Situated on the western bank of the
Nan River, close by the provincial hall, is the
province’s principal temple, Wat Tha Luang.
Built during the reign of King Rama III, the bot
houses the sacred Chiang Saen-style Luang Phor Phet
Buddha image which was brought down from the north
by a former Sukhothai ruler. The gilded, golden
image is highly revered by the townspeople
Slightly out of town is another ancient temple,
Wat Nakhon Chum. It was originally the site where
a traditional religious ceremony was conducted.
The temple houses a Buddha image built in the Sukhothai
era, about 800 years ago.
Wat Po Pratub Chang is an ancient 18th century,
Ayutthaya-style temple enclosed by a wall. It was
used by King Narai the Great as a campsite for his
troops on a northern expedition. It was also the
place where King Phra Si Sanphet VIII, or King Sua
(Tiger), was born.
The Bung Si Fai (A Lit Lake) is the nation’s
third largest lake with an area of 12,000 rai and
water throughout the year, serving as an important
fish-breeding site. Lotuses are grown on the outer
perimeter for picking and selling. Aside from being
a picnic area, it has a center displaying the various
types of freshwater fish.
Another attraction is the Phichit Crocodile Auditorium,
constructed in the shape of a huge crocodile, since
Phichit was once full of crocodiles.
Located on the Phichit-Taphan Hin Road south of
town, the chapel of Wat Khao Rup Chang was built
on a hilltop where white rocks stack up forming
an elephant figure. A walking Buddha and replica
of Lord Buddha’s Footprint is housed in this
temple.
Slightly out of town is another ancient temple,
Wat Nakhon Chum. It was originally
the
site where a traditional religious ceremony was
conducted. The temple houses a Buddha image built
in the Sukhothai era, about 800 years ago.
The Phichit Historical Park enhances the antiquated
feeling by having undergrowth and various sorts
of trees grow naturally. Highlights include the
Chalawan Cave, the Chao Mae Srimala Shrine, and
sculptures of various important characters from
the ‘Kraithong’ folktale. Excavation
from the remains of Wat Mahathat’s chedi unveiled
pottery and Buddha images from various eras.
Previously called Wat Wang Tako, Wat Hiranyaram
(Wat Bang Khlan) is located on the banks of the
Nan Kao River. It features an interesting antique
collection, with most pieces obtained from donators.
Among its attractive building is the Nakhon Chai
Bavorn Museum , a two-story structure containing
the life-size, bronze statue of Luang Pho Ngern,
a highly revered Buddhist monk who resided at this
temple during Buddist Lent. This museum is the site
of the first, and only, museum in Phichit.
more>>>