'''Phitsanulok''' (????????) is the provincial capital of Phitsanulok Province.
A city in the lower part of Northern Thailand rich in historical, cultural and natural attractions, Phitsanulok is some 377 kilometres from Bangkok. The province covers an area of 10,815 square kilometres, featuring mountains, plains and forest in the east and river basin. The Nan River, lifeline of the province runs through the heart of the city
The city dates back to the 10th century when the Khmer ruled this region. Formerly, the city was named Song Khwae, meaning two rivers, as it was located between the Nan and Khwae Noi River. The original location of Song Khwae city is at Wat Chulamani. Around the year 1357, king of Sukhothai, Phra Maha Thammaracha Lithai, decided to move the town to its present location. Since then, Phitsanulok served as a strategic border town ruled by members of the royal family.
During the Ayutthaya Period, the town played a larger role as a buffer town between Ayutthaya, the capital city, and the northern kingdom. Following an administrative reform by King Borommatrailokkanat, it had served as the capital city for 25 years. After that, the town was downgraded to a strategic border town. It has played a major role in blocking the invasion of Burmese troops. King Naresuan the Great, who ruled the town in a capacity as Crown Prince, mobilized troops from Phitsanulok to fight against the Burmese who then ruled over the Siamese Kingdom, and reclaimed independence in 1584.
Phitsanulok became a strategic town in coping Burmese invasion again in 1775 in the Thon Buri period. During a tough battle, the Burmese army_fs commander requested an appearance of a Thai commander, Chaophraya Chakri, and predicted that he would become a king. Chaophraya Chakri was later crowned the first monarch of the Rattanakosin period, King Rama I the Great of the Royal House of Chakri. Phitsanulok was upgraded to be a circle called Monthon Phitsanulok in 1894 in the reign of King Rama V. Now, Phitsanulok is a province.
The province comprises 9 amphoe:- Bang Krathum; Bang Rakam; Chat Trakan; Mueang Phitsanulok; Nakhon Thai; Noen Maprang; Phrom Phiram; Wang Thong; Wat Bot.
'''''Distances from Amphoe Mueang Phitsanulok to different districts'''''
From Bangkok, motorist can travel through Highway 1 up north to Wang Noi of Ayutthaya, then use Highway 32, through Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, and Nakhon Sawan. Then get on Highway 117 bound for Phitsanulok. This route, which is the most convenient way, is 377 kilometres long from Bangkok.
From Sing Buri, motorist can use Highway 11, the In Buri ? Tak Fa route, and turn into Highway 12 to Amphoe Wang Thong of Phitsanulok, and turn left to Phitsanulok which is 17 kilometres away. This route is a total of 450 kilometres from Bangkok. Travellers can also travel through Phetchabun and Lom Sak before getting on Highway 12. A distance of 100 kilometres; this route is rich of attractions.
Regular buses and coaches leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) from Bangkok all day long. For more information, call the state-owned Transport Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 2936 2852 - 66 or visit www.transport.co.th. (Thai Language only, no English). The Phitsanulok Bus Terminal can be reached at Tel. 0 5524 2430. Air-conditioned coach services are available at Phitsanulok Yanyon Tour Co., Ltd. (Tel. 0 2936 2924 - 5 or 0 5525 8647), Cherdchai Tour Co., Ltd. (Tel. 0 2936 0198 - 9 or 0 5521 1922), and Win Tour (Tel. 0 2936 3753 or 0 5525 2617).
Daily services to Phitsanulok are available from nearby provinces such as Uttaradit, Phrae, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Mae Sot of Tak, Phichit, Phetchabun and Khon Kaen.
Sprinter trains, rapid trains and ordinary trains leave Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) for Phitsanulok daily. For more information, call Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444, or Phitsanulok Railway Station at Tel. 0 5525 8005, or visit the website www.railway.co.th.
There are daily flights between Bangkok and Phitsanulok. Thai Airways International can be contacted at Tel. 1566, 0 2628 2000, www.thaiairways.com, or call the Phitsanulok office at Tel. 0 5524 2971
'''City Pillar Shrine (????????????????????)''' The city pillar is located in the shrine on the western bank of the Nan River, opposite the Mueang District Administration Office. Designed by the Fine Arts Department, the Prang-shaped building houses the city pillar, which is made of different kinds of sacred wood in its various parts and has gone through a religious ceremony at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.
