Wat Aranyik
This is
a Sukhothai-era temple located in the same vicinity
which is surrounded by moats.
Wat Chedi Yot
Thong
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.
Wat Chula Mani
Located approximately 5 kilometers from
town on the east bank of Maenam Nan is the oldest
temple in town – Wat Chula Mani. 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 emple 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.
Wat Nang Phaya
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.
Wat Phra Si
Mahathat
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.
Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered the most
beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. The large
Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by
the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai.
The statue’s unique feature is the flame-like halo –
a symbol of spiritual radiance. In 1931, King
Ekatotsarot (King Naresuan’s younger brother)
commanded a gold coating of the image, making it
outstanding against the dark backdrop.
Today, thousands of visitors, both Thais and
foreigners, flock to Wat Yai just to get a glimpse
of Phra Phutthachinnarat. Most of contemporary
Buddha images are cast using Phra Phutthachinnarat
as a model. There is even a saying that, your trip
to Phitsanulok is not complete without visiting Wat
Yai to pay respect to Phra Phutthachinnarat. Only
the Emerald Buddha situated in the Grand Palace,
Bangkok, is more highly respected by Thais. A
celebration to honour the statue is held annually in
late January.
Other outstanding features of the temple (vihan in
Thai) include the large pearl-inlaid wooden doors,
the gateway to see Phra Phutthachinnarat. The doors
were completed in 1756 by Ayutthaya’s royal
craftsmen. Inside the vihan are the Italian marble
floor, two painted thammas (pulpits) placed to one
side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord
Buddha.
Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other
Buddha imaes worth seeing. Phra Attharot, a standing
Buddha statue cast in same period as Phra
Phutthachinnarat, is situated in front of the large
Phra Prang (pagoda) behind the Viharn.
A
36-metre high Phra Prang was built in the early
Ayutthaya style. There are staircases leading up to
the place where relic of the Lord Buddha is
enshrined.
There is also a small museum, which exhibits a good
collection of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya-era Buddha
images and related religious items that is worth
visiting. Visitors are advised to dress
conservatively.
Wat
Ratburana
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.
Wang Thong
Namtok Kaeng Song
Located
at Km. 45 along the Highway, the waterfall, which is
slightly bigger than Namtok Wang Nok An, is set against
a mountainous backdrop.
Namtok Kaeng
Sopha
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.
Namtok Poi
To get
to this waterfall, take Highway No. 12 until reaching
markers at Kms. 59 – 60, turn right and proceed for
another 2 kilometers. The surrounding area is suitable
for recreation and relaxation activities.
Namtok Wang Nok Aen (Sakunothayan Botanical Garden)
Situated
only one kilometre off of the main highway at Km. 33
marker the park’s name was granted by H.M. the King
during his tour to the North in 1958. 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.
Thung Salaeng
Luang National Park
Against a backdrop of high mountain
ranges is the Savannah-type grassland of Thung
Salaeng Luang. Covering an area of 16 square
kilometres, the park is naturally endowed with pine
trees and wild flowers which blossom in virgin
jungles. The park’s mountain ranges are watersheds
of several streams which are a source of the famous
Maenam Nan. Its area spreads across Phitsanulok and
Phetchabun provinces.
The park
headquarters located at Km. 80 on Highway No. 12 is
where information on the park and accommodations can be
obtained. Most of the park's attractions are superb for
trekking. The route starts from the sub-office at Ban
Nong Mae Na (off Highway No.12 at Km. 100 marker) to
Khao Kho.
The
route allows visitors to enjoy the marvellous scenery of
Thung Salaeng Luang and Thung Phaya – grassland hemmed
in by pine trees and lush forests. Another attraction
along the way is Thung Non Son, a flatland located on
top of the mountain, at the heart of the park. It is
famous for its wild flowers which are in their full
bloom from October through December. The flatland is
accessible through a 16 kilometers clay road and a
walking route of 15 kilometers from Ban Nong Mae Na.
There is also a study trail at the Mae Na park station
which is superb for exploring the entire ecological
system of the park.
Kaeng
Wang Nam Yen a 50 meter x 100 meter wide rapid, suitable
for white-water rafting, is located about 5 kilometers
from Nong Mae Na station.
Visitors who wish to stay overnight in the park are
required to make arrangements with the park rangers in
advance. Call 05 526 8019 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th for
more details.
Whitewater rafting
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 .
Nakhon Thai
Kaeng Chet Khwae
National Park
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.
