Locally dubbed as "Wat Yai", the complex is
considered the most important temple in Phitsanulok.
Housing Thailand’s famous Phra Phutthachinnarat, Wat
Yai is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the
city side of the river. The temple was built during
the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai)
in 1357.
Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered the most
beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. The large
Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by
the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai.
The statue’s unique feature is the flame-like halo –
a symbol of spiritual radiance. In 1931, King
Ekatotsarot (King Naresuan’s younger brother)
commanded a gold coating of the image, making it
outstanding against the dark backdrop.
Today, thousands of visitors, both Thais and
foreigners, flock to Wat Yai just to get a glimpse
of Phra Phutthachinnarat. Most of contemporary
Buddha images are cast using Phra Phutthachinnarat
as a model. There is even a saying that, your trip
to Phitsanulok is not complete without visiting Wat
Yai to pay respect to Phra Phutthachinnarat. Only
the Emerald Buddha situated in the Grand Palace,
Bangkok, is more highly respected by Thais. A
celebration to honour the statue is held annually in
late January.
Other outstanding features of the temple (vihan in
Thai) include the large pearl-inlaid wooden doors,
the gateway to see Phra Phutthachinnarat. The doors
were completed in 1756 by Ayutthaya’s royal
craftsmen. Inside the vihan are the Italian marble
floor, two painted thammas (pulpits) placed to one
side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord
Buddha.
Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other
Buddha imaes worth seeing. Phra Attharot, a standing
Buddha statue cast in same period as Phra
Phutthachinnarat, is situated in front of the large
Phra Prang (pagoda) behind the Viharn.
A
36-metre high Phra Prang was built in the early
Ayutthaya style. There are staircases leading up to
the place where relic of the Lord Buddha is
enshrined.
There is also a small museum, which exhibits a good
collection of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya-era Buddha
images and related religious items that is worth
visiting. Visitors are advised to dress
conservatively.
South of Wat Phra Si Mahathat is Wat
Ratburana, another main attraction worth visiting.
The temple was built at the command of King Borom
Trailokanat of Ayutthaya who played a major role in
fostering Buddhism in the Kingdom. The temple
features a three-headed Naga (mythical serpent in
Buddhism) over its eaves.
Phitsanulok Night Bazaar Phuthabucha located on the road
and near nan river. Beautiful Building and parallel to
the river , shops and restaurants, souvenir products for
many tourist destinations in the evening of one of the
Phitsanulok Province.
The
Gallery is established with an aim to promote and
preserve Thai arts and culture. Located at the resource
centre on Sanam Bin Rd., the Gallery is divided into 3
sections including;
• Art
Gallery: over 100 masterpieces of renowned Thai
artists such as : Chuan Leakpai (Thailand's former Prime
Minister), Sawasdi Tantisuk (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Phun Ketchamrat (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Priyuan Aruchata (National Artist in visual
Arts field), Pratuang Emjaroen, Chavalit Saemprungsuk,
Chung Moonphinit and Chalermchai Khosipipat are on
display.
• Museum: Under the concept, "The Way of Life of
The People in the Lower North", more than 500
handicrafts including household utensils, agricultural
tools and manuscripts are exhibited.
• Database: provided to promote the study of the
Lower North, Thai classical dance and music.
The
gallery is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
For more information contact tel: (055) 230720, 259404
fax: (055) 261080, or email
Homer97@hotmail.com.
Located
opposite the Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi’s Museum is a small
bronze Buddha image casting foundry, which is the only
of its kind in the province. The foundry allows visitors
with the opportunity to witness skilled craftspersons
working on the reproduction of Phra Buddha Chinnarat
images. It is possible to actually walk along the
production line to see the whole bronze-casting process.
In addition, huge Buddha images are also cast here. The
foundry is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
City tour by tricycle
Usually
taken at night, visitors can see the city from a
different perspective when on the tricycle. The trip
will pass the commercial part of town, markets and
ancient places. Chauffeur services are available.
