Phitsanulok is a province that can be called ‘the city of
two Rivers’ because there are 2 rivers – Nan River and Kwae Noi River flowing
through the city. The city is getting more popular among tourists with its
interesting attractions and good facilities.
Tips
Wearing shorts or short skirts is not permitted when you
go inside the hall where the Buddha Chinnarat placed in Wat Phra Sri Rattana
Mahathat. You could wear long skirt or sarong that available in the hall
entrance. You should not stand and take photos in the Temple’s hall but taking
photo while sitting is okay.
Going to Khek river during March – May is a good chance
to see freshwater jellyfish which are hardly found in the world.
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 Kingdom’s 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 Ayutthaya’s 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 Thailand’s 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.
