Phitsanulok Travel

Best time to visit

The best time for good weather in Phitsanulok are January, February, March, November, and December

The hottest months are February, March, April, and May

The rainy months are July, August, and September

In the first month of the year, the climate is perfect for traveling and discovering. The temperature is around 33°C and it does not rain much in January.

From February to March the thermometer goes up to 38°C and it starts to rain more.

From April to June the climate is passable, but still OK. At noon, it's 33°C on average and it rains about 270mm each month. 

Check the below table for the general idea of Phitsanulok weather throughout the year.

Phitsanulok’s current weather and 7-day forecast

PHITSANULOK WEATHER

Phitsanulok is not touristy as some of the other cities in Thailand.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Phitsanulok.

Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat means the Temple of the Great Jeweled Reliquary. It was established in 1357, by King Lithai of Sukhothai. This temple is located near the Naresuan Bridge on the Nan River banks. The Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, Buddha image, is quite famous here and is considered to be the most magic image in the country. There is also a huge entrance, inlaid with mother of pearl. The “Wihan”, or shrine hall, was designed in Khmer style.

You can also find the Phuttha Chinnarat National Museum constructed on the temple campus. It has a small collection of art that reflects Sukhothai dynasty. There are various festivals which are often held here. The most famous annually festival is known as the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Fair. The festival takes places on the first weekend of every October.

Thai Bird Garden

The Thai Bird Garden is attached to the Buddha Image. the Garden features a huge collection of cages, containing indigenous Thai birds, as well as some endangered species, such as the pink chested jambu fruit dove and the prehistoric helmeted hornbill. There are a total of 100 species of birds, of which include numerous large birds, with prehistoric appearances.

Wat Nang Phaya

Wat Nang Phaya is a temple located in the middle of a river. There is also a beautiful image of Buddha Phra Nang Phaya Ruenkaew, behind the Ubosot. There are a lot of old and small pagodas scattered to surround the Phra Nang Phaya Ruenkaew. There is also a Phra Nang Phaya amulet that depicts an image of Buddha seating with a three-headed Naga god.

Phra Buddha Chinnarat

The Phra Buddha Chinnarat is a famous Buddha temple in Thailand. This temple is well-known for being golden-covered, unique Buddha statues, which is voted as the most aesthetically beautiful Buddha statues in Thailand. The temple campus is located near the famous Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is a tremendous park, which covers over a wide area. There are remnants of the Communist Party Of Thailand remained which are camps and hidden caves as the rugged terrain. There are also still tigers, Asian bears, and leopards living and hunting in the park, as well as various rare species such as red-billed scimitar babbler, Davison’s leaf warbler. The park also offers a number of impressive landscapes and waterfalls. 

Budget options

Hop Inn Phitsanulok 

Add: 66/6 Moo 10, Siharat Decho Chai Road, T.Wat Chan, A.Mueang , 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Located 7 km from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Hop Inn Phitsanulok provides rooms with air conditioning in Phitsanulok. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The rooms have a balcony.

At the hotel, each room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

Wangkaew Hotel 

Add: 9 Thepharak Road, Tambon Nai Muang, Amphoe Muang, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Situated in Phitsanulok, 800 m from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wangkaew Hotel features accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.

All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. All guest rooms have a wardrobe.

The reception at Wangkaew Hotel can provide tips on the area.

Mid-range options

OU HOTEL 

Add: 116/1 ถนนประชาอุทิศ ตำบลในเมือง อำเภอเมือง, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Featuring a terrace, OU HOTEL is set in Phitsanulok in the Phitsanuloke Province region, 5 km from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. There is an outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

The hotel offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast.

@Me2 Hotel 

Add: 19/20 Singhawat ,Nai Muang , Muang , 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, @Me2 Hotel offers accommodation in Phitsanulok, 900 m from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a shower.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. The restaurant serves a daily delicious breakfast.

Hansanan Hotel 

Add: 351/207 Chaiyanuphap Rd., A. Muang, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand 

Located in Phitsanulok, 3.3 km from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Hansanan Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space for guests.

At the hotel, each room includes a wardrobe. All units will provide guests with a fridge.

Buffet and Asian breakfast options are available daily at Hansanan Hotel.

