🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Plenty of people drive past Phichit on the way north without stopping, even though the town has the charm of a river town that hasn't gotten crowded. The Nan River cuts straight through the center, which means temples right on the bank, parks running alongside the water, and shops clustered along both sides. A walking trip here doesn't need a packed plan — just wake up, grab a coffee, wander the market, then sit by the water in the evening and catch the breeze.
Start at Wat Tha Luang, on the river in the town center
Wat Tha Luang is the royal temple of Phichit, sitting right on the Nan River on Bussaba Road in the Nai Mueang sub-district. It's home to Luang Pho Phet, a bronze Buddha image in the subduing-Mara posture seated in the diamond cross-legged pose, deeply revered by locals. The ordination hall is open for worship every day, roughly 6:30am–6:00pm. Walk out from the temple toward the river and you'll find a spot where you can watch the Nan flow past — morning and evening bring the prettiest light and a cool breeze.
Tip
In early September each year, the water in front of Wat Tha Luang becomes the course for the traditional long-boat racing for the Royal Cup. Time your visit right and you'll catch the town at its liveliest.
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.
Walk the riverside park along the Nan in the evening
Along the Nan River within the municipality there are walking paths and parks here and there. In the evening locals come out to walk, run, cycle, and sit by the water — everyday scenes that tell you a lot about the rhythm of this town. We'd suggest walking from about 5pm on, when the sun softens and the breeze off the river turns pleasantly cool. It's a good time for photos and for snacking by the water.
- Best time — 4:30–6:30pm, soft light, cool breeze, and plenty of locals out walking.
- What to bring — drinking water, mosquito repellent for dusk, and a camera or phone to catch the evening light.
- Snacks nearby — carts and snack stalls along the riverside road are easy to grab and eat on the go.
Old Wang Krot quarter, a community market with a story
A little way out of town is the old Wang Krot quarter, an old market community along the railway dating back to the reign of King Rama V, with old wooden buildings, antique shophouses, and traditional food shops. The retro atmosphere is real — people still actually live here, it's not a set piece. The community market is busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, generally midday into the afternoon, but opening times vary between sources, so we'd suggest checking with the Wang Krot community page before you head out that day, since hours shift with the season and with events.
Old wooden buildings and shophouses
Walk and photograph the original wooden architecture, old shop signs, and retro corners that are still very much alive.
Local food
Old-style sweets, noodles, and community snacks that have been made and sold here for generations.
You can come by train
Wang Krot sits right by the railway, and many people take the train here, then continue on to Phitsanulok.
Cafes to chill in town
Phichit keeps adding new cafes, both minimalist spots in town and garden-view places on the outskirts — good for a break between walks or to duck out of the afternoon sun. We've picked places that are still open and have a steady stream of reviews to try.
Make Sense
A minimalist cafe in clean white tones with wood accents and an easy, sit-a-while feel. It's the one locals tend to mention first when they think of cafes in town.
Black Ground Cafe & Dining
A coffee shop with a full food menu, decorated with greenery and seating both indoors and out in the garden — good for settling in over coffee and a meal.
Turn On Coffee
A small, warm cafe in town, just right for a single cup of coffee on your way around.
Chim Hong Cafe
A vintage Chinese-style cafe in the old Wang Krot quarter that fits right in with the old-market feel — a good stop while you're walking Wang Krot.
Chamcha Cafe
A cafe on the edge of town surrounded by greenery, with a little waterfall and a bridge for photos. The menu runs from drinks to cake to full meals — worth the drive out to settle in for a while.
Straight talk
Opening hours at small-town cafes change often, and some close mid-week. Before you drive out, check the cafe's page or give them a call that day so you don't waste the trip.
Restaurants by the water and in town
Dinner by the river is the highlight of walking this town. Phichit has restaurants clustered along the banks of the Nan and around the center, leaning toward Thai stir-fry dishes and river-fish menus, at the friendly prices you'd expect in an upcountry town.
- Riverside Nan restaurants — grab a table by the water, order river fish, tom yum, and stir-fried dishes, and catch the cool breeze at sunset.
- Stir-fry spots in town — rice-and-curry shops, noodle stalls, and made-to-order places all over town; you'll eat well on a light budget.
- Evening market food — the fresh market and evening food spots in town have both savory and sweet to take away.
A walking route through town
If you've got half a day to a full day in Phichit, try following this rhythm. Adjust it around the days the Wang Krot market is open.
Morning — start with food and the riverside temple
Afternoon–evening — the old quarter and the river
An easy morning before moving on
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