Phitsanulok and Khao Kho, another hidden gems in northern Thailand
Small city in northern Thailand, called Phitsanulok. Truly hidden gems of this country, as they have truly beautiful nature.
Phitsanulok is located in northern of Thailand. Distance is around 377km from Bangkok. There are several options to reach this city. From flight, train, and bus. Nokair, so far we know provide like 5 times per day flight to Phitsanulok from Bangkok. Trains, they have daily schedule , so you can use them to go here. However, our trip last time was using bus, so we can share our experience going there using bus.
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Bus is available as usual from Mochit bus station. You can book the ticket directly at the bus station counter, or book it online. Cost is around 250 – 300 Baht, depends on the bus type. Trip from Bangkok will take around 5 – 6 hours, if there’s no heavy traffic.
All the bus from Bangkok now will arrive in Phitsanulok bus station 2, which is located bit further from the main city. To go around, we decided to rent motorbike. And we went to this Rental Bike shop which located in Phitsanulok bus station 1.
Don’t take walk to go this place from Phitsanulok bus station 2. It’s 8.9km!! Take taxi or purple song teaw that located beside Information center. Song teaw will cost you only 15 Baht.
Arrived there, owner will give you also city map to explore the city. Once you have the motorcycle, Phitsanulok is ready to be your new playground 🙂
As the city is not that big, actually what you can find inside is the same as another small city in Thailand. We tried to go to the market, and found out it’s located beside Phitsanulok train station.
Other than this place, your night life could be more fun by visiting the night bazaar that located not too far from this place. Same as other cities in Thailand, night market will provide you almost everything you need to enjoy your holiday.
Next we tried to visit the most famous temple in Phitsanulok. Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai), located near Naresuan Bridge. This temple is often crowd with visitors. Considered as the most important temple there, makes many people visit this temple.
Across from this temple, you can see and visit King Naresuan Shrine and Wang Chan Palace Ruin. You can either walk using the Naseruan bridge, or using small boat service to cross the river
The night arrived, we tried what Thai people said as “Jim Jum“. This food is quite famous in Phitsanulok. We found it almost in every corner of the city. This is the food that served using clay pot on a charcoal stove. There’ll be soup, and you can put inside vegetables, meat, eggs, glass noodle, seafood, etc. And taste is great!!
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Next, we decided to explore more about the city. And this time we went a bit further outside. And this is the location of another hidden gems of Thailand.
After this national park, if you go straight forward along highway route 12 Phitsanulok – Lom Sak, what you’ll find can be considered as the most beautiful landscape in Thailand. This road could lead you to Khao Kho, another huge and beautiful national park. To see how beautiful, better we show you using shots we made along the trip.
To go to Khao Kho, before reaching Lom Sak, you’ll find junction where you need to turn right. Go straight to explore the national park. Since this place is mountains, roads will have curves and unfortunately smaller.
Next you can continue your journey to explore Khao Kho, to the famous Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. It’s unique temple where you will see unique architecture of Buddha statue of the temple. Follow this google maps link to reach the place.
Another spot that might be worth to visit is Pagoda of Buddha relic. However, if you decide to go this way, means that your road will leads closer to Phetchabun, and your going way back to Phitsanulok will be longer. Follow this maps link if you decide want to visit this place.
Back to the highway route 12 Phitsanulok – Lom Sak, in the junction where you turn right from Phitsanulok to Khao Kho, you can try to turn right from Khao Kho direction if you want to see Phu Tab Buek. It’s literally like climbing the mountains to reach its vantage point using your vehicle. Maps link can be seen here. Remember that distance from Khao Kho in total would be like around 60 – 70km, and to reach it’s vantage point is around 30km steep road and dangerous curves. So make sure you and your motorbike are ready.
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Total trip in a day using motor bike if you want to cover whole places along highway route 12 Phitsanulok – Lom Sak and Khao Kho could be like 700km. Please make sure that your stamina is good and your bike in great shape if you decide following our step to explore using motorbike.
Another thing, those waterfalls are great to be seen in rainy/wet season. So better make sure you arrange your date well before going here.
Happy let’s get lost! 🙂
