Phitsanulok is another off-the-beaten track province for tourists that hides more amazing things than other places; such as, natural spots, temples down to the very lifestyle of the locals. The most important thing is that variety of food in Phitsanulok; there’s a massive choice that’s more delicious and outstanding from elsewhere. No matter how many times you’ve been here, you’ll never get tired of it. This is because Phitsanulok has its long heritage. This city is situated on 2 river banks (another name for Phitsanulok province) that is full of charm and beauty. The alluring exploration will let you know more and give you greater satisfaction. Just like their motto says “The North: millions of coolness. Shining Charm of Lanna (The North)” In these 3 days, you’ll find out about locations that are worth the peek and good for a visit. So, pack up and follow me!

Travelling to Phitsanulok was by driving our personal car. We went on our way to the first spot. 

1.The Learning Centre of Reed Mattress at Ban Pha Rang Mi

Ban Pha Rang Mi is in Tambon Sai Noi, Amphoe Noen Maprang g, Phitsanulok province. It’s another local place that’s very interesting. Anyone who has visited Khao Maprang can come to research, learn, and watch how to make a special reed mattress. The locals are very nice and welcome all guests. You can buy mattresses to take home for souvenirs. Apart from the demonstrations of how the mattresses are made, they also weave Ikat cloth (Matmi) for you to see as well. A homestay starts at 200 Baht per person. For those who are interested to experience the local life here, you can contact Phuyai Jansri at Tel. : 08 6269 0301. After we had a chance to learn how to weave mattresses, it was time to drive into the city. Looking at the watch, it was almost noon. So, looked for something to eat and we drove to this place called...

2.Hoikha Rimnan Noodles

The place is set up close to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Whoever has visited and didn't get to taste this place is missing out! The recommended menu is Sukhothai Tom Yam noodles, which was so good! There are lots of other menus not just only noodles. Like Phat Thai, Thai dessert, and a lot more. This one location has it all! If you want to visit, the restaurant is open every day from 9:00 - 16:00 Hrs.

3.Ja Thawee Folk Museum

Now that we were all full, time to go on our trip. We drove to the Ja Thawee Folk Museum, which has collected traditional tools and handicrafts used by the locals from the past in Phitsanulok. Inside they’ve decorated the place with many beautiful Thai plants. There are 3 buildings for useful historical information. The first building is for paintings and pictures of history and traditions of Phitsanulok province.  The second building displays tools and handicrafts made and used by the locals in the past. The third is used for displaying the Exhibition of Chao Song (Lao Song ethnic group) or Black Song Thai people. For those who are interested to visit this museum, it’s open every day from 08.00 – 16.00 Hrs. The entrance fee is adults 50 Baht and children 25 Baht.

4.Buranathai Buddha Making Factory 

From the Museum, we walked around 300 metres to reach the Buranathai Buddha Making Factory. This factory was established by Sergeant Tawee Buranakett in 1968, who was the person who started casting Buddha images in Phitsanulok. The way that they cast the Buddha image is by using the old ways called the “ten group casters” techniques. For those who are interested to know how to cast a Buddha image or curious about the steps on how to do it, you can come in everyday from 08.00 – 17.00 Hrs.  It’s free of charge.

5.Jaroenpol Ice Cream 

It was a tiring day and the weather was hot. So, we cooled down with some cream at the Jaroenpol Ice Cream shop. This place is ancient along with Phitsanulok province.  Since it’s made from coconut milk, the tastiness, smell, creaminess, amount of sweet is just perfect. Eat it with other desserts, and it’s such an authentic delicious taste. Give this a try when you visit this province. You’ll ask for more! The shop is open from 18.00 – 22.00 Hrs. 

 

6.Chinapura Hotel

For our first night of rest,we stayed at Chinapura Hotel decorated in a Northern style. It’s a historical tour style hotel. With 5 rai of land and decorated with ancient historical vibes, this place takes you back to the past. The decorations, atmosphere, environment, and the silence are so beautifully kept here; so suitable for a real relaxation. There are also spas, Thai massage, and oil massage as well. If you’d like to experience the service, you can contact the staff. For those who are interested for a place to stay in Phitsanulok, you can ask for more information at Tel.: 055 219 888.

Good Morning! Last night, I had such a sweet dream! Well-rested today, so let’s continue the journey!

