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 This
strategically-located town and province is a major commercial and
transport hub, that was a former Khmer outpost and later the birthplace
of King Naresuan.
Phitsanulok is the seat of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha image,
Phra Buddha Chinnarat, an imposing goldplated image housed in Wat
Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. The Folklore Museum has a large and impressive
collection of local arts and crafts as well as displays depicting
local life through the centuries.
The road east to Lomsak passes through some spectacular scenery.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park has many species of flower found
nowhere else, great tracts of forest and the famed Kaeng Sopha Falls.
There are more lovely waterfalls along the road, the Sakunothayan
Arboretum, and the unusual rock formations at Phu Hin Rongkla National
Park on the border with Phetchabun.
By Car
a) From Bangkok, use Highway No. 1 to Wang Noi, then proceed
to Nakhon Sawan Province along Highway No. 32 via Ayutthaya, Ang
Thong and Sing Buri Provinces. After that, take Highway No. 117
to Phitsanulok. The total distance is 337 kilometers.
b) Take the same Highway to Sing Buri Province and switch to Highway
No. 11 (In Buri-Tak Fa route), then turn into Highway No. 12 and
proceed to Phitsanulok Province via Wang Thong District. The total
distance is 450 kilometers.
By Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2
Bus Terminal) to Phitsanulok. Contact Transport Co. Ltd. at Tel:
0 2936 2852-66; Phitsanulok Yan Yon Tour at Tel: 0 2936 2924-5;
Choet Chai Tour at Tel: 0 2936 0199 and Win Tour at Tel: 0 2936
3753.
By Rail
Daily regular trains depart daily from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong
Railway Station. Call 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th for more information.
Trains leave Bangkok for Phitsanulok daily from 7.05 a.m. to 11.30
p.m., 14 times a day. There are express trains (Sprinters) from
Bangkok to Phitsanulok departing daily from 8.25 a.m. to 11.10 p.m.,
5 times a day.
Trains leave Phitsanulok for Bangkok daily, from 2.05 a.m. to
11.29 p.m., 14 times a day. There are daily express trains (Sprinters)
departing from Phitsanulok to Bangkok from 2.05 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.,
4 times a day.
By Air
Thai Airways International operates several direct flights
daily from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. The trip takes 40-45 minutes.
For more information, contact the Bangkok Office at tel. 0 2280
0060, 0 2628 2000, Phitsanulok Office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or visit
www.thaiairways.com.
By Rental Car
For visitors interested in touring Phitsanulok independently,
Budget has a small operation at the airport. Call tel. 05525-8556
for reservations and information. Avis operates out of an office
adjoining the Phitsanulok Youth Hostel.
Travelling around the city is easy as the town is relatively compact.
Sam lor will cost 30-50 baht/person, depending on the destination
and city buses are also available (4-6 baht/person, non air-conditioned).
The station is located on Thammabucha Road, near the train station.
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.
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