Karma Home Hostel 

Add: Lang Wat Mai Apaiyaram 26-64, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Very sociable hostel.

Offering a hammock rooftop terrace, Karma Home Hostel is set within 1 km from in Phitsanulok Railway Station. Group dinner at a local restaurant is available

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a 10-minute walk from the property.

Guests can socialise at the shared lounge area or cook their own meals at the shared kitchen.

Deluxe options

Topland Hotel & Convention Centre 

Add: 68/33 Akathodsarod St., Muang, Phitsanulok, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Topland Hotel is located a short distance from Nan River offering sweeping views of the river and Phitsanulok City. It provides free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a spa.

Topland Hotel & Convention Centre is a 15-minute drive from Phitsanulok International Airport, while Phitsanulok Train Station and Bus Terminal is a 5-minute drive away. Various attractions like The Folk Museum and the riverside Night

Bazaar are a stroll away.

Hotel Topland & Convention Centre offers air-conditioned rooms with bathtub and shower. They come with cable TV, a minibar and a fridge.

Topland Hotel features various restaurants. Chinese dishes and local specialities are available. Meals can be enjoyed in the privacy of guestrooms.

Guests can relax at the sauna and hot tub. Other recreational facilities include karaoke rooms, a nightclub and a snooker room.

Yodia Heritage Hotel 

Add: 89/1 Buttabucha Rd. T.Naimuang A.Muang, Thailand, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Situated on the banks of Nan River in central Phitsanulok, Yodia Heritage Hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a spa bath and free public Wi-Fi. Rooms have river, garden or pool views.

The modern rooms at Yodia Hotel have stylish decor and wooden floors. Each features a private balcony, satellite TV and coffee and tea making facilities.

Guests can dine in the Amore Restaurant which boasts Nan River views and serves a mix of Thai and Italian cuisine.

Pattara Resort & Spa 

Add: 349/40 Chaiyanupap Rd. Muang, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand

Pattara Resort and Spa offers stylish accommodation and relaxing body treatments, a large infinity edge pool and free wireless internet throughout the hotel.

Rooms at the Pattara Resort feature contemporary designs with garden and lagoon views. Each air-conditioned room has a balcony with daybed, LCD TV and DVD player.

Recreation facilities include a fitness room and a well-stocked library with a wide variety of reading material, DVDs and internet stations.

Featuring an outdoor area overlooking the lagoon, the Ton-Tan restaurant serves oriental and International cuisines and offers scenic views.

There are some fantastic restaurants and eateries well within walking distance from the Phitsanulok train station, but if you have access to a car, there are some other excellent options about 20 minutes or so outside of town. English is not widely spoken which can make your experience limiting so do download a dictionary or get your hands on a phrase book. Please note that many of these fantastic eateries do not have websites, and when they do, they are not always regularly updated. Please be patient with changes to trading hours, bear in mind public holidays, and expect many search results to be in the Thai language. 

Phitsanulok Train Market

Open 4 – 8pm, seven days.

South of Phitsanulok Train Station.

If you are visiting Phitsanulok for just one night then a visit to the Food Night Market is mandatory. The night market operates every evening and you will be spoiled with the delights on offer. Think som tam salad made to order, grilled pork salad, roasted pork with rice, crab curry stir- fry, Chinese doughnuts, grilled chicken skewers, and crepes with your choice of filling all make an indulgent, flavourful walking feast.

Note: The market is built for take away food only.

Hoikha Rimnan

Open 9am – 4pm, seven days.

5/4 Phaya Suea Road, Phitsanulok

Trip Advisor rates Hoikha Rimnan as the second best restaurant in Phitsanulok. It may not be the second best but it is definitely one of my favourites. Located by the riverside and a minute’s walk from Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai) the restaurant is a local institution. Fans of Thai boat noodle soup will be in for a treat at about 35 baht per bowl.

Choose from wet (with broth) or dry soups (without broth). Broth based soups feature a tom yum style soup – very sweet and mild, or the darker, richer blood based broth (the broth is a dark brown not red!), with a combination of roasted sliced pork, minced pork and/or pork meatballs. Servings are small so you can sample or share a few with friends to decide which flavours you love best. My personal preference is the broth based soups – try both the tom yum style or the blood based broth. If you enjoy rich flavours, the blood based broth will be a pleasant surprise! Pad Thai is also available, and do ask what desserts are available on the day. During mango season they make a delicious mango sticky rice with coconut ice cream. Most of the year Hoikha Rimnan also serve a delicious steamed coconut dessert called Khanom Tuay, set and served in small ceramic dishes. This is a delicious treat and a must try!

