Nearby Attractions
Phitsanulok Night Market
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.
Golden Buddha image
The main wí·hăhn (sanctuary) at this temple, known by locals as Wat Yai, appears small from the outside, but houses the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, one of Thailand’s most revered and copied Buddha images. This famous bronze statue is probably second in importance only to the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew.
The story goes that construction of this wát was commissioned under the reign of King Li Thai in 1357. When it was completed, King Li Thai wanted it to contain three high-quality bronze images, so he sent for well-known sculptors from Si Satchanalai, Chiang Saen and Hariphunchai (Lamphun), as well as five Brahman priests. The first two castings worked well, but the third required three attempts before it was decreed the best of all. Legend has it that a white-robed sage appeared from nowhere to assist in the final casting, then disappeared. This last image was named the Chinnarat (Victorious King) Buddha and it became the centrepiece in the wí·hăhn . The other two images, Phra Chinnasi and Phra Si Satsada, were later moved to the royal temple of Wat Bowonniwet in Bangkok.
The image was cast in the late Sukhothai style, but what makes it strikingly unique is the flamelike halo around the head and torso that turns up at the bottom to become dragon-serpent heads on either side of the image. The head of this Buddha is a little wider than standard Sukhothai, giving the statue a very solid feel.
Another sanctuary to one side has been converted into a free museum , displaying antique Buddha images, ceramics and other historic artefacts.
Despite the holiness of the temple, endless loud broadcasts asking for donations, Thai musicians, a strip of vendors hawking everything from herbs to lottery tickets, several ATM machines and hundreds of visitors all contribute to a relentlessly hectic atmosphere. Come early (ideally before 7am) if you’re looking for quiet contemplation or simply wish to take photos, and regardless of the time be sure to dress appropriately – no shorts or sleeveless tops.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/phitsanulok-province/phitsanulok/sights/religious/wat-phra-si-ratana-mahathat#ixzz3uDEUBf3p
Sukhothai National Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage Sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius. The ruins are divided into five zones, the central, northern and eastern of which each has a separate 100B admission fee.
The architecture of Sukhothai temples is most typified by the classic lotus-bud chedi, featuring a conical spire topping a square-sided structure on a three-tiered base. Some sites exhibit other rich architectural forms introduced and modified during the period, such as bell-shaped Sinhalese and double-tiered Srivijaya chedi.
Despite the popularity of the park, it’s quite expansive and solitary exploration is usually possible. Some of the most impressive ruins are outside the city walls, so a bicycle or motorcycle is essential to fully appreciate everything.
Kao Kho
In the past, Khao Kho served a military stronghold for the communists. However, today it is better known for its tourist attractions. Located in the mountainous province of Phetchabun Province, the cool weather and alpine terrain have earned it the name of The Thai Alps.
Location
Khao Kho was named after the Kho trees that grow in the area. It is located near the Thung Salaeng Luang and Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in the Phitsanulok Province. One of the appeals of this area is that you can visit all three of these places in one trip.