🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The charm of Phichit is how plain and easygoing it is. The town sits on the Nan River in Thailand's lower-north region, with a large freshwater lake in its centre and a few low hills that have become old temples you can climb for a view. If you come expecting dramatic, flashy scenery you might be disappointed — but if you come to find a quiet spot to sit still and listen to the wind and water, this place does it genuinely well. We've picked out only the spots that are open and that locals actually go to.
Bueng Si Fai — the natural heart of the town
Bueng Si Fai is a freshwater lake of around 5,390 rai (about 860 hectares), the third-largest in the country, right in the middle of Phichit town. It's a reservoir, a wetland for birds, and the city's public park all at once. Over the last few years it has been restored, with grassy lawns, waterside walkways and a lot more spots to sit and relax. It's free to enter every day, roughly 05.00–20.00.
Lakeside pavilion + fish feeding
A pavilion that juts out over the lake, where you can feed the fish and water birds. Walk out and it feels like you're floating above the surface.
Chalawan statue
A giant crocodile sculpture from the local Krai Thong–Chalawan legend, a symbol of the town, standing prominently by the lake.
Freshwater fish aquarium
See Nan River freshwater fish in glass tanks. A good way to keep kids busy and escape the midday heat.
Crocodile enclosure
A crocodile exhibit tied to the town's Chalawan legend, safely fenced off so you can watch from up close.
The prettiest time of day
Bueng Si Fai looks its best in the late afternoon near sunset, when the sky slowly shifts colour and reflects off the water. Try to arrive around 17.00, grab a spot by the lake first, then wait for the last light to slip below the horizon. Early morning is cooler and quieter — better for walkers and cyclists.
Want more out of Phichit? Book tours & activities
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.
Cycling around the lake — for the active types
If you like to get moving, Bueng Si Fai has the Saranjit Mongkhonsuk cycling track that loops the lake, a little over 10 km, with a smooth surface and lights in the evening. Locals come to cycle and run here in the morning and after work. It's wide open, with views of the lake and sky the whole way round.
- The cycling–running loop — about 10 km around the lake, smooth and easy to ride, good for beginners and serious riders alike
- Morning 06.00–08.00 — cool air, the sun isn't harsh yet, and it's not crowded
- Evening 16.30–18.30 — finish your ride right as the sun sets, though it's busier
- No bike? — a stroll along the path still has the same atmosphere; you don't have to cycle
The new zone at Bueng Si Fai — lawns for hanging out
Beyond the original side, Bueng Si Fai has a newer zone on the Khlong Khachen subdistrict side, set up with green lakeside lawns and tree-shaded corners. It's open and relaxed — good for spreading out a mat, letting kids run around, or taking wide shots of the lake. It's a spot a lot of first-time visitors to Phichit don't even know exists.
What to bring
The new lawn zone doesn't have much shade and the afternoon sun is fairly strong, so bring a hat, drinking water, and your own mat to sit on. Going in the late afternoon is more comfortable.
Along the Nan River — the water that feeds the town
The Nan River is Phichit's lifeline, flowing through the centre of town and the old quarter. Along the banks are old temples and quiet places to walk, where you can see simple riverside life. The evening light turns soft and gentle — perfect for an unhurried stroll past the boats and the bridges crossing the river.
Wat Tha Luang by the Nan River
An old temple on the bank of the Nan River dating to the reign of Rama III, home to Luang Pho Phet, the town's revered Buddha image. You can look out over the river easily from the temple grounds.
Old-town riverside walk
Wander the road along the Nan River in the old quarter, taking in riverside life, wooden houses and boats. Lovely light in the evening.
Wat Khao Rup Chang hill — a low viewpoint you can climb
Phichit is mostly flat river plain, so hills are rare and become something special. Wat Khao Rup Chang sits on a low hill in Dong Pa Kham subdistrict, with white rocks stacked on top that look like an elephant — which is where the name comes from. At the summit there's an old Lankan-style chedi, and a short climb up the steps rewards you with an open view of the fields and town below. It's a natural viewpoint that's hard to come by in Phichit.
- An easy climb — it's a low hill with a short flight of steps; kids and adults can manage it
- Go morning or evening — avoid the midday sun, as there's not much shade at the top
- The view up top — wide open over the rice fields and Phichit town, great for photos
- It's a temple — dress modestly and take off your shoes in the religious areas
Planning a half- or full-day nature trip in Phichit
Phichit's nature spots aren't far apart — you can easily loop them in a day by car or rented motorbike. Here's one way to plan it.
Walk & cycle
Relax & take in the views
Want a full-day Phichit itinerary with food and places to stay?
See the Phichit travel guide →