Made for Mouth Café

Open Mondays 8am – 8pm and Tuesday – Sunday 8am – 11:30pm

Various locations including 17/2 Singhawat Road, Phitsanulok

Made for Mouth has popped up at a few locations around town but their ‘container’ located at the Shell service station on the way to Central Plaza Phitsanulok is more full service in terms of food offerings.

The fit out is roomy and modern, and the menu is even more impressive. Expect interesting modern dishes like smoked salmon wrapped in tortilla, a range of Western style burgers and sandwiches, pastas, Asian rice dishes, and in-house made pastries, as well as a selection of ice-cream. There is a bit of everything here but it is well executed and there is something for everyone.

Fakerah

Open 6am – 12pm, and 5 – 9pm

Phra Ong Dam Road, Phitsanulok

This is yet another of Phitsanulok’s well-loved foodie meccas. Nestled near the town’s Pakistani Mosque, Fakerah is the place to try home made roti (plain, sweet or filled) grilled on a hot plate before your eyes. They are delicious on their own or used to sweep up Fakerah’s homemade curries (the vegetable curry is my favourite followed by the chicken curry). If you have access to a fridge at your accommodation I also suggest you grab a tub of their house made plain yoghurt (in the fridge on the left behind the counter), it is delicious.

NEW – Ox Bar and Grill

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm -11pm

8/4 Phayarithai Road, Phitsanulok

Ox Bar and Grill was a welcome opening in Phitsanulok. A combined operation by Pista Cafe and Veggie Cafe this meat lovers restaurant reflects their modern tastes – both on the plate and decor wise. A small restaurant, the space seats 13 – 15 people maximum. There are two counter areas so you can eat and watch the going ons in the kitchen, or alternatively and best suited for groups, is their communal table at the back of the restaurant. Various cuts of dry aged Thai beef are on offer, as well as pork (the ribs are a must). Less enthused eaters of meat will be pleased to know that all mains are served with a generous assortment of grilled vegetables and even the odd fruit (passionfruit or pineapple). Ox Bar and Grill is a great spot for dining in pairs or small groups, and through its doors you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a busier, trendier part of Thailand like Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

Host Late Night

Open Mondays 5 – 10pm and Tuesday – Sunday 12pm – 10pm

107 Phayarithai Road, Phitsanulok

Host Late Night is probably one of my favourite Western style restaurants in Phitsanulok. A short walk from the Train Market it is the perfect place to eat if you are craving non-Thai food. It is a small space with capacity for just under 20 people at a push, so I recommend making a reservation via their Facebook page. Their chef has worked in Australia and brings a mix of cuisines and styles to the table. Though they have an impressive menu with countless pizzas, pastas, meat, seafood and even Asian options, I highly recommend the Pide and the Grilled BBQ set. The BBQ set in particular, is what we come back for time and time again.

Cafe Veggie – (re-opened May 2017)

Open 11:30am – 9pm, seven days a week.

93/2 Phayarithai Road, Phitsanulok

Recently re-opened after a month’s hiatus for renovations, Cafe Veggie is back, and better than ever. Like Pista Cafe, and together, their joint counterpart Ox Bar and Grill, Cafe Veggie is a trendy, on point Bangkok-style cafe. But don’t let the washed concrete floors and minimalist deck out fool you, the food offerings are just as impressive. Pulled pork burgers, shrimp rolls, delicious smoothies, large healthy salads and more await you (and of course in a very Instagram-worthy environment).

Pista Cafe

Open seven days from 10am – 5pm (please note: Pista close the 1st, 2nd, 16th and 17th of every month).

