Phitsanulok Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover Highlights

A swift itinerary to capture the essence of Phitsanulok. Book local experiences via GetYourGuide.

Evening: Head to the Phitsanulok Night Bazaar for dinner, sampling a wide variety of local street food and snacks. Optional: Consider an evening longtail boat ride on the Nan River to see the city lights from the water. Depart the next morning.

Your Day

Morning: Arrive at Phitsanulok, check into a centrally located hotel.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai) and Wat Nang Phaya. Appreciate the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha image.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery near the temple, perhaps sampling a classic Thai dish.

Weekend & One-Week Experiences

Extend your visit for exploration and comprehensive experiences.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

An extended visit for exploration.

Day 1 & 2: City & Sukhothai

Day 1: Arrive, check in. Explore Wat Yai and Wat Nang Phaya. Visit Sergeant Major Thavee Folk Museum. Dinner at Night Bazaar.
Day 2: Full day trip to Sukhothai Historical Park. Rent a bicycle to explore. Return to Phitsanulok.
Optional: Evening longtail boat ride on Nan River on Day 1.
Day 3: Morning: Explore City Pillar Shrine. Walk along Nan River, observe local life. Final local lunch. Depart.

Consider GetYourGuide for pre-booked tours.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A full week allows for city sights, historical parks, and natural escapes.

Days 1-7: City, History & Nature

Days 1-3: Phitsanulok city focus (Wat Yai, King Naresuan Shrine, markets, river activities).
Days 4-5: Two full-day trips – Sukhothai Historical Park and Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (private transport).
Days 6-7: Explore Wat Chulamani or Bueng Ratchaphan. Trip to Phu Khieo Hot Spring. Depart on Day 7.
If available, try a local cooking demonstration during your city days.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

This duration supports combining the Phitsanulok region with other Northern Thai destinations.

Regional Integration

Travel further north to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Nan.
Continue south to Central Thailand, visiting Ayutthaya and Lopburi on the train route back to Bangkok.
Use Phitsanulok as a base for more extensive provincial exploration.
This allows for dives into its national parks or rural communities.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For extended stays, consider embracing a more local lifestyle.

Immersive Living

Consider renting an apartment, specifically near Naresuan University.
The university area offers a lower cost of living and easy access to student amenities.
Engage in local community activities.
Consider volunteering to gain a understanding of Phitsanulok life.

Budget-Based Plans

Adjust your travel style to fit your budget, from backpacking to luxury.

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses. Eat almost exclusively street food and at local eateries. Use songthaews and walk for local transportation. Focus on free attractions.

Mid-Range Traveler

Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels. Enjoy a mix of street food and sit-down restaurants. Use Grab for convenient transportation. Include paid attractions like the main hall at Wat Yai and plan a day trip to Sukhothai.

Luxury Experience

Stay at higher-end hotels like Pattara Resort & Spa. Utilize private transfers for all your movements. Indulge in fine dining at hotel restaurants or select local establishments. Arrange private guided tours to attractions and national parks for a personalized experience.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Travel during shoulder or low season for better accommodation and flight rates. Look for lunch specials at restaurants. Consider traveling by overnight train for longer distances, combining transport and accommodation costs.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Phitsanulok itinerary to your specific interests.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Deep dive into Thailand's ancient kingdoms and local history.

Historical Sites

Phitsanulok's sites: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Nang Phaya, King Naresuan Shrine, Sergeant Major Thavee Folk Museum.
Full-day trips to Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park.
A comprehensive view of Thailand's ancient history.
Allocate ample time at each site for appreciation.

For organized historical tours, consider GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Experiences

A journey through Phitsanulok's culinary scene.

Taste of Phitsanulok

Evenings at Phitsanulok Night Bazaar for street food.
Morning markets for fresh produce and prepared meals.
Seek eateries specializing in local Phitsanulok dishes.
Try various Thai desserts and traditional beverages.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Explore the natural landscapes and outdoor opportunities.

Nature's Call

Day trips to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park for hiking and historical sites.
Visit park waterfalls (best during wet season).
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park for cycling and nature walks.

Outdoor Considerations

Unique savanna-like landscapes await in Thung Salaeng Luang.
Ensure suitable footwear for outdoor activities.
Private transport is often needed for park access.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Appreciate the artistic and architectural heritage of the region.

Artistic Journey

Explore Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat's architecture and Phra Phuttha Chinnarat.
Examine Wat Nang Phaya's intricate stucco work.
Visit Arts and Culture Gallery at Naresuan University for local art.
Observe historical preservation methods.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Activities suitable for all ages to enjoy Phitsanulok.

Fun for All

Wat Yai: Children often enjoy the visual splendor of temples.
Take a river boat trip on the Nan River.
The Sergeant Major Thavee Folk Museum can be interesting for all ages.
A day trip to Sukhothai Historical Park, with bicycle rentals, offers a fun way for families to explore.

Seasonal Specialties

Hot Season March-May

Plan indoor activities like visiting museums or shopping malls during the peak heat. Schedule temple visits for early morning when temperatures are cooler. Enjoy cooler evenings at the Phitsanulok Night Bazaar.

Wet Season May-October

This period brings lush green landscapes, and waterfalls in national parks are at their fullest. You will encounter fewer tourists and often find lower prices. Be prepared for daily rain showers and carry appropriate gear.

Cool Season November-February

This is the best time for all outdoor activities, especially national park visits and extensive temple exploration, due to comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this popular season.

Phitsanulok Itineraries