Discover Phichit: Culture, Nature and Local Experiences

Phichit brings together traces of an old city, temple complexes, local traditions and nature experiences at Bueng Si Fai. Those interested in history can explore old walls, pagodas and distinctive Buddha images. Those who prefer spending time outdoors will find ideas at the recreational park, Lotus Park and the forest area of Nakhon Chai Bowon. These different highlights can help you tailor your trip and choose a suitable area to stay based on your personal interests.

Old City and Religious Architecture

Pichit Old City Park preserves the site of the old city of Phichit. The grounds include city walls, moats and old pagodas, as well as the Kanchanakuman Arboretum. The park is also home to the Phichit City Pillar Shrine and a statue of Phraya Khotabong, known locally as Pho Pu. Wat Mahathat in the old city is a registered ancient brick monument; its stupa is Ceylonese in style.

Other temples each have their own distinctive features. Wat Tha Luang houses Luangpho Phet, an ornate Buddha image associated with Phichit Province. Wat Pho Prathap Chang was built during the reign of Somdet Phra Suriyentharathipbodi, also known as Phra Phutthachao Suea, to commemorate his birthplace. The temple grounds feature a gate and double-layered perimeter walls in the Ayutthaya style. To get there, take Highway 1068, then Highway 1300; from there, the access road continues for about 4 kilometres to the temple.

The architecture of the Nakhon Chai Bowon Museum provides a helpful landmark: the building is shaped like a two-storey mondop. On the upper floor is a life-size statue of Luangpho Ngoen, a highly revered monk and master who lived at this temple. Buddha images and pottery are displayed on the ground floor. Those who want to learn more about Phichit's ways of life, traditional knowledge, ethnic groups, religion, beliefs, culture and customs can explore these subjects at the Phichit Museum.

Nature and Time at Bueng Si Fai

Princess Srinagarindra Garden is a 170-rai recreational park on the shore of Bueng Si Fai. Visitors often come to feed the fish and watch the sunset. South of Bueng Si Fai is Lotus Park, a visitor and learning centre for different lotus varieties. A bridge extends into the lake, allowing visitors to view red lotus flowers up close. The Saranchit Mongkol Suk Fah cycling arena at Bueng Si Fai is described as a new sports and recreation facility for tourism.

Nakhon Chai Bowon Forest Park offers a different kind of nature experience and is considered Phichit's last remaining forest area. Large dipterocarp trees grow close together there, and many birds stay in the forest during winter. Trip planners can choose between different interests: a lakeside park, a place to view lotus flowers or a forest area with many birds during the season.

Local Traditions and Regional Cuisine

In Ban Pa Daeng in Taphan Hin District, the Thai Phuan Kam Fa tradition takes place on the third day of the third lunar month. It includes merit-making rituals, Bai Si ceremonies and the ritual roasting of sticky rice. Tak Bat Thewo Rohana at Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Sai is also rooted in religious tradition: it has been held annually for more than 60 years on the second waning-moon day of the eleventh lunar month. During the event, more than 400 monks descend 333 steps to receive alms. The Luangpho Phet worship ceremony and Phichit festival in January include a worship ceremony, folk cultural performances and a procession of illuminated boats.

You can sample local specialities in Ban Khao Lon in Thap Khlo District, including Khao Ho Luang, Khanom Dok Din and herbal drinks. Visitors can also follow a nature trail through the community forest. The nostalgic DongKlang Riverside community market sells local produce and food, including grilled fish, chilli paste with boiled vegetables, traditional sweets and herbal drinks. At the old Wang Krot Market, you can experience a market on the banks of the Nan River in Wang Krot Subdistrict, Mueang Phichit District.

Farm produce is also part of the local offering. The Wang Thap Sai Agricultural Garden grows various varieties of mango and Marian plum, including Nam Dok Mai Si Thong, Phet Ban Lat, Fa Lan and Chok Anan, as well as sweet Marian plums and the Khai Kai variety. Visitors can tour the garden and buy produce. The annual Sweet Pomelo and Best Products Fair of Pho Prathap Chang District takes place from March to April and offers selected products for sale from each subdistrict. Handwoven cotton-silk fabrics from Ban Pa Daeng are sold in Nong Phayom in Taphan Hin District.

Getting Around and Nearby Areas

Songthaews run from the bus station to various destinations in Phichit town. They can also be hired for journeys within the town or to other districts. When choosing a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you want to focus your trip on the old city, experiences at Bueng Si Fai, nature or local culture. Phichit's subdistricts include Amphoe Sak Lek, Mueang Phichit District, Dong Pa Kham, Wang Wa and Thanong. More destination pages: Ayutthaya, Sa Kaeo, Saraburi.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.