Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago on the banks of the Nan River, 377 km north of Bangkok, Nowadays its population is around 85,000. Phitsanulok was the place of birth of King Naresuan the Great of Ayutthaya; who was born at the Wang Chan Palace; and his brother and successor Prince Ekathosarot. A monument to King Naresuan is located near the Chandahana Palace. Phitsanulok was royal capital for 25 years during the reign of Ayutthaya King Trailokanat, who resided permanently in the province.
The major attraction of Phitsanulok is its Phra Buddha Chinnarat a revered gold-plated Buddha image situated at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat Woramahawihan (commonly referred by the inhabitants as Wat Yai). It is usually considered the second most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand (after the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok).
Other extraordinary sight is The Folklore Museum, which has an imposing compilation of agricultural and household instruments as well as exhibits a finest set of folkloric artifacts. Other famous places to visit are the ancient Buddhist temple Wat Chula Manee, the shrine of King Naresuan the Great, the Garden Birds, the Buddha Casting Factory (where craftsmen works on large bronze images of Buddha), night markets and floating restaurants on the Nan River.
Phitsanulok is an important center in northern Thailand both for political and strategic reasons, actually is a major commercial, transportation and communication hub, providing easy access to anywhere in north, central, northeast and east Thailand. The climate of Phitsanulok is generally hot and humid; waterfalls and national parks near the city offer excellent opportunities for nature treks, by example the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park offer beautiful sceneries with many species of wildlife (Elephants, Herons, Eagles, Pheasants, Owls, Woodpeckers, Bulbuls, Flycatchers, Flowerpeckers), wild flowers, and the famed Kaeng Sopha Waterfall (dubbed the Niagara Falls of Thailand). The Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is another attraction where visitors can see wildlife species like Tigers, Leopards, Asiatic Black Bears, Wild boar, Foxes, Monkeys.
Today, Phitsanulok is one of the larger of Thailand’s provincial capitals, which plays a vital role as the air and land transportation center. The city houses also the Naresuan University and Ratchapat Pibun Songkram University, as well as to a main Royal Thai Army base. It is a welcoming place and well worth including in your journey of the north of Thailand.