Phitsanulok is located 380 km north of Bangkok. Worth a visit are the Pra Buddha Jinaraj (Chinarat) image at Wat Mahathat, an outstanding folklore museum, a Buddha factory, and night markets and floating restaurants on the Nan River. Another important plus is the complete absence of tourists, making Phitsanulok a refreshing change from the more popular destinations in central and northern Thailand.

Phitsanulok originally served as a Khmer outpost called Song Kwae before the Kwai Noi River changed its course in the 11th century. In the 15th century Phitsanulok was the seat of the Ayuthaya viceroy, who ruled the province of Sukhothai. Phitsanulok is highly regarded among the Thai people as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, who governed the province 1569-84. A memorial to King Naresuan is located on the north side of the river on the grounds of the former Chandahana Palace.

After a devastating fire in 1955, Phitsanulok was relocated five km from the old site and rebuilt in a modern shophouse style (structures with two stories--a shop downstairs, living quarters upstairs) that offers few architectural blessings