Interesting Articles

Home
Destination Guide

PHICHIT

Amphoe Muang

Wat Tha Luang This monastery is situated on the west bank of Nan River near the Provincial Hall, housing a bronze Chiang Saen style Buddha image, cast in the attitude of subduing evil, in the main shrine hall, to be enshrined here. The name of the Buddha image is "Luang Pho Phet" having the lap width of 1.40 meters and regarded an important Buddha image of Phichit which is highly respected by Phichit inhabitants. Bueng Si Fai This 4,800 acre swamp locate 1 km. West of Phichit Market is a fish breeding source surrounded by lotur, grown by locals for the use of its flower and leaves. In the area there is a parked called "Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin". It is a nice place for relaxation and picnic dining. The place is also decorated with "Phichit Crocodile Auditorium", an auditorium constructed in the shape of a huge crocodile, since Phichit was once full of crocodiles. The main functional part is the 'stomach' which is an air-conditioned meeting room and can accommodate about 3 persons. Its other dimensions are as follow: 38 meters long, 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long for the part of the mouth. There is also a fish aquarium which is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.. Local Products Center Local products and souvenirs on sale are the basketry from water hyacinth, weave cloth of Ban Pa Daeng, mixed tamarind, etc. The center is open everyday except Monday. The Old City Park It is located in Phichit-Wang Chik Road, about 8 kms. from Phichit township. It is believed that this area used to be the old Phichit town approximately 900 years ago. In the park, there is an arboretum, a peaceful relaxing place for local people. In addition, there are Ko Si Mala, Tham Chalawan and sculptures of important features from a Thai literature interesting sights are: "Kraithong" City Pillar Shrine The shrine has been placed on the second floor of the two-story building. The statue of "Phaya Khottabong" or so-called "Pho Pu" is housed on the first floor. The building is surrounded by many trees which provide a pleasant scene. In addition, there is a recreation pavilion. Wat Mahathat This monastery is located approximately 300 meters from Wat Nakhon Chum, also in the area of the old city presumed to have been constructed in Sukhothai period. Objects of art found from excavation made in this temple are potter and Buddha images of various eras. Tham Chalawan The cave has its origin from the literature "Krai Thong" wrote by King Rama II. It is 1 meter wide, 1.50 meter long and 4 meter deep. Local tale has that over 65 years ago, a Buddhist monk of Wat Nakhon Chum walked with a candle into the cave and did not reach the cave when the candle was burnt out. Therefore,nobody can tell how beautiful the cave inside is. At present, the cave is lesser deep because it has been gradually destroyed by time. The statues of Krai Thong and Chalawan are installed at the cave entrance. Wat Nakhon Chum This is an ancient monastery located in Tambon Muang Kao in the area of the old city, 11 kms. from the township area. It had been utilized as a place where an path, through water drinking, ceremony took place in the old days. This is, however, the place where an old main Shrine Hall and the 800-year-old Buddha image are located. Wat Rong Chang Located in Tambon Rong Chang, this monastery is on Phichit-Wang Chik Road about 5 kms. far from town. During the reign of Phraya Kottabong, this area was formerly called "Kong Chang" (Elephant gathering) because it was a rest area of elephant and mahouts. Within the monastery compound, there are 3 giant Buddha images in different postures: Subduing Evil, Reclining and Restraining. The most interesting thing is the big Chedi with an underground room used for keeping the bricks that 84,000 sections of the Buddhist Scripture are inscribed. The construction of the hidden room is based on the foreseen view that there might be an unexpected event such as a nuclear war, which can erase the existence of the Buddhist Scripture in the world. Wat Khao Rup Chang This wat is located approximately 15 kms. south of Phichit on Phichit-Taphan Hin Road having its remain shrine hall built on a hilltop where white rocks stack up forming an elephant figure. A walking Buddha and replica of Buddha us Footprints are housed in this monastery.

Bang Mun Nak

Wat Huay Khen It is located in Tambon Huay Khen, about 8 kms. from Amphoe Bang Mun Nak on Bang Mun-Kak Wang Ngui Road. Within its ancient temple registered by the Fine Arts Department, there is an original mural painting describing some parts of the well-known literature of "Ramakien" or "Ramayana epics". Wat Tha Chang This monastery is located in Tambon Noen Makok, about 2 kms. from Amphoe Bang Mun Nak. Within the compound, there is an ancient stone Buddha image. The giant elephant figures are easily noticed in front of this monastery.

Pho Prathap Chang

Wat Pho Prathab Chang Located in Tambon Pho Prathap Chang, 27 kms. from Phichit town on Phichit-Wang Chit-Pho Prathap Chang route, wat Pho Prathap Chang ia an ancient monastery built in 1701 in Ayutthaya period. The monastery was once used by King Narai the Great as a campsite for his troops in a northern trip. It is also the place where King Sua or King Sanphet VIII was born.

Pho Thale

Wat Hiranyaram (Wat Bang Khlan) Previously called Wat Wang Tako, this monastery is located in Amphoe Pho Thale on the bank of the Nan Kao River. One of the interesting things is antiques which have been collected long ago. Most of the antiques were given by donators. Among them are Buddha images, votive tablets, pottery, etc. Its attractive building "Chai Bawon Museum" is a two storey structure in Mondop shape. The life size bronze statue of Luang Pho Ngoen, the most revered Buddhist monk who used to stay at this monastery for the Buddhist Lent during the rainy season, is housed on the second floor. This museum is the first and the only museum in Phichit

Taphan Hin

Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon This is otherwise called "Luangpho Toh Taphan Hin". It is the largest Sitting Buddha Image, enshrined in Wat Theva Prasat. The construction was completed in 1970 . Its name was bestowed by H.M. the King as "Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon". Wat Phra Phutthabat Khao Ruak It is located in Mu 5, Tambon Wang Lum, about 10 kms. from Amphoe Taphan Hin. Within the monastery, there is a replica of the Buddha footprints, an imitation of Wat Phra Phutthabat Saraburi. The famous Buddhist monk, Pra Achan Ngon Sairayo usually stays at this monastery during Buddhist Lent in the rainy season. He had built Phra Phutthawimok, the Buddha image in meditation with the lap width of 29 inches, and gave it to schools throughout the country. There is also a small zoo in the compound.