1.Wat Ratchaburana 

          Wat Ratchaburana is one of the oldest well-known temples in Phitsanulok. It was assumed to have been built during the Sukhothai Era during the Phra Ya Li Thai time. It is built in the middle of Phitsanulok City right next to the Nan River bank close to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. It’s another temple you have to visit and ask for good luck.

2.Wat Nang Phaya 

Driving to the opposite side of Wat Ratchaburana, we got to Wat Nang Phaya, which they’re is not far from each other. This temple has very unique architecture just like  Wat Ratchaburana. Only that this temple doesn’t have a chapel only a sanctuary. This is because Wat Nang Phaya used to be in Wat Ratchaburana’s area in the past. When you visit this temple, you have to enjoy the paintings on the beautiful walls.  They’re from oil paint derived from history and Thai literature. Who has a chance to visit, don’t forget to come in and take some photos!

3.Souvenir Centre

After paying our respect to Buddha, it was time to hunt for some souvenirs. From Wat Nang Phaya, we crossed the street to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat then walking a bit further we reached the souvenir centre. This is the biggest centre in Phitsanulok province. There are numerous things to get; such as, banana treats, fried taro, OTOP products, and other products. It’s open from 08.00 – 18.00 Hrs. Please go, shop, and have a taste.

4.Sunisa Souvenir Shop

For those who don’t haveany idea about the souvenir shops, then we recommend the Sunisa Souvenir Shop. This shop is one of the well-known souvenir shops in Phitsanulok, which is located in  a building of Wat Phra Srirat Mahathat. Thereis a variety of banana snack processed products, fried banana, herb fried banana and fried taro. We guarantee about the deliciousness; the shop’s open from 08.00 – 18.00 Hrs. So you should go!

5.N. Jitr Souvenir Shop 

For those who are still looking for souvenirs, there’s another recommended location, which is the Jitr Souvenir shop. This is another hit shop to buy souvenirs in Phitsanulok. There are many products for us to pick from; such as, dried fruit, sun-dried banana, and banana products. It’s close to the Phitsanulok Railway station. The shop open from 08.00 – 18.00 Hrs. Pick your time to visit! Tel.: 055 258 992.

6.Phitsanulok Ruamjai Market 

Travelling around the whole day, we found some delicious dishes at the Phitsanulok Ruamjai Market. This evening market is in the area of the railway statio. It has various dishes available for you to try. Main dishes, dessert, fruit, the more you walk around the more satisfying you’ll feel. If you need to fill in your time in the evening time, then come to this market.

7.Pattara Resort and Spa Hotel

For the second night, our last night here, we stayed in the Pattara Resort and Spa Hotel. This resort is the first and only resort that is right in the centre of Phitsanulok city. Built on 17 rai, it has a vast area with beautiful decoration and atmosphere. It made us feel like we were in the middle of nature. There are many photo corners that you can snap for your memories. Those who want to stay at this paradise, please contact Tel.: 055 282 966. 

1.Kanokphan Phitsanulok  

Last but not least! Before we returned, we had to visit this shop, which is one of the famous shops that you should visit in Phitsanulok. There are a lots of visitors in the shop but also has good services. Their menu includes noodles, Chinese steamed dumpling, steamed buns and Thai curries. Even though the shop is located on the side of the road, the taste is very delicious. We would highly recommend Chinese steamed dumpling and steamed buns, a must-try menu! For those who are interested to try, the shop opens from 06.00 – 15.00 Hrs., or please call Tel.: 055 280 970.

2.Khanom Wong Shop Mae Ad 

Our last place for this trip was one of the very famous Khanom Wongs from grandma’s recipe, which the secret of its taste is from the glutinous rice flour mixed well with coconut milk. They present the flour crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with crispy sugar. They serve with a fantastic aroma from white sesame and use banana leaves to be the bowl. This is very delicious, the hotter it tastes, the more delicious it is! For those who’d like to try or to buy for friends, the shop opens from 07.00 Hrs. – 13.00 Hrs. (P.S. Please hurry before it’s gone) or you can call Tel.: 08 5052 4405.

I have to say that Phitsanulok is a place that you’ll never get bored of. Travelling around, hotels, and the food, the more you stay the more you’ll feel satisfied. If you stay a couple of days more, you’d absolutely gain weight. Even though it’s not a main attraction province, but just to let you know. If only you can get to experience just a fraction of this province, you’ll fall in love with it, you will.