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🚗 Cross-province road trip

Phichit–Nakhon Sawan
2 Days, 1 Night Along the Nan River

Phichit and Nakhon Sawan sit right next to each other on the same stretch of the Nan River, and the drive south from Phichit town to Nakhon Sawan takes only about an hour and a half. That makes them easy to pair into one relaxed river road trip. You start in riverside Phichit, pay respects to Luang Pho Phet, stroll around Bueng Si Fai, then drift south to Nakhon Sawan — the exact spot where the Ping and Nan rivers meet to form the Chao Phraya. Here's a 2-day, 1-night plan paced so you never feel rushed.

🚗 Cross-province road trip🌊 Nan–Chao Phraya riverside🦢 Bueng Si Fai + Bueng Boraphet
Phichit–Nakhon Sawan 2 Days, 1 Night Along the Nan River

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

If you want to explore Thailand's quieter second-tier provinces without going far, the Phichit–Nakhon Sawan route is a road trip that just works. Both provinces sit on the same Nan River, and the Nan then joins the Ping River at Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan to become the source of the Chao Phraya. Water ties the whole trip together — from riverside temples to a huge freshwater lake to the point where two rivers become one.

From Phichit town to Nakhon Sawan town is around 100–110 km, an easy drive of about an hour and a half. Most of it runs along the main road through Taphan Hin–Bang Mun Nak, then onto the Asia Highway (Route 117) into Nakhon Sawan. It makes a tidy self-drive weekend trip.

Trip overview and getting around

  • How to travel — Driving yourself is by far the easiest, since the sights are spread out and Bueng Boraphet sits outside town. Public transport exists but means several connections.
  • Length — 2 days, 1 night: Phichit on day one, then drive down to Nakhon Sawan on day two after an overnight stay.
  • Where to stay — Spend the first night in Phichit, then drive to Nakhon Sawan in the morning. Or push on to sleep in Nakhon Sawan if you want an early start at Bueng Boraphet.
  • Best time to go — November to February: cool weather and prime birdwatching at Bueng Boraphet. In the rainy season the lake looks lovely, but boat trips are sometimes suspended.
  • Rough budget — For two people, including lodging, fuel, entry fees, and food, expect around 2,500–4,000 THB for the trip.

Before you set off

Fill up the tank back in Phichit town — stations are fairly far apart along the Taphan Hin–Bang Mun Nak stretch. Also check the Bueng Boraphet boat times ahead, since departures depend on the weather and how many people show up.

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Day 1 — Riverside Phichit on the Nan

Day one covers all of Phichit town's highlights. Start with the city's landmark temple on the Nan River, move on to Bueng Si Fai — the town's green lung — and finish with the Krai Thong–Chalawan crocodile legend at the old-city park.

Day 1

Phichit — riverside temples, Bueng Si Fai, the Chalawan legend

08:30
Pay respects to Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha LuangPhichit's landmark temple on the Nan River, home to Luang Pho Phet — a centuries-old bronze Buddha image in the Chiang Saen style. A fitting start to the trip and a spot locals hold dear.
10:00
Stroll around Bueng Si FaiA freshwater lake in the middle of town, with a giant crocodile statue as the photo spot, a Guan Yin shrine out on the water, and a lakeside path perfect for catching the morning breeze.
12:00
Lunch in Phichit townPick an old-town noodle shop or a river-fish restaurant on the Nan. The fish here is fresh, straight from the river next door.
13:30
Phichit Old City Park + the Krai Thong–Chalawan legendPhichit's old city sits along the old moat, home to Chalawan's Cave and the legend of the Chalawan crocodile, the province's signature folk tale. A shady, easy walk.
15:30
Wat Pho Prathap Chang (if you have time)An Ayutthaya-era temple on the Nan River, south of town. The old brickwork and architecture are worth a wander — or skip it and rest up if you're tired.
17:30
Check in + evening walk along the NanPhichit is a small town, and the riverside turns cool and pleasant in the evening. You'll have no trouble finding dinner at the evening market near the town center.

On accommodation

Phichit town doesn't have as many places to stay as bigger cities — mostly mid-range hotels and riverside guesthouses. During the Luang Pho Phet festival (late in the year), rooms fill up fast, so booking ahead saves you the worry.

Day 2 — Driving down to Nakhon Sawan and the source of the Chao Phraya

On day two, check out early and drive south along the Nan into Nakhon Sawan. The main stops are Bueng Boraphet and Pak Nam Pho, where the Ping and Nan rivers meet to form the Chao Phraya. Leave early and you'll catch the birds at the lake in good morning light.