Reservations can be made at local hotels.
The birthplace and a resident of King
Naresuan the Great, Chan Palace is located in the
compound of Phitsanulok Phittayakom School. At
present, the site is being excavated and the entire
palace will be restored as a future historical
attraction.
The city walls of Phitsanulok were
made of clay similar to those of the Sukhothai era.
The walls were built at the command of King Borom
Trailokanat of Ayutthaya to prevent attacks from
both the Lanna and Burmese Kingdoms. It was not
until King Rama I of the Rattanakosin era that the
walls were destroyed. The demolition was undertaken
to prevent enemies using the city walls as shelter
for their troops.
Today, the remaining walls can be seen in the area
of Wat Noi and Phitsanulok Police Station. City
Moats are 12 metres wide and are visible in the
western area of the city parallel to Phra Ruang
Road.
The
house boat serves as a signature of Phitsanulok. From
north to south along both sides of Maenam Nan, house
boats and rafts are lined up, creating a unique
perspective for tourists. In addition to the display of
the typical Phitsanulok way of life emphasis is placed
on the strong connection between man and the river.
Hardly seen anywhere else in the Northern region, the
house boat represents the serene ambience of a united
community.
The
park, which was built by Phitsanulok Municipality in
2002, is situated in the middle of the town, on the
eastern bank of Maenam Nan. Inside the park, is a
Boathouse Museum showcasing the daily life of people
living in boathouses.
This
is definitely the place for those wishing to learn more
about the Thai lifestyle. Step inside a group of Thai
pavilions and explore a private collection of antique
items representing Thai rural life. They include
indigenous arts, pottery, farming and trapping equipment
and household items. Old photographs revealing
Phitsanulok’s good old days are also on display.
The
museum was established by Sgt. Maj. Dr. Thavi
Buranakhate, who is recognized as a leader in the area
of sculpture and indigenous art preservation. He is
renowned for his knowledge on Northern Thai folklore. In
addition, he is the owner of a Buddha Casting Foundry
located just opposite the museum.
The Folklore Museum received the Excellence in Tourism
Award from the Tourism Authority of Thailand in 1998 and
is located on Wisutkasat Road (Sanam Bin Road),
approximately 5 kilometers from the town center. The
museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30
a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Located on the other side of Maenam Nan, opposite the
main town, the Shrine of King Naresuan the Great is
in the compound of Phitsanulok Phittayakom School.
The Shrine was built in 1961 at the site of the Chan
Palace – where King Naresuan the Great was born and
raised. The Shrine represents the Thais’ utmost
respect to their beloved King who liberated the
nation from Burmese power.
Within the Shrine is a seated image of King Naresuan
the Great pouring water from a golden container
symbolizing the declaration of Ayutthaya's
independence from Myanmar.
To
reach the site from the city, pass through Naresuan
Bridge and turn right at the foot of the bridge,
drive for another 200 meters and turn left to enter
the road along Maenam Nan, then proceed for another
700 meters.
Located on Phaya Suea Road, outside
Phitsanulok walls, Wat Chedi Yot Thong is the only
temple in the province that has a lotus bud-shaped
Chedi in the original Sukhothai style.
Located approximately 5 kilometers from
town on the east bank of Maenam Nan is the oldest
temple in town – Wat Chula Mani. It was built prior
to the Sukhothai era and was once the spot where the
original town was located. Wat Chula Mani is a
temple with long history. King Borom Trailokanat of
Ayutthaya and 2,000 of his followers were ordained
as monks at this emple in 1416. The Khmer-style
pagoda attracts students and archaeologists to
explore the beautiful, intricate swan design.
Moreover, the Mondop contains a Holy Footprint and
an inscription stone built by King Narai the Great
of Ayutthaya.
Situated near Wat Ratburana is Wat
Nang Phaya which believed to have been built during
the same period. The temple is famous for extensive
collection of the highly coveted Nang Phaya (small
Buddha images used as amulets) which was found
underneath.
