Phitsanulok Map and Travel Guide
Phitsanulok Travel Guide
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.
How to get there
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.
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