Thailand’s Ancient Spiritual City: The Golden Buddha That Locals Love Most

Thailand’s Ancient Spiritual City: The Golden Buddha That Locals Love Most

Welcome to this video, featuring CC subtitles or auto-translation to enhance your experience! Welcome to Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก), a historic city in northern Thailand known as the gateway to Sukhothai. This city has stood for more than 600 years and was once an important military and cultural center. It is most famous for Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. The Nan River flows through the city, shaping both trade and daily life for generations. Today, Phitsanulok blends modern life with ancient heritage, offering temples, markets, and authentic Thai culture. It’s a city where history and tradition remain alive, inviting travelers to explore its timeless charm. In front of us is the Phitsanulok Local Market, the beating heart of the city’s daily life. By day, it’s filled with fresh produce, spices, and regional delicacies sold by friendly vendors. At night, this same space transforms into a bustling night market full of street food and lively energy. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic northern Thai flavors while mingling with the locals. We’ve arrived at the Phitsanulok Clock Tower (หอนาฬิกาพิษณุโลก), the most recognizable landmark in the city center. Built in the mid-20th century, this clock tower has become a popular meeting point for locals. At night, the tower is beautifully illuminated, creating a lively atmosphere in the surrounding square. Street vendors and night markets often appear nearby, making it a hub of Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) nightlife. It’s more than just a clock—it’s a symbol of the city’s rhythm, marking both daily life and special celebrations. Stopping here, you truly feel the pulse of Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก), where tradition and modern life meet. In front of us is a Chinese temple in Phitsanulok, a place filled with vibrant colors and incense smoke. This temple reflects the deep connection of the local Chinese-Thai community, who have lived here for generations. You’ll see red lanterns, dragon carvings, and people coming to pray for prosperity and good fortune. It’s more than just a religious site—it’s a cultural hub that blends Thai traditions with Chinese heritage. We’ve arrived at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ), the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Built in the 14th century during the Sukhothai period, it stands as a symbol of Thai faith and heritage. Inside is the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, often praised as the most beautiful Buddha image in all of Thailand. The golden figure shines brilliantly, drawing worshippers and pilgrims from across the country. Around the temple grounds, you can explore ancient stupas, galleries, and traditional rituals still alive today. This sacred site is not just history—it’s a living center of devotion that connects past and present. We’ve arrived at Wat Nang Phaya (วัดนางพญา), one of Phitsanulok’s most revered ancient temples. This temple is especially famous for the “Phra Nang Phaya” amulets, believed to bring charm and protection. Built during the Ayutthaya period, its brick base and lotus-style chedi reflect classical Thai architecture. Many locals and pilgrims visit here to pray, hoping for blessings of love, fortune, and safe travels. Wat Nang Phaya is not just a religious site, but also a symbol of Phitsanulok’s rich spiritual heritage.

Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก), set along the Nan River (แม่น้ำน่าน) in lower northern Thailand, is often called the “Gateway to the North.” Many travelers simply pass through on their way to Sukhothai (สุโขทัย) or the highlands, but those who pause discover a city with deep religious devotion, proud history, and connections to some of Thailand’s most legendary kings.

At its center lies Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ), known locally as Wat Yai (วัดใหญ่). Inside sits the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat (พระพุทธชินราช), widely regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. Gilded and serene, it attracts pilgrims year-round, and the temple grounds bustle with worshippers offering candles, flowers, and prayers.

Historically, Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) was a strategic stronghold. During the Ayutthaya (อยุธยา) period, it became a royal seat and the birthplace of King Naresuan (สมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช), the warrior king who liberated Siam from Burmese control. His legacy is honored at the King Naresuan Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวร) and through annual fairs that celebrate his victories.

For travelers seeking nature, the province is a gateway to dramatic landscapes. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูหินร่องกล้า) tells the story of Thailand’s communist insurgency in the 1970s, with old battle sites hidden among mossy cliffs and pine forests. Meanwhile, Phu Soi Dao National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูสอยดาว) entices trekkers with waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and misty ridges on the Lao border.

Back in town, the riverside Night Bazaar (ตลาดไนท์บาซาร์) offers local dishes like the famous Guay Tiew Haeng (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวห้อยขา) — noodles enjoyed while sitting on platforms with legs dangling over the water. It’s a simple but memorable experience, reflecting the easygoing lifestyle of the locals.

More than just a stopover, Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก) is a city that bridges Thailand’s past and present. It’s where pilgrims bow before golden Buddhas, history buffs trace the life of a warrior king, and travelers set off toward misty mountains — all from one riverside town.

🎉Follow 💫DuckTravel走鴨旅行✨
👉Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DuckTravel?sub_confirmation=1
👉Join Us: https://www.youtube.com/@DuckTravel/Join
👉Contact Me：https://www.instagram.com/wn.wang/
☕Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DuckTravel

💥ℹ️Turn ON the Closed Captions (CC) for info about Attractions !
💥🚫Don’t like AI voice? Switch to “ORIGINAL AUDIO” in settings to turn it OFF.
💥🏙️The video thumbnails are all AI-generated.

📅Photography date
2025/9/11

🗺️Interactive map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1kXyZDZSmTa-rTjVSaCgzmeciX-JZM3M

🎬Itinerary
00:00 Phitsanulok (พิษณุโลก)
13:25 Phitsanulok Clock Tower (หอนาฬิกาพิษณุโลก)
30:20 Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ)
54:26 Wat Nang Phaya (วัดนางพญา)

Thanks for watching!

If you like my video, please subscribe to my channel and press “like” button and share this video.

#phitsanulok #thailand #4k

🎥 Playlist
🇵🇭Philippines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC7qlCbzA4UmAMAXlRz-eZCE
🇯🇵Japan: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC4GWYYKSl8PNhCuE6fku3_U
🇮🇳India: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC7tC2J4Mql9r7ZBSihEsvey
🇻🇳Vietnam: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC4Asmu0y4yaD4eMFZU8EKWh
🇮🇩Indonesia: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC4C6WtSA7dZpF8wO3LykvGp
🇲🇾Malaysia: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC792PxbpQZraSvVMa9Md94s
🇹🇭Thailand: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC5hbh3pmB4ivc84oPvJdH8W
🇱🇦Laos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5z55lEYvKC68QzVs1QukY4n-VJXvSqts

Commercial (non-sharealike) licenses for broadcast, advertisement and resale are available upon request. Please contact my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wn.wang/ for business inquiries.