🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you think Phichit is only about pomelos and lakes, come to the Old Town Park once. This is the actual site of old Phichit city, before the town moved to its present spot on the Nan River. It's believed to have been founded in the time of Phraya Kotrabong, around 1058 CE, with earthen city walls ringing an area of more than 400 rai. Today the Fine Arts Department has registered it as a historic site and planted a forest over it, turning it into a public park where people can come and walk around.
What makes this place special is that you get both history and nature in one spot. Big trees grow thick and give shade the whole way, so it feels cooler than outside, perfect if you want to escape the bustle and sit quietly or bring the kids to run around. And if you're into history, there are several old ruins to walk past.
Where is Phichit old town and what are the hours?
Phichit Old Town Park is at Moo 4, Ban Mueang Kao, Mueang Kao subdistrict, Mueang Phichit district, about 7 km from the town of Phichit. It's under a 15-minute drive from the in-town market. It's open daily roughly 08:00–17:00, and entry is free with no ticket charge.
- Location — Mueang Kao subdistrict, Mueang Phichit district, ~7 km from town
- Hours — Daily, ~08:00–17:00
- Entry — Free
- Time needed — A relaxed walk takes about 1–2 hours
Tip
The grounds are large and there's a fair bit of walking. If you have a bicycle or a folding one in the car, bring it along to ride around the old town. It's more fun and less tiring than walking. The sun from late morning into the afternoon is fairly strong in the open spots, so coming in the early morning or evening makes for an easier walk.
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.
The stops you shouldn't skip in the old town
Phichit City Pillar Shrine
Set right in the heart of the park, this is the first stop for most people. It's a two-storey building: the upper floor enshrines the city pillar, while the ground floor has a statue of Phraya Kotrabong, the founder of Phichit. Locals like to come here to pray for good fortune.
Wat Mahathat (old)
A brick ruin in the middle of the old town, on the east side of the old Nan River. You can see the remains of a stupa and the vihara base, still carrying traces of Sukhothai art carried over into the Ayutthaya period. The Fine Arts Department registered it as a historic site back in 1935.
Moat & earthen city wall
The lines of moat and earthen rampart that once ringed the ancient city are still clearly visible as long stretches when you walk or cycle around. Some sections still hold water like the original moat, which helps you picture just how far the boundaries of old Phichit reached.
Chalawan Cave
The spot that ties into the Krai Thong–Chalawan legend that's so distinctive to Phichit. It's an earthen hollow believed to be the cave of Chalawan the crocodile from the folk tale, with signs telling the story. Kids usually love it because they get to hear the legend.
Ko Si Mala
An earthen mound in the outer moat, thought to have once been a fort or lookout point for the ancient city. It's a quiet corner that few people walk into, good for anyone after a peaceful spot.
The forest setting and the walk
The charm that keeps Phichit locals coming back is the shade. Since 1977 a forest and arboretum have been planted to cover the old town, so now it's full of big trees, shaded paths and open clearings to rest in. In the morning people come to run and exercise, while the evening is perfect for sitting back, spreading out a mat, or bringing the family for a stroll.
Walk or cycle around the old town
Shaded paths along the moat, a good distance for light exercise. You can bring your own bike.
Rest under the big trees
There are clearings and benches in several spots, great for spreading a mat and snacking with the family at an easy pace.
Photograph the ruins
The stupa remains of Wat Mahathat with light filtering through the leaves give you that quiet old-town mood.
Where to go next nearby
The old town isn't far from the town of Phichit, so it's easy to keep exploring in a single day. Drive into town to pay respects to Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Luang by the Nan River, or stop by Bueng Si Fai, a large freshwater lake with a pavilion out on the water and a statue of Chalawan. Finish off with some local food in town, like Phichit's old-school noodles.
- Wat Tha Luang — pay respects to Luang Pho Phet, the town's revered Buddha image, by the Nan River in town
- Bueng Si Fai — a large freshwater lake with a pavilion on the water, a Chalawan statue and a public park
- Food in town — old-school noodle shops, riverside eateries and Phichit's evening market
Straight talk
This is a historic site combined with a forest park, not a tourist spot with lots of shops or flashy highlights. The real draw is the quiet, the shade, and the chance to walk among the traces of an old city. If you like peaceful, low-key places with a bit of learning to them, you'll be happy here, but if you're after lively activities, it may feel a touch plain. Bring your own drinking water and mosquito repellent.
Plan a full trip across all of Phichit province
See the Phichit travel guide →