'''King Naresuan the Great_fs Shrine (????????????????????????)''' The ancient-style three-portico pavilion designed by the Fine Arts Department houses a life-size statue of the king in a sitting posture, declaring independence from Burma. An annual celebration takes place on 25 January of each year. The shrine is located at the site that was once the Chan Palace, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great. The palace_fs foundation was discovered in 1992.
'''Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, Wat Yai or Wat Phra Si (?????????????????????????????? ???? ??????? ???? ?????????)''' The Buddhist temple houses Thailand's most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Phutthachinnarat. Built in 1357, the temple is located on Phutthabucha Road by the Nan River. It houses many valuable antiques such as:
'''Phra Phutthachinnarat (Phra Buddha Chinaraj) (?????????????)''' Cast in the attitude of subduing evil, the huge bronze Buddha image is honoured as the country_fs most beautiful Buddha statue with graceful characteristics. The statue_fs unique feature is the wooden flame-like halo, a symbol of spiritual radiance. The statue was cast during the reign of Phra Maha Thammaracha I (Phraya Lithai) of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The Buddha image was cast together with other famous images called Phra Phutthachinnasi and Phra Si Satsada.
'''Mother-of- pearl inlaid wooden doors (?????????????????)''' At the entrance of the Wihan, the splendidly crafted door was made in 1756 by craftsmen of the royal school into an intricate traditional Thai style and design during the reign of King Borommakot in the late Ayutthaya period.
'''Phra Luea (????????)''' The Buddha statue was made from the bronze left over from the building of the Phra Phutthachinnarat, Phra Phutthachinnasi, and Phra Si Satsada images. Phra Luea, in the attitude of subduing evil, is placed inside a small Wihan called Wihan Luea.
'''Wihan Phrachao Khao Nipphan, Wihan Klaep or Wihan Luang Sam Phi Nong (?????????????????????? ???? ????????? ???? ???????????????????)''' Located at the south of Wihan Phra Si Satsadaram, this image hall houses a stone coffin placed on a pyre beautifully carved and decorated with colourful pieces of mirror. It is said that the coffin represents the Lord Buddha in nirvana. This unique antique is quite a special treasure of the temple.
'''Phra Attharot (??????????)''' The standing Buddha image in the attitude of persuading relatives not to quarrel dates back to 1257. The image was formerly placed in a large Wihan, which was later ruined.
'''Phra Prang Prathan (???????????????)''' Situated behind the main Wihan, the principal Phra Prang or corn-shaped stupa was first built in the Sukhothai style before being adapted into the current shape in the Ayutthaya period.
'''Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan''' is open daily between 6.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. The Phra Phutthachinnarat National Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The museum is closed on public holidays, for more information, click www.thailandmuseum.com.
'''Wat Nang Phaya (?????????)''' Situated near Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Nang Phaya was believed to have been built during the same period. The temple is famous for an extensive collection of the highly coveted Phra Nang Phaya (votive tablets used as amulets), which was found in the crypt. The original ones are very rare, so replicas have been built.
'''Wat Ratchaburana (???????????)''' Situated south of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana is special with a decoration of a delicate three-headed Naga over its eaves. Assuming from the main Buddha statue, the temple was built during the Sukhothai period and renovated during the reign of Phraya Lithai. Its Ubosot houses murals in the Ramayana story by local painters who beautified the chapel during the reign of King Rama IV more than a hundred years ago. Wat Ratchaburana is located on Singhawat Road opposite Wat Nang Phaya, close to Naresuan Bridge.
'''Wat Chedi Yot Thong (???????????????)''' The temple has the province_fs only lotus-shaped pagoda in the Sukhothai style. The pagoda is 9 metres wide at the base and 20 metres high with a lotus-shaped top.
'''Wat Chulamani (??????????)''' Located on the eastern bank of the Nan River, some 5 km. south of downtown Phitsanulok, the temple is an ancient monument that had existed before the Sukhothai Era. The temple is located on the site that was once Song Khwae Town. King Borommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya built a Wihan and entered monkhood at this temple. There were 2,348 officials following him into the monkhood. Wat Chulamani houses a Khmer-style pagoda and the Buddha_fs footprint built in 1678.
