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PHITSANULOK
The riverside provincial capital is 377 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Pitsanulok is situated on the geographical and administrative line
uniting the central and northern regions. Phitsanulok was the
birthplace of King Naresuan the Great of Ayutthaya (reign:
1590-1605), and his brother Prince Ekathosarot. Phitsanulok has long
been an important center for political and strategic reasons.
Phitsanulok was a major center of recruitment when Ayutthaya waged
war with Burma (Myanmar), and was the capital of Thailand for 25
years during the 1448-1488 reign of Ayutthaya's King
Boromatrailokanat.
Attractions - in the city
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
This riverside temple is a major city landmark and
houses one of Thailand's most beautiful and significant Buddha
images, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which was cast in 1357. Ayutthaya's
King Borommakot built the striking mother-of-pearl doors in 1756.
The museum in the temple compound houses a collection of Sukhothai
art.
Wat Chulamani
The temple's corncob-shaped tower, or prang, is
another city landmark. The temple is regarded as being Phitsanulok's
oldest historical site and contains some exceptionally elaborate
plaster designs.
King Naresuan the Great Shrine
The shrine is located in the compound of the
Phitsanulok Phitthayakhom School, and depicts the seated king
ceremoniously declaring Ayutthaya's independence from Burma
(Myanmar). The shrine was constructed on the site of the Chandra
Palace where King Naresuan was born in 1555.
Sergeant-Major Dr Thawi-Pim Buranakhet's Folklore Museum
Opposite the Buranathai Buddha Casting Factory on
Wisutkasat Road, this attractive museum houses a charming collection
of local folk arts and crafts, including basketry, pottery and
ancient kitchen utensils.
Nan River Houseboats
People living on houseboats on the Nan River adhere
to a traditional lifestyle that is fast disappearing in Thailand.
Attractions - out of the city
(Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road/Highway No. 12)
Sakunothayan Botanical Garden
The picturesque Wang Nok Aen Waterfall, some 10
meters in height, cascades among rocks to create a soothing sight.
Kaeng Song Waterfall.
Poi Waterfall
Poi Waterfall is distinguished by a copious flow
and profuse rocky outcroppings. Many species of flowering trees
grace the area.
Kaeng Sopha Waterfall
This is the largest waterfall in Phitsanulok - 2
kilometers through forest beyond the Thung Salaeng Luang National
Park office.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
The forested park covers more than 300,000 acres
spreading across Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces.
Phuhinrongkla National Park
This park of arresting scenic beauty spreads across
parts of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei provinces. Major
attractions include Lan Hin Taek natural rock formations covered
with orchids, ferns, lichen and wild flowers.
Chat Trakan National Park
This park covering more than 60,000 acres. A
seven-tiered waterfall within the park is the source of the Kwae Noi
River that unites with the Nan River in the provincial capital.
Major Events
The Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair
The six-day fair occurs on the sixth day of the
waxing moon of the third lunar month, usually late February, at Wat
Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, and features homage paying, folk
entertainment and cultural performances.
Boat Races
Long boat races are customarily staged during the
first weekend of October on the Nan River fronting Wat Phra Si
Rattana Mahathat.
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