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Phitsanulok Province

Phitsanulok Province (จังหวัดพิษณุโลก) is home to visit-worthy natural attractions and a pleasant provincial capital with plenty of food and accommodation options. However, most visitors regard the province more as a base for visiting the historical ruins in neighbouring provinces than a destination in itself.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Phitsanulok Province.

  • See

    Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum

    This fascinating museum displays a remarkable collection of tools, textiles and photographs from Phitsanulok Province, as well as many knick-knacks from previous decades, all accumulated by the eponymous Sergeant Major Thawee. It’s spread throughout five traditional-style Thai buildings and the displays are accompanied by informative English descriptions. Those interested in cooking will find much of interest in the display of a traditional Thai kitchen and the various traps used to catch game.

  • See

    Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat

    The main wí·hăhn (sanctuary) at this temple, known by locals as Wat Yai, appears small from the outside, but houses the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, one of Thailand’s most revered and copied Buddha images. This famous statue is probably second in importance only to the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew.

  • See

    Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

    Phu Hin Rong Kla was the former strategic headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT). Today it's a national park covering about 307 sq km of rugged mountains and forest, much of it covered by rocks and wildflowers. The elevation at park headquarters is about 1000m, so the area is refreshingly cool even in the hot season. The main attractions aren't too far from the main road through the park and include the remains of the CPT stronghold and the administration building.

  • See

    Wat Ratburana

    Across the street from Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, Wat Ratburana draws fewer visitors but in some ways is more interesting than its famous neighbour. In addition to a wí·hăhn with a 700-year-old gold Buddha, there’s a bòht (chapel), with beautiful murals thought to date back to the mid-19th century, and two wooden hŏr đrai (manuscript libraries).

  • See

    Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry

    Almost across the street from Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum, and also belonging to Sergeant Major Thawee, is the Buranathai Buddha Image Foundry, where bronze Buddha images of all sizes are cast. Visitors are welcome to watch the process, and there are photo exhibits demonstrating the lost-wax method of metal casting. Some of the larger images take a year or more to complete. There is a small gift shop where you can purchase bronze images.

  • See

    Pha Chu Thong

    An 800m trail leads to Pha Chu Thong (sometimes also called Red Flag Cliff), where the Communist Party of Thailand would raise the red flag to announce a military victory. Also in this area is an air-raid shelter, a lookout and the remains of the main CPT headquarters – the most inaccessible point in the territory before a road was constructed by the Thai government.

  • See

    Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

    The 1262-sq-km Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is one of Thailand’s largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries. Not many animals are visible, but there are waterfalls and caves. The entrance is at the Km 80 marker of Rte 12, where the park headquarters has information on walks and accommodation.