Phisanulok
 |
|
Phitsanulok General Information
Covering some 105,815 square kilometers, Phitsanulok is 377 kilometers north of Bangkok. It borders Uttaradit Province on the North, Phichit Province on the South, Loei and Phetchabun Provinces on the East, and Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai Provinces on the West. Situated on a strategic location dividing Thailands Central and Northern regions, and connecting to the Northeastern region, Phitsanulok is undeniably an important hub and an ideal base for travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast. Phitsanulok, however, is not just a stopover for tourists, but is a province with promising tourism opportunities.
Phitsanulok City spans the banks of Maenam Nan and has Maenam Kwae Noi running through it. Therefore, it is locally known and historically referred to as Song Kwae City (song means two and kwae means a river). Most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, with one third of the area being mountain ranges on the north and the east. Its unique natural endowments including natural parks and waterfalls make a trip to Phitsanulok worthwhile.
Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, remains of an ancient community dating back between 2,000-4,000 years, including old stone axes, was found here. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom burst into power.
Phitsanulok prospered along with the powerful Sukhothai (1238-1378) and Ayutthaya (1350 1767) Kingdoms. In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it had become the Kingdoms royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat.
Phitsanulok is also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (reigned 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthayas independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan the Great is known for his victorious and honorable single hand combat on elephant back Yutthahatti against a Burmese Crown Prince. His heroic power and strong dedication to expelling the invaders from his motherland saved the country, and truly united the Kingdom which later was known as Siam and currently known as Thailand.
Phitsanulok was also a strategic location for other Ayutthaya Kings as it was a major center for military recruitment and a training camp when Ayutthaya waged wars with Burma.
Phitsanulok Festival Information
- Long-tailed Boat Races
The traditional Long-tailed Boat Races are usually held in October when the Nan River is full. The fair is held in front of Wat Phra Si Ratanamahathat. Robes are placed over the Phra Buddha Chinarat, and there are contests of boat processions and races with scores of boats.
Phitsanulok Attactions Information
- 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.
- 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 waterfalls lowest tier.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chula Mani Temple (Wat Chula Mani)
Located approximately 5 kilometers from town on the east bank of Nan river, Wat Chula Mani is the oldest temple in town. 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 temple 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.
- Nang Phaya Temple (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.
- Phra Si Mahathat Temple (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 statues 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 pulpits (thammas) placed to one side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha.
Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other Buddha images 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.
- Ratburana Temple (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.
- 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 parks 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.
- 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.
- 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 parks 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 marvelous 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.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
|
