Phitsanulok in North Thailand

Phitsanulok is at the cross-road between the northern and central Thailand.

Phitsanulok is located on the Nan River. And there is a tiny peninsula that extends up into the Mee Khong River. Phitsanulok is 377 km north of Bangkok. Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University and Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, plus a major Royal Thai Army base.

Attractions in Phitsanulok

Giant Tamarind Tree ... 700-year-old tree

City Walls of Phitsanulok ... built during the Ayutthaya period to prevent raids from Lanna and Burma.

Bang Kaeo Dog Farm ... famous dog breeds

Phu Soi National Park ... 2,102 m peaks, along Thai-Lao border (Chat Trakan district)

Nam Tok Chat Trakan National Park ... 145 km from Phitsanulok. stunning 7-series waterfall cascading down high mountains.

History of Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the reign of King Boromma Trailokanat of Ayutthaya. Phitsanulok city was originally a small Khmer citadel called "Song Kwae". Then the Khwae Noi River changed its course in the 11th Century A.D. Phitsanulok was also a provincial district of the Angkorian Empire.

Vishnu's Heaven or World ... Phitsanu (Thai: พิษณุ) is a cognate of Vishnu the Hindu god ...( วิษณุ Witsanu) The second element lok (Thai: โลก) means globe or world or Heaven.