What is Phitsanulok most famous for?

Phitsanulok is most famous for Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple and its revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat image, considered one of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha statues.

How far is Phitsanulok from Bangkok?

Phitsanulok is approximately 377 kilometers north of Bangkok, about 5-6 hours by car or 5-7 hours by train.

Is Phitsanulok worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, Phitsanulok offers authentic Thai culture, important historical sites, excellent food, and serves as a gateway to Sukhothai Historical Park and national parks.

What local food should I try in Phitsanulok?

Must-try foods include Phitsanulok-style kuaytiaw (noodles), grilled river fish, and khanom pang na moo (pork toast). Visit the night market along the Nan River for the best selection.

Can I use credit cards in Phitsanulok?

Credit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping malls, but cash (Thai baht) is essential for markets, street food, and local transportation.

Varies by nationality. Many countries get 30-day visa exemption by air, 15 by land. Check with Thai embassy.

What currency is used?

Thai Baht (THB). ATMs widely available, but carry cash for rural areas.

Is English widely spoken?

Limited in rural areas; basic English in tourist spots. Learn a few Thai phrases.

Can I use credit cards?

Accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in markets and small shops.

What is the tipping culture?

Not expected but appreciated. Round up taxi fares or leave small change at restaurants.

Is it safe to eat street food?

Generally safe, but choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw or undercooked food.

What is the best way to get from Bangkok?

Train (5-6 hours), bus (5 hours), or fly (1 hour) to Phitsanulok Airport.

Can I visit nearby Sukhothai?

Yes, it's about 1 hour by bus or car. Easy day trip.

Are there any local festivals?

Phra Buddha Chinnarat Fair in January, and Loy Krathong in November with lanterns on the Nan River.

Phitsanulok

ProvinceThailand, Asia

Phitsanulok is a STATE in Thailand, Asia.

Phitsanulok, often called the 'two Buddha city,' is a captivating province in Thailand's lower northern region that serves as a gateway to both cultural heritage and natural wonders. The city of Phitsanulok is home to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, one of Thailand's most revered temples housing the magnificent Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered by many to be the most beautiful Buddha image in the country. Beyond its spiritual significance, the province offers diverse landscapes from the fertile plains of the Nan River to the lush mountains of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, a historic site of communist insurgency turned natural preserve with stunning rock formations and waterfalls. Food enthusiasts will delight in Phitsanulok's famous street food scene, particularly along the night markets by the river, where local specialties like Phitsanulok-style noodles showcase the region's culinary identity. The province also serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby Sukhothai Historical Park, the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom. With its blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and authentic Thai culture away from mass tourism, Phitsanulok offers travelers a genuine glimpse into Thailand's heartland.

Best time to visit Phitsanulok

November to February offers the coolest and most pleasant weather (20-30°C) with minimal rainfall, ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities. This period coincides with festivals like Loy Krathong in November. March to May is hot and dry (up to 40°C), but good for visiting waterfalls before rainy season. June to October brings monsoon rains making some rural areas less accessible, but landscapes are lush green and crowds are smaller.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Rainy 23-31°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

End of monsoon; clearer skies

Know before you go

Getting there

PHS

Phitsanulok Airport

Domestic

8 km away

Sukhothai Airport

Domestic

70 km away

DMK

Don Mueang International Airport

International

380 km away

BKK

Suvarnabhumi Airport

International

390 km away

Getting around

"Songthaews (shared pickup truck taxis) follow fixed routes within the city—wave to stop and ring the bell to get off. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis are available for shorter trips—always negotiate fares first. Metered taxis are less common but available, especially at the airport and major hotels. Car and motorbike rentals are available but require an international driving permit. Grab taxi app operates in Phitsanulok city. For inter-province travel, use the bus terminal or train station. Bicycles are excellent for exploring the historical areas and riverfront."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes in the city

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or 7-Eleven from $3

Calling code

+66

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe, but be cautious with tuk-tuk pricing and at night in isolated areas.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe, but be cautious with tuk-tuk pricing and at night in isolated areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Phitsanulok is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas like night markets against petty theft. Be cautious when crossing streets as traffic can be chaotic. Avoid political demonstrations. When visiting national parks, stay on marked trails and hire local guides for remote areas. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi/tuk-tuk drivers—always negotiate fares beforehand or use metered taxis. The city center and tourist areas are safe at night, but avoid poorly lit alleys. Road safety is a concern, especially on rural roads—wear helmets on motorbikes and avoid driving at night."

Police

191

Ambulance

1669

Fire

199

Tourist Police

1155

Entry and health

Health information

"Phitsanulok has several quality hospitals including Buddhachinaraj Hospital (public) and Bangkok Hospital Phitsanulok (private with international standards). Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines if visiting rural areas. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are present year-round, so insect repellent is essential. Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled or filtered water. Medical facilities in the city are adequate for most emergencies, but serious conditions may require transfer to Bangkok. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering buildings. The head is considered sacred—never touch anyone's head. Feet are considered lowly—avoid pointing feet at people or Buddha images. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in restaurants (10% if service charge not included) and for tour guides. Remove shoes before entering homes. Show respect to monks—women should not touch monks or directly hand them items. The wai (pressing palms together) is the traditional greeting—return it when offered."

ThaiNorthern Thai dialect

Costs and practicals

Currency

Thai Baht (THB) · ฿

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$2-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $2-5

Hotels

$15-40 | budget hotels range $15-40/night

Local transport

$0.50-1 | local bus ride ~$0.50-1

Cost notes

Very affordable compared to Bangkok; street food and local transport are cheap.

Timezone

Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

850,000

Area

10,815 km²

Government

Provincial administrative organization

ISO code

TH-12

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Пхітсанулок (правінцыя), Phitsanulok Hú, Phitsanulok (provins), ཕི་ཊི་ཙ་ནུ་ལོཀ་ཞིང་ཆེན།, Phitsanulok, ფიტსანულოკის პროვინცია, Changwat Phitsanulok (lalawigan sa Thayland), Propinsi Phitsanulok, پھیتسانولوک صوبہ, จังหวัดพิษณุโลก, Lalawigan ng Phitsanulok, پارێزگای فیتسانولۆک, TH-65, Provincia Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok (província), फितसनुलोक प्रान्त, Phitsanulok (tỉnh), Provincia di Phitsanulok, 핏사눌록주, Phitsanulok Province, Provincia de Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok (il), ഫിറ്റ്സാനുലോക്ക് പ്രവിശ്യ, صوبہ پھٹسانولوک, Phitsanulok (provinssi), Phitsanulok-fylket, استان پیتسانولوک, محافظة فيتسانولوك, Вилояти Питсанулок, PLK, Фитсанулок, চাংৱাত ফিতসানুলোক, Prowincja Phitsanulok, 彭世洛府, Faritanin'i Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok Hū, Phitsanulok (provincie), ខេត្តពិស្ណុលោក, ピッサヌローク県, Province de Phitsanulok, Changwat Phitsanulok, फित्सनुलोक प्रान्त, Provinsi Phitsanulok, Пхитсанулок, ຈັງຫວັດພິສະນຸໂລກ, Пхітсанулок, Phitsanulok (lalawigan), Amphoe Wat Bot, King Amphoe Wat Bot, Wat Bot, wadbosth, วัดโบสถ์

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