🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
A lot of people drive past Phichit on the way to Phitsanulok or Nakhon Sawan without stopping. But if you're into temples and history, this town has plenty to see. The best part is that everything sits close together. The town is small, and driving from one temple to the next mostly takes no more than 20–30 minutes. So we've set this up as 2 days and 1 night, with room to walk at an easy pace, no rushing, and still time to stop for a meal by the Nan River.
Before you set off
Most temples and historic sites in Phichit are open during daytime. The ordination hall at Wat Tha Luang is open for paying respects to Luang Pho Phet from roughly 06:30 to 18:00, while the Old City Park and Wat Khao Rup Chang open around 08:00 to 17:00. Start the day a little early so it's not as hot and the light is nicer.
Day 1 — Town's signature temple + the ancient city
The first day covers the town and the area around it. Start at Wat Tha Luang, the province's main temple, then move out to the Old City Park about 7 km from town. In the afternoon, walk among the old stupas and the quiet ruins of the ancient city.
Pay respects to Luang Pho Phet, then step back to the ancient city
About the Chalawan legend
Phichit goes by the nickname "city of Chalawan," from the folk tale of Kraithong and Chalawan, the giant crocodile of legend. The statues of Phaya Chalawan and Chalawan Cave you'll spot around town all come from this story. If you want the full legendary atmosphere, Bueng Si Fai has a big crocodile statue to photograph too.
Book the activities in your Phichit trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 2 — Ayutthaya-era temple + temple on the hill
The second day heads a bit out of town, toward Pho Prathap Chang district to see an Ayutthaya-era temple that marks the birthplace of King Suea, then closes the trip with Wat Khao Rup Chang, which means a climb up the hill. You get both a temple visit and a 360-degree viewpoint over Phichit.
King Suea's birthplace, then up the hill for the view
The temples and historic sites in this plan
Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet)
Phichit's signature temple, on the Nan River, home to Luang Pho Phet, a bronze Buddha image in Chiang Saen style that locals deeply revere. It's the easiest starting point right in town.
Phichit Old City Park
The site of old Phichit from the era of Phraya Kotrabong, with city walls, a moat, and old stupas. Today it's a shady arboretum that's easy to stroll through.
Wat Mahathat + Chalawan Cave
Inside the Old City Park grounds, with an old Lanka-style stupa and the ruins of a viharn from the Sukhothai–Ayutthaya period. Nearby is Chalawan Cave, tied to the town's legend.
Wat Pho Prathap Chang
A temple and historic site over 300 years old, the birthplace of King Suea, with a pair of stupas, smaller prangs, and an Ayutthaya-style mondop to walk through.
Wat Khao Rup Chang
A hilltop temple with a peak shaped like an elephant, built in the era of King Suea. You climb about 427 steps, and at the top there's a stupa, a mondop, and a 360-degree viewpoint over Phichit.
If you have time to spare or want to add some nature, Bueng Si Fai is right in town, a large lake with statues of Phaya Chalawan and a giant crocodile. The highlight is the sunset over the middle of the lake in the evening. You can slot it in either on the first evening or before heading home on the second day.
Getting around and timing
- Driving yourself is easiest — the sites are spread out, some of them out of town, and public transport in Phichit is limited. Having your own car or a rental is far more flexible.
- Everything's close together — town to the Old City Park is about 7 km, Wat Khao Rup Chang is about 15–18 km to the south, and Wat Pho Prathap Chang is in a different district but not a long drive.
- Dress modestly — for the ordination halls and old temples, wear sleeved tops and pants or skirts that cover the knee, and take your shoes off where the signs say so.
- Wear comfortable shoes for Wat Khao Rup Chang — there are several hundred steps, so wear sneakers and bring water. Late morning or evening is cooler.
- Carry cash — many local eateries and merit-making spots still take cash as the main option.
If you only have one day
If you're short on time, trim it down to Wat Tha Luang + the Old City Park + Wat Mahathat in a single day. They're all close together, so it works easily. Then save Wat Pho Prathap Chang and Wat Khao Rup Chang for next time.
Want a well-located place to stay in Phichit town as a base for temple-hopping
See Top 10 Phichit Hotels →