🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
A lot of people drive through Phichit on the way to Chiang Mai or Phitsanulok without stopping, even though the town itself has enough old temples and stories to fill an easy half day. The center of life for locals here is Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Luang — the first place anyone makes a point of paying respects. If you're into history, there are Ayutthaya-era temples along the old Nan River and an old-city park that's an actual ancient settlement. We've split everything into sections so it's easier to plan your route.
Luang Pho Phet, Wat Tha Luang — the must-see town Buddha
If you only have time for one stop in Phichit, locals will tell you to go pay respects to Luang Pho Phet at Wat Tha Luang. It sits on the bank of the Nan River in town, an easy walk from the market and the riverside restaurant strip. Luang Pho Phet is a bronze Buddha image in the subduing-Mara posture, Chiang Saen style, with a lap width of about 1.40 metres and a height of around 1.60 metres. It's the provincial Buddha of Phichit and is revered across the lower northern region.
The charm here is the legend of how the image was floated down the river on a bamboo raft to be enshrined in Phichit, which is how it became the town's guardian Buddha. People come to ask for blessings on work, money, and good fortune. On weekdays it's quiet, the viharn is hushed and cool, and it's a nice place to sit still for a while.
Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet)
Phichit's guardian temple on the Nan River, home to Luang Pho Phet, a Chiang Saen–style bronze Buddha and the provincial image. People come to ask for blessings on work and money. It's right in the town center, walkable from the riverside area.
Wat Pho Prathap Chang
A late-Ayutthaya royal temple built to commemorate the birthplace of King Suea (the Tiger King). It has a brick-and-mortar ordination hall, a double enclosing wall, and Luang Pho To, a stucco Buddha around 300 years old.
Wat Mahathat (Old-City Park)
Ruins of a chedi and viharn from the Sukhothai into Ayutthaya periods, inside Phichit's old-city park. Shaded by an arboretum, it's a pleasant place to walk and look at the old ruins.
Wat Khao Rup Chang
A temple on a low hill in Dong Pa Kham subdistrict, built in the late Ayutthaya era around the same time as Wat Pho Prathap Chang. It has a chedi at the top and a wide view over town — good for a late-afternoon stop.
Wat Nakhon Chum
An old temple in the old-city area that still has resident monks and locals coming to make merit. It pairs well with Wat Mahathat in a single trip.
Tip
Wat Tha Luang sits on the river, near the riverside restaurant strip, so you can pay respects in the morning and roll straight into a riverside lunch. The temples in the old-city park and Wat Khao Rup Chang are a little outside town, so having your own vehicle is by far the easiest way to get around.
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.
Wat Pho Prathap Chang — birthplace of the Tiger King
For anyone into Ayutthaya history, don't skip this one. Wat Pho Prathap Chang is a royal temple built in the late Ayutthaya period, around 1699–1701 CE, during the reign of King Suriyenthrathibodi. It was built to commemorate the spot believed to be the birthplace of King Suea (the Tiger King) — a place more people know about now after several historical TV dramas referenced it.
The ordination hall is brick-and-mortar, surrounded by a double wall, with a porch projecting out the front in the late-Ayutthaya royal-temple style. Inside is Luang Pho To, a stucco Buddha several cubits wide at the lap and around 300 years old. You can take in both the old construction and the atmosphere along the old Nan River. The temple is about 27 kilometres from Phichit town, roughly half an hour's drive.
- What to see — the brick ordination hall, the double wall, and the late-Ayutthaya stucco Buddha, Luang Pho To
- Who it's for — history buffs, people retracing historical dramas, and anyone who likes photographing old ruins
- How to get there — your own vehicle is easiest; drive about 27 km from Phichit town along the road to Pho Prathap Chang district
Phichit Old-City Park — walk an ancient town
Phichit Old-City Park is an actual ancient settlement that was once the original town of Phichit. Inside you'll find the old moat, earthen ramparts, and several historic sites — the standout being Wat Mahathat, with its chedi and viharn ruins spanning the Sukhothai into Ayutthaya periods. The grounds are shaded by an arboretum, making it a relaxed place for a walk or an easy bike ride, best in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't harsh.
Nearby are the city pillar shrine and the Chalawan legend that's so distinctive to Phichit, because this town is the home of the Krai Thong–Chalawan story. Many spots in the old city tie back to that legend. If you're traveling with kids, telling them the Chalawan story as you walk makes it a lot more fun.
Wat Mahathat
Sukhothai-into-Ayutthaya chedi and viharn ruins, the highlight of the old-city park, easy to see up close.
Kanchanakuman Arboretum
A shady green space in the old-city park, good for a walk, a rest, and some quiet time.
City Pillar Shrine & the Chalawan legend
The spot tied to the Krai Thong–Chalawan legend, a signature of Phichit town.
Tip
The old-city park is fairly open and exposed, with a lot of ground to cover, so bring an umbrella or hat and some drinking water. From 7–9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. it's more comfortable to walk and the photos come out better.
Wat Khao Rup Chang — temple visit plus a town view
If you want a temple with a view too, Wat Khao Rup Chang in Dong Pa Kham subdistrict sits on a low hill, built in the late Ayutthaya era around the same time as Wat Pho Prathap Chang. There's a chedi at the top, and it's a short walk up the steps to reach it. From up there you get a wide view over the rice fields and Phichit town. It's a good late-afternoon stop before sunset, when the air is cooler and the photos look great.
- Highlight — the chedi on the hilltop, with views over Phichit town and the surrounding rice fields
- Best time — late afternoon before sunset, soft light and cooler air
- What to bring — there are steps up the hill, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water
Planning a half- or full-day Phichit temple trip
If you're short on time, an in-town route over half a day is enough. But if you want to cover the Ayutthaya-era temples and the old city too, set aside a full day and use your own vehicle for the most flexibility. Here are a couple of route ideas.
Temples + the riverside
Ayutthaya temples + town view
Local icons and culture worth knowing
Beyond the temples, Phichit has several local icons tied to its culture. Knowing them before you go makes the trip more fun.
- The Krai Thong–Chalawan legend — Phichit is the home of the Chalawan crocodile legend, with statues and reference points around town; it's the province's symbol
- Luang Pho Phet — the guardian Buddha revered across the lower north and the heart of Phichit's community
- Tha Khoi pomelo — Phichit's signature fruit, sweet with a hint of tartness, good to buy as a gift to take home
- The long-boat racing tradition — a big event on the Nan River late in the rainy season, when the whole province comes together
Temple etiquette
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, take off your shoes before entering the viharn, keep your voice down, and don't point your feet toward the main Buddha image. Photos are fine, but avoid using flash on the old Buddha images.
Plan a full Phichit trip — temples, food, and places to stay
See the Phichit guide →