'''Town Wall and Moat (?????????????????)''' The town wall was formerly a mound of earth like in Sukhothai. It was built during the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat of Ayutthaya to prevent the attack of Lanna troops. In the reign of King Narai the Great, it was strengthened by a French engineer using brick for utmost strength. However, it was demolished two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I of Rattanakosin to prevent a Burmese takeover. Todays, remains of the old wall can be seen at Wat Phothiyan, Wat Noi, the Police Station, and the moat along the Phra Ruang Road.
'''Sgt. Maj. Thavee Folk Museum (????????????????????????)''' The private museum collects unique items representing Thai rural life from the last era. The exhibits include ceramics, kitchenware, household items, farming tools as well as many trapping devices. With over 10,000 exhibits, the museum is honoured as a treasure of Thai history and local wisdom and was granted a Thailand Tourism Award for Best Conservation/ Preservation Organization in 1998. The museum was established by Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavee Buranakhate, who is recognized as an outstanding person in the area of sculpture and was granted Honourary Doctorate degrees from Srinakharinwirot University and Silpakorn University. He is renowned for his knowledge on Northern Thai folklore.
The folklore museum is open daily, except for Monday, from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission is 100 baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 5521 2749, 0 5525 8715, 0 5530 1668. His Buddha Casting Foundry is located just opposite the museum. Appointment is required. Call Tel. 0 5525 8715.
'''ThaiBird Garden (?????????????)''' Located opposite to the folk museum, it is a bird conservation centre that displays endangered as well as extinct birds of Thailand such as jambu fruit-dove, helmeted hornbill, and birds mentioned in Thai literature; namely, oriole, barbet, common koel, green magpie, blue magpie, etc. The park entertains visitors with some birds that can imitate a human_fs voice greeting both in Thai and English such as parrot as well as those singing beautifully like black-throated laughing thrush, white-crested laughing thrush, and white rumped shama.
The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht for adults and 20 baht for children. For more information, call Tel. 0 5521 2540 or visit www.geocities.com/thaibirdgarden. Art and Culture Centre, Naresuan University (???????????????????????????????????) located in Naresuan University (Airport Area) on Highway 1061 (Sanam Bin Road), Amphoe Mueang, the centre displays hundreds of art pieces by famous artists of Thailand. Moreover, the centre exhibits folk tools and household items of the Lower North. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. ? 6.00 p.m. For more information, call Tel. 0 5523 0720.
'''Textile Museum and Life Museum (????????????? ??????????????????)''' Located on the second floor of the multi-purpose building of Naresuan University, the Textile Museum displays textiles and garments from different sources domestically and internationally. The museum houses documents and research studies regarding textiles and royal suits of Their Majesties the King and Queen that were conferred to the university. Nearby is a Life Museum that displays the Thai way of cotton weaving, from cotton growing to high-class techniques in weaving. A weaving demonstration is available every weekend. Both museums are open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. A guide is available. For more information, call Tel. 0 5526 1000 - 4 ext. 1218, 1149 or visit www.thaiextilemuseum.com. Naresuan University (Thung Nong O) is located between Kilometre 118-119 of Highway 117.
'''Namtok Wang Nok Aen or Sakunothayan Arboretum (?????????????? ???? ????????????????????)''' Situated in the arboretum at Kilometre 33 of Highway 12 (Phitsanulok ? Lom Sak Road), the small fall is surrounded with different kinds of plants. On the west is a royal pavilion that once welcomed Their Majesties the King and Queen during their royal visit to the North, with another pavilion by the water in the east. Nearby is Sai Rapids, where visitors can enjoy the scenery.
'''Namtok Kaeng Song (????????????)'''. Larger than Namtok Wang Nok Aen, the waterfall is situated at Kilometre 45 of Highway 12. Food stalls are available nearby the waterfall.