17 Phayarithai Road, Phitsanulok

Pista is the kind of cafe’ that you would expect to find in the more hip Chiang Mai or even Bangkok. Jane and Film, have done a fabulous job at creating a small space with a wonderful atmosphere and peaceful vibe. Their main offerings are coffee, crafted by Film. He uses local beans and always has a special collection of imported coffee on offer if you are after a particular flavour profile or bean roast. Jane, his partner is a talented cake baker and always has an extensive selection of her cakes displayed in the front cabinet. If you are hungry, Pista  also serve pizza, pasta, basic Thai stir-fries and snacks and sides. If you are looking for somewhere to connect to wifi or just read and relax with a good coffee, Pista Cafe is a great choice and one of the best coffee offerings in town.

Kasnaree Bakery and Restaurant

Open 10:30am – 10:30pm, seven days.

This huge restaurant lends itself to Chinese-Thai style cuisine, and has set the standard really high. Service is good, the restaurant itself is incredibly impressive, two storeys that include a bakery (downstairs) and an extensive outdoor seating area fitted with two large ponds.

If you are after a special occasion meal Kasnaree is it. They have recently reprinted their menus in English and Thai which is a Godsend because before this we were pointing at pictures and rattling off dishes we knew hoping they would serve them. The menu is extensive, sectioned by starters, signature dishes, deep-fried, stir-fried dishes, salads and more. Everything at Kasnaree has been fantastic but I would highly recommend the following for a shared meal without disappointment: Coconut Tom Yam with prawns, chicken with cashew nut, traditional som tam salad or som tam salad with grilled pork, and curried crab or a whole steamed fish. Also make sure to order a fresh coconut with your meal, it makes the whole experience.

Note: the large ponds attract the mosquitos (even inside), so insect repellent is highly recommended.

Get in

By plane

Nokair offers three daily flights between Phitsanulok and Bangkok Don Muang (50 minutes). Bus #4 runs to the airport, as do tuk-tuks for about 10-20 baht.

Also from Don Mueang airport are flights by Air Asia, three daily, and by Thai Lion Air, twice daily. Return flights similarly.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

There are several daily services north to Chiang Mai and south to Bangkok. Both take about 6-7 hours.

By bus

Extensive bus services connect Phitsanulok with Chiang Mai and Bangkok. As Phitsanulok is a major transportation hub, there are also regular services to the northeast. Phitsanulok is about 390 km from Bangkok. Buses take 5-6 hours for the journey. The return trip can take as long as 7 hours, depending on the Bangkok traffic. The bus to Chiang Mai takes 6 hours.

The main bus station was 2 km east of the train station just off Singhawat Rd. and moved in 2014 to south of the Indochina Intersection (ca. 5 km east of the city center). From there buses leave for Chiang Mai, Tak (via Sukhothai), Khon Kaen and Bangkok, as well as the surrounding provinces and to the towns within the province. Buses still depart from the more central bus station for Sukothai, Chiang Mai and Bangkok, among others, although maybe not as frequently. A ticket to Sukhothai was 60 baht.

You can reach the bus station by tuk-tuk, or hop on the bus on one of the stops downtown, for instance, on the broad road passing south of the Topland Plaza Hotel (a little west of the hotel). Note that the stops and buses have signage in Thai only.

There are also purple songteows (2 bench pickup trucks) which do the rounds inside the City. Each of these has a number written on the front, so ask first! From observation, it appears that numbers 6 and 12 at least, do go between the bus stations. Flag them down and pay the fare on exit.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

Public buses serve the town, there are taxis and a few tuktuks near the train station. Away from the train station, neither are easy to find, you may be better just jumping on one of the purple songteow (utes with covered roofs) and seeing where they go. The taxis are supposed to be metered, but it may well be that you need to bargain the fare.

Number 1 bus serves the route between the central bus station and the train station in the town centre, and leaves from the short road leading from the highway to the bus station. Tuks tuks from train station to bus station could be haggled down to at least 60B.

Decent motorbikes (Honda Wave, etc.) can be rented from the shop near the central bus station, at prices somewhat higher than the Chiang Mai standard (starting ~200 baht)

The old bus station is about 4Km from the actual City centre, (where the Clocktower is). The new bus station is even further away on the Nakhon Sawan/Uttaradit road. To get from one to the other - use a purple songteow (numbers 6 and 12 appear to go between them)or go directly ahead from the entrance of number one to the main road, turn right, and about 5km along is the main north/south road. To the right of this is the bus terminal number two about 1km distant, on the right hand side.