Phitsanulok and Surrounds

Pleasantly sited on the banks of the Nan River 55km southeast of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok makes a good base of exploring the area. Sighseeing includes the large and fascinating temple complex of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Mahathat, famous for the revered Buddha image of Phra Buddha Chinaraj (Jinaraja).

Si Satchanalai

On the west bank of the Yom river 56 km to the north of Sukhotai, Si Satchanalai was a contemporary satellite city of Sukhothai and today is similarly preserved as historical park (open daily 08:30-16:30(. Compact and attractively sited, the ruins are less visited and more atmospheric than those of Sukhothai. Dominating the site is Wat Chang Lom, a late 13th century temple with a large bell-shaped chedi raised on a square based decorated with elephant buttresses. To the north, two temple topped hills afford splendid panoramic views.

About 2km east of Si Satchanalai on the banks of the Yom River is the ancient site of Chalieng incorporating the extensive remains of Wat Si Ratana Mahathat, arguably the single most evocative temple ruin in the entire Sukhotai region. Note the superb lateritic and stucco high-relief of the walking Buddha on the side of the ruined sanctuary adjoining the prang.

Kamphaeng Phet

Located 77km south of Sukhothai, just of Hiighway 1, Kamphaeng Phet was another satellite town of Sukhothai. It is dotted with ruins, although they are inferiors to those of Si Satchanalai and Sukhothai and are genuine interest only to history buff. The Kamphaeng Phet National Museum offers a good introduction to Thai art from all periods, including the Sukhothai era.

Tak and Mae Sot

Also on Highway 1, 67 km north of Kamplaeng Phet, is Tak, the gateway to the North. The town is situated on the banks of the Ping River, but otherwise has little attraction. Some 80km to the west is Mae Sot, on the banks of the Moei river, which forms the boarder with Burma. Aside from the market there is a little to detain the visitor. The drive from Tak to Mae Sot passes through very attractive hill country.

Online Hotel Booking

HOTEL DETAILS		RATES
	Amarin Lagoon Hotel     52/299 Praongkhao Rd., Muang, Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,068 THB
	Pailyn Phitsanulok Hotel     38 Baromatreilokanart Road, Muang, Phitsanuloke 65000 Thailand  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 840 THB
	Sappraiwan Grand Hotel & Resort     1/79 Moo 2, Kaengsopha, Wangthong, Phitsanulok 65220 Thailand  Wangthong     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,164 THB
	The Grand Riverside Hotel     59 Praroung Road, Muang , Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,287 THB
	The La Paloma Hotel     103/8 Srithumtripidok Rd., Muang, Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 720 THB
	Topland Hotel & Convention Centre     68/33 Akathodsarod St., Muang, Phitsanulok 65000 Thailand  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,287 THB
	Wanathara Health Resort & Spa     6 Moo 9, Pitsanulok-lomsak, Keangsopha, Wangthong, Phitsanulok 65222 thailand  Phitsanulok-lomsak     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,170 THB
	Water Land Golf Resort & Spa     43/2 Moo 3 T.Sripirom, Phromphiram, Phitsanulok 65180 Thailand  Phromphiram     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 1,063 THB
	Yodia Heritage Hotel     89/1 Phutthabucha Road, Muang, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000  Downtown     Traveler Review :    (0 from 5)	Start Rate : 3,728 THB