'''Namtok Poi and Khao Krayang Forest Plantation (???????? ??? ???????????????)''' Situated between Kilometre 59-60 on Highway 12, the Forest Industry Organisation_fs forest plantation houses a beautiful waterfall that allows visitors to enjoy nature. Nature trails and accommodation are available
'''Namtok Kaeng Sopha (?????????????)''' The large waterall, 40 metres high, is situated in the embrace of shady vegetation. A stream runs over large rock terraces, through the three-tiered fall which always turns fierce during the rainy season. Namtok Kaeng Sopha is at Kilometre 71-72 of Highway 12. It can be visited from 8.00 a.m ? 5 .00 p.m. Admission is 200 baht for adults and free for children.
'''Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (??????????????????????????)''' Featuring a rugged mountainous landscape, the park, whose territory covers part of Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, a total area of 789,000 rai, feeds water to the Nan River. The park is located on Kilometre 80 of Highway 12. Tourist information, accommodation, camping ground and nature trails are available. Attractions in the park include waterfalls on Highway 12 such as Namtok Kaeng Sopha. The park_fs central and eastern area is coniferous forest and savanna, called Thung Salaeng Luang, Thung Phaya, Thung Non Son, where tourist can enjoy camping and trekking. Please contact the Nong Mae Na Unit.
To get to Nong Mae Na
'''Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-hunting Area (????????????????????????????)''' Stretching over a 1,775-rai area, the sanctuary features rugged and towering crescent-shape limestone mountains which comprise fossils of shells and corals from the Carboniferous Period of the Palaeocene Era some 360 ? 286 million years ago. These fossils indicate that this area was once a sea. Rain erosion carved these mountains into weird shapes. Its peak is 236 metres in height. There are many caves; namely,
'''Tham Naresuan (?????????)''' A stalactite that looks like a hat of King Naresuan the Great has earned the name of this cave. The entrance is quite narrow and cave visitors are required to creep in one by one. Low oxygen in the cave limits visitors to less than ten at one time.
'''Tham Ruea (???????)''' Many floods have eroded the cave walls, leaving the ceiling in the shape of an upside-down boat. Low water level during the dry season allows visitors to witness its beauty.
'''Tham Pha Daeng (????????)''' The cave is named after the red cliff (Pha Daeng) over its entrance. Once a prehistoric human habitation site, the cave houses some potsherds with a cord-marked design and stone flakes from such era. Nowadays, the cave is home to insect-eating bats; namely, wrinkled-lipped bat and black-bearded tomb bat.
'''Tham Lot (??????)''' The tunnel with a subterranean river running through it allows visitors to access a Buddhist temple on the other side. The large tunnel is good to visit during the dry season. Lots of monkey can be found nearby. There are various attractions situated in the area such as fossils of marine life from 360 million years ago such as coral, brachiopod including lamp shells, sea lilies, and seaweed. These indicate that the area used to be under the sea. Japanese letters carved on stone makes the locals believe that the Royal Japanese Army once travelled pass here during WWII.
Information is available at the non-hunting area_fs office. A torch is required for caving. Floods in the rainy season may block accessibility to some caves. Permission for camping and a group visit can be sought in advance at the Tham Pha Tha Phon Non-hunting Area, Mu 6 Tambon Ban Mung, Amphoe Noen Maprang, Phitsanulok
To get there: The non-hunting area is 85 kilometres from downtown Phitsanulok. Motorists can use Highway 12 to Amphoe Wang Thong then turn right to Amphoe Sak Lek for another 38 kilometres through Highway 11, and 1115, respectively. Turn right at Noen Maprang Sueksa Wittaya School, the area is another 10 kilometres ahead.
'''Khao Noi - Khao Pradu Non-hunting Area (????????????????????????? ? ?????????)''' The non-hunting area covers a total area of 80,900 rai. It contains various ecosystems such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest and savanna. It has a biodiversity of plants with beautiful seasonal flowers including curcumas and orchids. The forest is home to a species of endemic crab called _gPu Paeng or Pu Song Khwae_h which is often found during the rainy season. The area is a nice place for nature study from May to December. Nature trails and camping ground are available.
