​​Spiritual & Historical Attractions in Phitsanulok: Famous Temples and Must-Visit Museums of Song Kwae City

Spiritual & Historical Attractions in Phitsanulok: Famous Temples and Must-Visit Museums of Song Kwae City

Discover Phitsanulok—"Song Kwae City"— a historic heartland in Thailand's lower north, where sacred temples and cultural treasures narrate a profound story. Compact and convenient, its main attractions are nestled close together, ideal for an atmospheric one-day itinerary. For effortless exploration, the Maxim app offers relaxed, stress-free travel between locations.

In this guide, Maxim takes you through Phitsanulok’s most iconic temples and must-visit museums, inviting you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Song Kwae City at your own pace—an experience you’ll never get bored of.

Iconic Temples in Phitsanulok: Ancient Sites and Sacred Landmarks

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan: Home of the Revered Phra Phuttha Chinnarat

Home to the revered Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, widely regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan—also known as Wat Yai—stands as the spiritual heart of Phitsanulok.

In addition to the main Buddha image, visitors can seek blessings from Phra Phuttha Chinnasi, Phra Si Sasada, and Tao Wessuwan, making this royal temple a powerful center of faith for Song Kwae City. Getting here is easy and convenient—simply book a ride via the Maxim app and focus fully on your peaceful pilgrimage.

Opening hours: 6 am - 7.30 pm

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/htgnRp5fYbsXugFc8

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000794671...

Contact: 055 258 966

Wat Ratchaburana: A Beautiful Ancient Temple for Spiritual Travellers

Wat Ratchaburana is regarded as one of the most significant ancient temples in Phitsanulok, with a history spanning over a millennium along the banks of the Nan River. Its ancient structures and rare artifacts offer a timeless chronicle of Buddhist heritage. The sacred site is renowned for its exquisite mural paintings, depicting scenes from the Ramakien and the legendary In–Chan twins. Within the ordination hall, discover an octagonal Sri Lankan-style stupa and the revered Luang Pho Thong Dam Buddha image—both honored for bestowing prosperity and good fortune.

Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jSvLQBjmpTnGnDif8

Website: https://www.facebook.com/watrajaburanafanpage/

Contact: 055 259 9907

Wat Chulamani: A Long-Standing Temple in Song Kwae City

Renowned as the oldest temple in Phitsanulok, Wat Chulamani is believed to predate the rise of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Situated along the banks of the Nan River, this temple stands on the site of the ancient Song Kwae settlement. Within its sacred grounds, you'll find the principal prang enclosed by a holy wall and a consecrated mandapa housing a replica of the Buddha’s footprint. Be sure to pay your respects to the esteemed Luang Pho Phet, a revered sandstone Buddha statue built during King Borommatrailokanat's era, making it an essential pilgrimage site for religious devotees to connect with the deep historical roots of Song Kwae City.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JFD7xAN5MDpETyUf7

Website: https://www.facebook.com/watchulamanee.phs?mibexti...

Contact: 055 321 641

Wat Aranyik - A Graceful Historical Temple

Built during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, Wat Aranyik—also known as Wat Suan Mamuang—is a significant historical site in Phitsanulok. The temple features an elegant bell-shaped Sri Lankan stupa, showcasing classic Sukhothai architectural artistry.

This temple holds particular appeal for archaeology enthusiasts, drawn to its ancient ruins and hallowed remains. Wat Aranyik also upholds tradition by continuing the Songkran Evening Forest Robe Offering Ceremony—a vibrant preservation of living cultural heritage.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UrFhP6wALqu4vutS7

Website: https://www.facebook.com/WatAranyik

Contact: 086 927 6153

King Naresuan the Great Shrine - Worshipping Ong Dam

Nestled within the grounds of Phitsanulok Pittayakom School, this King Naresuan the Great Shrine occupies the authentic site of the former Chan Palace—the original birthplace of the revered King Naresuan the Great. This sacred shrine is beautifully housed in an exquisitely crafted traditional Thai three-gabled pavilion, reflecting the elegance of classical Thai architecture.

As its heart enshrines the holy Black Statue (Ong Dam), where devotees seek blessings for protection and good fortune. Steeped in history and spiritual significance, it is an essential stop for any explorer of Song Kwae City's cultural legacy.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UrFhP6wALqu4vutS7

Website: https://thai.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/%E0%B8...

Contact: 055 252 742

Museums & Historical Attractions in Phitsanulok

Chan Royal Palace Historical Center: Uncover the History of Song Kwae City

Step into the history that shaped a nation at this significant site–Chan Royal Palace Historical Center, dedicated to the origins of Song Kwae City and the legendary King Naresuan the Great. The grounds feature the evocative ruins of three major temples—Wat Pho Thong, Wat Wihan Thong, and Wat Si Sukot—each adding a chapter to the area's profound past. For anyone captivated by history, this is an indispensable stop on your journey.

Opening hours: 9 am - 4pm (closed every Monday)

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ERSZhWLY8BgF6GdKA

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ChanPalaceHistoricalCentr...

Contact: 055 247 304

Phra Phuttha Chinnarat National Museum: Explore Precious Historical Artifacts

For a truly captivating journey into Phitsanulok’s soul, step inside the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat National Museum. Nestled within the sacred grounds of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, this treasure trove brings ancient Thai life, traditions, and artistry vividly to light. Visitors can admire serene Buddha statues, ancient votive tablets, and the exquisite craftsmanship of Sangkhalok, Benjarong, and Chinese ceramics—an immersive portal into the historical narrative of Song Kwae City. A must-visit for anyone who feels the pull of the past.

Opening hours: 9 am - 4pm (closed every Monday)

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ERSZhWLY8BgF6GdKA

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ChanPalaceHistoricalCentr...

Contact: 055 141 717

Sergeant Thawee Folk Museum: Local Wisdom Hub and Folk Culture

Discover the ingenuity of Thai rural life at the Sergeant Thawee Folk Museum, one of Southeast Asia’s premier guardians of intangible heritage, offering an extensive private collection as a vivid tribute to traditional wisdom and community spirit. Don’t miss the centerpiece: an ingenious traditional suspended sugar-pressing device showcasing remarkable local innovation. More than just artifacts, this museum offers an essential and immersive chapter in Song Kwae’s roots. For any culturally curious traveler, it is a journey into Phitsanulok’s ancient soul.

Opening hours: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sirUujer1QYc45qA7

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000415556...

Contact: 055 212 749

Conclusion

Whether you're a spiritual seeker or a history enthusiast, Phitsanulok delivers a profound journey, all within a single day. From sacred temples to immersive museums, Song Kwae City effortlessly connects you to a rich cultural tapestry. With Maxim, seamless and stress-free travel between sites allows you to fully absorb each moment of discovery. More than a destination, Phitsanulok is a living heritage—a place whose stories and spirit you'll long to return to.