Day 2

Nakhon Sawan — Bueng Boraphet, Pasan, Pak Nam Pho

08:00
Check out, drive Phichit → Nakhon SawanAround 100–110 km, roughly an hour and a half, through Taphan Hin–Bang Mun Nak and then onto the Asia Highway.
09:30
Bueng Boraphet — boat ride + fish tunnelThe largest freshwater lake in Thailand. Take a boat to see the aquatic plants and water birds — mornings are best for birdwatching — and there's an aquarium building with a walk-through fish tunnel.
12:00
Lunch in Pak Nam PhoThe Pak Nam Pho district is packed with Chinese–Thai food: noodles, dim sum, and riverside spots. Take your pick.
13:30
Pasan — the source of the Chao PhrayaA striking, unusually shaped landmark building right where the Ping and Nan rivers meet. Climb up for a 360-degree view of the two rivers joining to become the Chao Phraya.
15:00
Wat Khiri Wong — city viewpointA hilltop temple on Khao Dao Deung with a golden pagoda and a sweeping viewpoint over Nakhon Sawan town and its rivers. A great way to close the trip with the whole city in view.
16:30
Grab some local souvenirs, then head homeNakhon Sawan sits right on the Asia Highway, so heading back to Bangkok or on to another province is easy. Stop for Pak Nam Pho souvenirs before you leave.

Want to add one more stop

If you have a spare half-day, swing by Khao No–Khao Kaeo in Banphot Phisai district. These limestone hills have a stairway to a panoramic summit viewpoint, with wild monkeys along the way. Open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. — good for anyone who enjoys a hill climb.

Pick a base that suits your style of trip

Main plan

First night in Phichit

Best if you're starting from the north. Cover Phichit town fully on day one, then drive down to Nakhon Sawan at an easy pace the next morning.

Order can flip

Stay in Nakhon Sawan

Best if you want an early start at Bueng Boraphet for the morning light, or if you're coming from the south/Bangkok — do Nakhon Sawan first, then head up to Phichit.

Short trip

Day trip, there and back

Short on time? Just hit the highlights — Luang Pho Phet + Bueng Si Fai + Pak Nam Pho — and you'll still get a feel for both riverside towns.

Tips for driving this cross-province route

  • Start early — Bueng Boraphet and the hilltop temples are most pleasant from morning to early afternoon. Late-afternoon sun gets hot and harsh.
  • Allow time for the boat — A Bueng Boraphet boat trip runs about 1–2 hours depending on the route, so don't schedule your next stop too tight.
  • Carry cash — Some riverside restaurants and boat docks still prefer cash, so have enough on hand for entry and boat fees.
  • Sun and mosquito protection — The lakeside has plenty of sun and gets buggy toward evening. Keep a hat, sunglasses, and mosquito spray in the car.
  • Check the weather — In the rainy season some road stretches and boat schedules can change, so have a backup plan in town.

See the full rundown of Phichit's hotels and highlights before you plan the trip

Open the Phichit travel guide →

FAQ

How far apart are Phichit and Nakhon Sawan by car?

From Phichit town to Nakhon Sawan town is about 100–110 km, roughly an hour and a half by car. The route mostly runs through Taphan Hin–Bang Mun Nak before joining the Asia Highway (Route 117) into Nakhon Sawan.

Which province should you stay in for a Phichit–Nakhon Sawan trip?

Staying in Phichit the first night works well if you're starting from the north — cover Phichit town fully, then drive down to Nakhon Sawan the next morning. But if you want an early start to catch the birds at Bueng Boraphet in good light, sleeping in Nakhon Sawan is more convenient. Flip the order to match where you're setting off from.

What's the best time of year to visit these two provinces?

November to February is best: cool weather, gentle sun, and prime season for watching water birds at Bueng Boraphet. In the rainy season the lake is full and pretty, but boat departures may be suspended at times depending on the weather.

Can you do this route without your own car?

You can, but it's less convenient. Buses and vans run between Phichit and Nakhon Sawan, but sights like Bueng Boraphet and the hilltop temples sit outside town, so you'd need a hired ride or a rented motorbike. Driving yourself or renting a car is far more flexible.

What else can you add if you have more than 2 days?

Add Khao No–Khao Kaeo in Banphot Phisai district — limestone hills with a stairway viewpoint and wild monkeys. Or continue north to Phitsanulok, which sits on the same Nan River, turning it into a continuous three-province trip.

Related

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