To get there: From downtown Phitsanulok, motorists can use the Phitsanulok - Lom Sak Road and get on Highway 11 for 25 kilometres toward Amphoe Wat Bot. Before crossing the Khwae Noi River, turn right to get on Highway 1220 and head for Ban Na Kham for another 8 kilometres. The area is 6 kilometres off Highway 1220 on a laterite road, which will require a 4-wheel drive in the rainy season. For more information, please contact the Khao Noi ? Khao Pradu Non-hunting Area_fs office at Mu 2 Tambon Ban Yang, Amphoe Wat Bot, Phitsanulok 65000
'''Namtok Chat Trakan National Park (?????????????????????????????)'''
''Other attractions in the park include:''
'''Pha Daeng (?????)''' The red sandstone cliff is close to the fourth level of Namtok Chat Trakan. A guide is required.
'''Namtok Na Chan (??????????)''' The waterfall has 7 levels. The first level is a bit low and slippery. The second level is only a few metres high but quite beautiful. The third level is quite special as the stream is divided into three lines. The fourth to seventh levels are situated close to each other, with a total height of some 30 metres. The fall is 3 kilometres from the park_fs headquarters and visitors should leave for the fall before 8.00 a.m.
'''Pha Kradan (????????)''' The cliff is some 3 kilometres from the park_fs headquarters. It houses geometrical carving from the prehistoric era.
'''Tham Nam Mut (?????????)''' The 250-metre long cave is carved by the stream from Namtok Na Chan that runs through it. Tham Ka (?????) The cave houses stone carvings from the prehistoric period, which can be dated back to 7,000 years ago. To get there: Motorists can use the Phitsanulok ? Lom Sak Road, turn left at Kilometre 68 (Ban Yaeng) to Highway 2013, and 1143. Keep going for 38 kilometres then turn right. The waterfall is 9 kilometres away. The Phitsanulok - Chat Trakan bus leaves 7 times daily between 6.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., then use the local Chat Trakan - Ban Na Don bus to the waterfall.
Accommodation and Facilities: The Park provides accommodation for tourists. For more information and bookings, call the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760, visit the website www.dnp.go.th, or call the park directly at Tel. 0 5523 7028. A camping ground is available.
'''Phu Soi Dao National Park (??????????????????????)''' The park covers areas in Amphoe Chat Trakan, Phitsanulok and Amphoe Nam Pat, Uttaradit. Bordering Thailand and Lao PDR with rugged mountains, the park has Phu Soi Dao as the highest peak towering at 2,102 metres. Blanketed with cold weather, the park features lush jungle and savanna. Its attractions include coniferous forest, a flower field, viewpoint cliff, Namtok Sai Thip and Namtok Phu Soi Dao. During August and September, misty mornings, orchid blossoms, and flower field of especially Ngon Nak (Murdannia giganteum) add charm to its coniferous forest. It takes some 5 hours to conquer the peak on the 6.5-kilometre route. Camping ground and restroom are available.
To get there:
'''Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (???????????????????????????)''' Covering an area of 191,875 rai, the park_fs territory covers three provinces; namely, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei. Its highest peak stands at 1,617 metres above sea level. The beautiful park features deciduous dipterocarp forest, hill evergreen forest and mountain pine forest. Wild flowers and orchids are found on the rock terrace.
Phu Phin Rong Kla was once the largest and most important stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand in the northern region. From there, communism was spread out and created political conflict until being defeated in November 1982. A road was built through the mountain and the park was established. Interesting attractions include:
To get there: From Phitsanulok, use Highway 12 and turn left at Kilometre 68 to Highway 2013, and 2331, respectively. The park is 31 kilometres away.
From Phetchabun, motorists can use the Lom Kao ? Thap Boek ? Phu Hin Rong Kla route to the park. But the steep and winding route is suitable for going downhill back to Phetchabun. Remark - In using both routes, the vehicle should be in good condition. For group tourists, coach and bus are not recommended. Van will be more suitable.
A chartered car to Phu Hin Rong Kla is available right from downtown Phitsanulok.
Accommodation and Facilities: The park provides both houses and tent. For more information and booking, call the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760, visit the website www.dnp.go.th, or call the park directly at Tel. 0 5523 3527.
'''Tricycle Tour (???????????)''' An easy tour to explore the nightlife of Phitsanulok that is cheap but quite lively. The tricycle will bring passengers through different areas such as fresh market, business district, food market by the Nan River, etc. The tour is available in most leading hotels in Phitsanulok.
