How do I get from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai?

Regular songthaew-buses (blue trucks) run from Phitsanulok bus station to Sukhothai's new bus terminal about every 30 minutes, taking approximately 1 hour. Taxis and car hire are also available for a faster but more expensive option.

Is Phra Buddha Chinnarat really that special?

It is — the 14th-century gilded bronze image is remarkable for its flame-like aureole (halo) extending up both sides in a design unique to this statue. The temple atmosphere is genuinely sacred with Thai pilgrims coming from across the country. It is a must-visit if you are in Phitsanulok.

Can I use Phitsanulok as a base for Sukhothai?

Yes, and it is often better value than staying in Sukhothai. Phitsanulok has more accommodation options and restaurant variety. The 1-hour bus ride to Sukhothai Historical Park is easy and inexpensive.

Phitsanulok Province Guide — Phra Buddha Chinnarat, Sukhothai Access & North Thailand

About Phitsanulok Province

Phitsanulok is a significant historical city in lower northern Thailand, birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (one of Thailand's most celebrated monarchs who expelled Burmese rule in the 16th century) and home to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, which houses the Phra Buddha Chinnarat — widely considered the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand after the Emerald Buddha. The city sits on the Nan River and serves as a transport hub for visitors heading to Sukhothai (50 km away), Phrae, and the Northern provinces. It has an excellent floating restaurant scene and a traditional amulet market that is one of the most active in the north.

Key facts

Population: 849,481 (2020)
Area: 10,816 km²
Density: 79 / km²
Districts: 9
Capital: Phitsanulok
ISO code: TH-65
Airport: Phitsanulok Airport (PHS)

All 9 districts

Bang Krathum · Bang Rakam · Chat Trakan · Mueang Phitsanulok · Nakhon Thai · Noen Maprang · Phrom Phiram · Wang Thong · Wat Bot

Top Highlights

Phra Buddha Chinnarat at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Thailand's most revered Buddha image after the Emerald Buddha
Phitsanulok floating restaurant strip
dozens of restaurants on the Nan River banks
Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum
extraordinary collection of traditional northern tools and artifacts
Naresuan the Great's birthplace
Phraya Lithai shrine and historical park

Getting There

Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) has several daily flights from Bangkok (55 minutes) with Nok Air and Bangkok Airways. Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong take 5–6 hours. Buses from Mo Chit take 5–6 hours. The city is 50 km from Sukhothai (1 hour by bus) and 3 hours from Chiang Mai.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q275781 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.

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About Phitsanulok Province

Top Highlights

Phra Buddha Chinnarat at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Thailand's most revered Buddha image after the Emerald Buddha

Phitsanulok floating restaurant strip

dozens of restaurants on the Nan River banks

Sergeant Major Thawee Folk Museum

extraordinary collection of traditional northern tools and artifacts

Naresuan the Great's birthplace

Phraya Lithai shrine and historical park

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q275781 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026

2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.

3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026