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Phitsanulok

Many people consider Phitsanulok only as a transfer point to get up to Chiang Mai and don't stop to see the town itself worth stopping at. There is not enough to keep you here for a week but for a couple of days there is plenty. The city is a friendly and busy place with a nice riverfront and a large number of good restaurants. Phitsanulok is a good place to stay while visiting the ruins at Sukhothai which are 1 hour away.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat: This is the most important Wat in the area and is home to one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand, Phra Buddha Chinarat. The Wat was built in 1357AD and the Buddha image was gold leafed in the 1600's by the King himself. Located in the north part of town at the Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the Nan River near where you catch the busses to Sukhothai. Within the Wat you will also find a branch of the National Museum showcasing local finds. Strict dress code and a small donation. Museum opens Wed-Sun 9-4.

Dragon Boats: In September and October there are a number of Dragon Boat races on the river. These wonderfully colourful boats need a crew of 30 rowers and are great fun to see in action.

Sergeant Major Thawee Folklore Museum: This museum, created and owned by Sergeant Major Dr. Thawee has a great collection of folk arts and crafts from throughout the area as well as neat look at traditional rural life. There is also an amazing collection of traps to catch everything from bugs to snakes. Definitely worth a visit. Located opposite the Buranathai Buddha Foundry in the southern end of town on Thanon Wisut Kasat. Open Tues-Sun, 8:30-4:30. Donation requested.

Buranathai Buddha Foundry: Across the street from the Sergeant Major Thawee Folklore Museum is this operational bronze Buddha image foundry. You can stop by and see how the images are moulded and cast. There is a display that guides you through the whole process. The foundry is also owned by Sergeant Major Thawee. Located in the southern end of town on Thanon Wisut Kasat.

Houseboats: On the banks on the Nan River, in the middle of town, you will find a small community of old houseboats. Some of these have been turned into restaurants but most are still residential.

Night Market: The night market, on the east side of the river south of the Naresuan Bridge, is your standard great, cheap and friendly place to eat and wander around. There is also the bizarre Flying Vegetable restaurant. Here the cooks throw cooked vegetables in the air for the waiters to catch and serve. Diners can sometimes join in and try to catch their meal.

Sakunothayan Arboretum: This Park can be found a short 35 km east of town. The park was donated by the King in the late 1950's after seeing how the river's current had created wonderfully shaped rocks. Bring a packed lunch and hang out by the waterfall.

The Bang Kaeo Dog Farm: Drop in and check out these expensive jackal like Bang Kaeo breed of dogs. We never made it here but it has got to be good.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park: Take highway 12 east for 85 km to this large forested park where you can get out of the fast pace of the city and hike through some beautiful country. In the 1970's the park was a haven for Thai Communist guerrillas. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Giant Tamarind Tree: We heard rumours of this 700 year old giant tamarind tree from a few people. The tree is supposed to be close to town and we spent a couple of hours looking but could not find it. Someone please solve the mystery and send me a photo.