🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Phichit sits right on the northern route between Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok, and plenty of people drive straight past without stopping — even though the town has more to offer than you'd expect. There are old temples along the Nan River, a large freshwater lake, and the legend of Chalawan the crocodile, which has become the province's signature. The town isn't big; you can loop the whole center by car in a few minutes. It's ideal for a short weekend trip, or a stopover on your way up north.
How to Get to Phichit
Phichit is about 340 km from Bangkok, and there are a few ways to get there — each with its own upsides. Pick based on how many of you are travelling and how much time you have.
- Train — Depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and get off at Phichit station, which is right in the middle of town. It takes roughly 4–5 hours and is the most convenient option if you don't have a car, since you can walk straight into town once you arrive. The station itself is an old cream-coloured building that photographs beautifully.
- Bus / van — Departs from Mo Chit 2, with tickets starting around 300 THB. Travel time is similar to the train. You'll arrive at the Phichit bus terminal and connect to local transport from there.
- Private car — Best if you're travelling with a group or want to stop along the way. Take the Phahonyothin route north; the drive is around 4–4.5 hours, with Nakhon Sawan a handy stop en route.
Tip
There are no city buses in Phichit like you'd find in a bigger city. If you arrive by train or bus, renting a motorbike or hiring a local ride is the way to go — it's far more flexible, since many of the sights are spread out beyond the municipal area.
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.
When to Visit Phichit
Phichit is fine to visit year-round, but the most comfortable stretch is the cool season, roughly November to February — pleasantly cool weather that makes temple visits and walks around Bueng Si Fai a lot easier. In the rainy season (June–October) the pomelo orchards and rice fields turn lush and green, though it's worth checking the forecast first. The hot season (March–May) gets quite intense, so save outdoor sights for early morning or evening.
- Phichit Long-Boat Racing Festival — Held in early September in front of Wat Tha Luang along the Nan River. It's the province's liveliest annual event; check the exact dates ahead if you want to catch it.
- Cool season — Great for temple-hopping and strolling around Bueng Si Fai, with cool air that makes walking comfortable.
- Pomelo season — Roughly August to October, when Tha Khoi pomelos come into fruit and you can buy them fresh from the orchards at good prices.
The Main Sights You Shouldn't Miss
Phichit's attractions lean toward old temples, nature, and local legend, with short hops between them. Here's where first-timers usually head.
Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet)
A royal monastery on the Nan River, home to Luang Pho Phet — a Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha in the subduing-Mara posture. It's the province's most revered image and one locals hold in deep regard, so it's the first stop many people make to pay respects.
Bueng Si Fai
One of Thailand's largest natural freshwater lakes, developed into a lakeside park. There's a giant Phaya Chalawan statue, a cycling path of over 10 km, and a pavilion out on the water — lovely for an evening stroll.
Phichit Old Town Park
The ruins of old Phichit, over 900 years old, with city walls, a moat, Wat Mahathat, the city pillar shrine, and Chalawan Cave from the Kraithong legend. It's shady and pleasant, ideal for a history-minded wander.
Wat Pho Prathap Chang
An old Ayutthaya-era temple over 300 years old, believed to be the birthplace of King Suea. The Ayutthaya-style architecture remains largely intact. It sits outside town toward Pho Prathap Chang district.
Know before you go
Many temples in Phichit are still active places of worship, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered — especially when entering the ordination hall at Wat Tha Luang to pay respects to Luang Pho Phet.
What Is the Kraithong–Chalawan Legend?
If you come to Phichit and notice crocodile imagery everywhere — at Bueng Si Fai and tucked into corners around town — that's Chalawan, the crocodile from the Thai literary tale of Kraithong. Phichit is considered the home of this legend. The story goes that Chalawan was a great crocodile that ran rampant in the river until Kraithong came to subdue him. Chalawan Cave in the Old Town Park is the spot tied to the legend — a channel dug deep into the ground that's an enjoyable wander for anyone into Thai literature.
What to Eat in Phichit
Phichit's food is all about home-style cooking and local specialties — nothing flashy, but there's good stuff hiding here. If it's your first time, give these a try.
Tha Khoi Pomelo
Phichit's most famous product — an heirloom pomelo variety with GI certification, with firm flesh and a sweet-tart flavour. It's grown around Tha Khoi sub-district; eat it fresh or take some home as a gift.
Old-Style Noodles in Wang Krot
The old market at Wang Krot has several shops serving classic noodle recipes — both fresh-chili boat noodles and old-fashioned snacks — set among wooden shophouses from the reign of King Rama V.
Riverside Bites by the Nan River
Along the river near Wat Tha Luang there are eateries and snack stalls — a nice spot to sit in the cool, catch the river breeze, and grab a bite after paying respects at the temple.
Four-Flavour Candied Pomelo
A pomelo product from around Pho Prathap Chang district — sweet, sour, salty, and spicy all at once. Easy to grab as a take-home gift.
Phichit 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary
This plan is built for first-timers, focusing on the main sights you shouldn't miss, with short distances around town. Day one stays in the city; day two heads out of town to follow the legend and pick up local gifts. Adjust the timing to suit you.
In Town — Temples, Lake, Legend
Out of Town — Legend, Local Gifts
Things to Know Before You Come
- Quiet town, closes early — Many restaurants and shops shut fairly early, so if you want dinner, head out before 8 pm.
- Limited accommodation — Most hotels are in the town centre and are small to mid-sized. Rooms fill up fast during the boat-racing festival, so book ahead.
- Carry cash — Some small shops and the old market still take cash only, so keep some on hand.
- Sights are spread out — Some are outside the main district, so having a private car or rental makes getting around much easier.
Plan a full Phichit trip — see where to stay, eat, and explore, all in one place
See the Phichit travel guide →