To reach
the national park drive along Highway No. 12 from the
city for 6 kilometers, then turn left onto Highway No.
11 (Phitsanulok - Uttaradit). Proceed for another 25
kilometers to Ban Nakam, then turn right and drive for
approximately 9 kilometers. Upon reaching Ban Kaeng Ched
Kwae School, turn right and drive along the road for 300
meters to the entrance on the left. Accommodations are
available. Contact Kaeng Ched Kwae National Park Office
(temporary) National Park Guard Unit ( Phu Daeng Ron )
Ban Huay Plu ,Sup Prai Wan,Wang Thong District,
Phitsanulok 65130 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th.
Phu
Hin Rong Kla National Park
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.
The park
area is mainly covered with lush green forests, several
awesome waterfalls, and a vast plain of rocks with cracks
scattered all around. The highest point of the park is 1,617
meters above sea level. Here, rock formations are naturally
formed into different shapes beyond your wildest
imagination. Some rocky grounds have deep splits (Lan Hin
Taek), while others have uneven formations.
Apart from
natural attractions, the park offers opportunities to
explore many of its historical sites that tell the story of
national political conflicts.
Because Phu Hin Rong Kla was the strategic headquarters of the
Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) during 1967 to 1982, the
area was declared as a red area by the Thai government. For
nearly two decades, the site had become a strategic
battlefield between the Royal Thai Army and the CPT. Phu Hin
Rong Kla was the perfect location for the CPT to fight the
military. Its remote, closed mountainous area was superb for
an elusive defense. It was not until 1982 that the conflict
was overcome when the government granted amnesty to all the
students who had joined the CPT. In 1984, Phu Hin Rong Kla
was declared a National Park.
During the CPT’s golden era, a hospital, a school of political
and political tactics, living quarters, an air-raid shelter
and other necessary facilities were set up. Today, visitors
to Phu Hin Rong Kla can travel along the park’s main road to
witness the remains of a rustic meeting hall, the political
school, and the administration building.
There is
also a trail leading to Lan Hin Pum, an area of jutting
rocks that the CPT used as an air-raid shelter. From the
spot, it is possible to see the remains of the CPT
headquarters with a small museum displaying some CPT weapons
and medical instruments. Follow another trail to Pha Chu
Thong, the cliff where a red flag was raise when the CPT
gained a victory.
Tourists or
visitors wishing to stay overnight are advised to make
advance reservations at the National Park Division, Forestry
Department tel. 05 523 3527 or 02 561 4292, or email
reserve@dnp.go.th.
Accommodations and tents are available.
Chat Trakan
Namtok Chat
Trakan National Park
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 waterfall’s lowest
tier.
To get to the national park take Highway No. 12 to
Ban Yang. At Km. 68, turn left onto route No. 2013
which leads to Nakhon Thai District. Then proceed on
route No. 1143 to Chat Trakan District.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Phitsanulok.
It departs 7 times a day: 6.00 a.m., 7.20 a.m., 9.30
a.m., 11.30 a.m., 3.20 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Visitors
may camp out in the park with permission from the
park officials. Call 05 523 7028 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th.
Phu Soi Dao
National Park
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.
One
of the most distinctive features of the park is the
savanna field amidst the dense pine trees. Another
attraction worth visiting is the five-tiered Namtok
Phu Soi Dao which is located quite near to the park
office. “Larn Paa Son” which can be reached in 4-5
hours via mountainous trails is also a highly
recommended place for an overnight stay. In
addition, Namtok Sai Tip, the next waterfall on the
way, is a place where visitors can marvel at moss
and lichen covered cliff. Advanced notice to Park
Officers is required and highly recommended. Call 05
541 9234-5 or email
reserve@dnp.go.th for more camping and travel
information.
How
to get to Phu Soi Dao
From
Phitsanulok
By
Car:
take the Phitsanulok - Wat Bot - Ban Pong Cae - Chat
Trakan - Phu Soi Dao route where the total distance is
177 kilometers. Alternatively, take the Phitsanulok -
Nakhon Thai - Chat Trakan - Phu Soi Dao route where a
total distance of 154 kilometers.
By
Bus:
there are buses departing from the city at 6.00 a.m.,
7.20 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.50 p.m. and 04.30
p.m.
Bang Kaeo
Bang Kaeo Dog Farm
The Bang Kaeo Dog
Farm specialises
in raising the Bang Kaeo
breed of dogs.
The Bang Kaeo
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.