'''Whitewater Rafting (????????)''' The adventurous trip is quite popular among thrill seekers. Khek River originates from Phetchabun and runs through Thung Salaeng Luang National Park and various waterfalls. Although this river is not large, the winding route and exciting rapids make it an exciting route for rafting with a difficulty level from 1 to 5. White water rafting can be made from June to October. It takes 2? hours to get through the 8-kilometre route. Basic training before departure will be held for safety. The rafting package is available at resorts on the Phitsanulok ? Lom Sak Road as well as tour operators.
'''Biking (?????????????????)''' Phitsanulok has many scenic routes; some are quite suitable for mountain bikes. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park has exciting routes, both downhill and uphill, in different forest types. Bicycles for rent are available at Nong Mae Na Unit.
'''Tram Tour (???????????????)''' Tram with guide will bring tourists to explore Phitsanulok_fs historical side such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, Phraya Chakri Raft Dweller Museum, Clock Tower, Ekathotsarot Bridge, Jail, Town Wall, Wat Wihan Thong, King Naresuan the Great Shrine, Chan Palace, City Pillar Shrine, etc. The tram leaves from Wat Yai and the trip takes 40 minutes. The fee is 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. For more information, call _ePhitsanulok Borikan_f at Tel. 0 5525 2258, 0 5528 4144.
'''Golf Courses'''
'''Bang Krathum Sun-dried Banana (??????????????????)''' The soft and sweet sun-dried banana is famed for its delicious taste. It is available at Wat Yai and many shops.
'''Supatra Preserved Pork (???????????????????)''' The hygienic pork is a famous product by a local family business. Mi Sua (????????) The white noodle from Phitsanulok is famed for its softness. It is available at most souvenir shops.
'''Bang Rakam Fish Sauce (?????????????)''' Amphoe Bang Rakam has long been famous for its fish sauce made from mud carp from the Yom River. Although it is not as tasty as fish sauce from sea fish, it is quite hygienic.
'''Na Chan Broom (????????????)''' People from the poor region in Amphoe Chat Trakan earn extra income from broom making. The broom with rattan handle is nicely made, available at a low price.
'''Bang Kaeo Dog (??????????????????)''' The unique breed has originated from Ban Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Rakam. It is said that the abbot of Wat Bang Kaeo kept a number of dogs, which mated with a wolf. This breed is famous for its calmness, high royalty but quite fierce.
'''Naresuan Fighting Cock (?????????????? ???? ?????????????)''' The white-tailed fighting cock is famous for its endurance in fighting. It is believed that King Naresuan the Great used a white-tailed cock in a cock fighting game with King Ubaraja of Burma.
'''Kankluay (?????????)''' 93/2 Phaya Lithai Road Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang. Tel. 0 5524 1983.
'''Jamjuree (???????)''' 317/15 Sanam Bin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Tel.0 5527 2832.
'''Souvinir House (???????????????)''' 61/3 Ramesuan Road, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 01-971-4990.
'''Phitsanulok OTOP Centre'''. The One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Centre is located at the City Hall (????????????????????? OTOP), Amphoe Mueang. Tel. 0 6937 0411.
'''Phitsanulok Food and Souvenir Festival (?????????????????????????????????????????????????)''' Held in every April and December by Phitsanulok Municipality and TAT at the park by the Nan River, the festivity features food and famous products from the province.
'''Traditional Long Boat Races (?????????????????????????????????????)''' Since ancient times, boat races have been a symbol of Phitsanulok. They are held every September along with various religious rites such as robe-offering ceremony, changing the robe of the famous Buddha image Phra Phutthachinnarat, boat decoration contest, and traditional boat races. The exciting festival is held on the Nan River, in front of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan.
'''Nakhon Thai Flag Flying Festival (??????????????????)''' The local festival of Amphoe Nakhon Thai is held on the 14th day of the waxing moon of the 12th lunar month. The locals will place the flag on top of Khao Chang Luang to mark the victory of Phokhun Bangklanghao over the Khmer in the Sukhothai Period. Besides the religious ceremony, there is a beautiful flag parade, flag placing race, as well as beauty contest.