Phitsanulok: Temples, Palaces and Folk Art

Explore Phitsanulok from several cultural perspectives: temple architecture, historic sites and collections showcasing life in the province. Wat Ratchaburana stands out for a precisely described detail of its ordination hall; Chan Palace and the shrine of King Naresuan offer other historical points of reference. The Ja Thawee Folk Museum focuses on household objects, folk art and antiques. You can shape your trip according to whether you are more interested in architectural styles, local history or cultural records of everyday life.

Temples with different architectural features

Wat Ratchaburana is considered one of the oldest known temples in Phitsanulok. It is in the city centre, on the Nan River near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Gracefully designed three-headed Naga figures adorn the eaves of its ordination hall. For anyone who enjoys noticing architectural details, the eaves offer a precise point of focus: this is where the described ornament is found. Wat Ratchaburana is said to have been built during the Sukhothai period, in the time of Phra Ya Li Thai.

Wat Nang Phaya has a shrine rather than an ordination hall. This offers a specific architectural comparison with Wat Ratchaburana: at one temple, the ordination hall and its roof ornament are highlighted, while at the other, it is the shrine. For people travelling together, the contrast can prompt a simple question to look out for: which area is mentioned at each temple? These concrete differences offer something to talk about, even without using specialist architectural terminology.

Chan Palace and the Shrine of King Naresuan

Chan Palace is an old palace on the west bank of the Nan River, north of Phitsanulok city. The shrine of King Naresuan the Great is on the grounds of the former Phitsanulok Pittayakom School, where Chan Palace once stood. A life-size statue of the king sits inside the shrine. The palace and shrine are thus historically connected through the former site, while their described features differ: the palace is located by its riverbank and position in the city, and the shrine by its grounds and statue.

A ceremony honouring the statue of the king is held at the shrine every year on 25 January. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the schedule in advance.

Everyday life, folk art and local knowledge

The Ja Thawee Folk Museum focuses on objects that offer a different way to explore the province’s culture from temples and historic sites. The collection includes household objects that illustrate the traditional way of life of people in Phitsanulok Province. It also features works of folk art and valuable antiques that reflect the roots and local knowledge of the people of Phitsanulok. Its focus is therefore on everyday objects and their cultural connections. If you would like to discover culture through more than just buildings, this collection offers a distinct point of interest.

Choose a cultural focus for your trip

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Phitsanulok, your cultural interests can help guide your accommodation choices. Wat Ratchaburana’s location in the city centre is a useful point of reference if you want to focus on temple architecture and the city’s historic sites. If you are more interested in traditional ways of life, folk art and antiques, use the Ja Thawee Folk Museum collection as your thematic guide.

Discover more destinations: Ban Khlong, Ban Phrao, Ban Klang, Ban Noi Sum Khilek, Chom Thong, Bo Thong, Chai Nam, Kiang Sopha

See the main travel overview: Phitsanulok.