The province of Phichit is located in the centre of the lower north of Thailand. It covers an area of over 4500 sq km and borders with the provinces of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet.

Phichit is believed to date back to 1058, when it was founded by a local lord, Phraya Khot Thabong. During the Sukhothai Period it was known as Sa Luang, and during the reign of King Chulalongkhorn it was recognized as a province.

Places of Attraction

Wat Tha Luang

This temple is located on Busaba Rd, overlooking the Mae Nam Nan River. This wat is to be noted for its fine bronze Buddha image, in the attitude of subduing evil, cast in the Chiang Saen style. The wat is also the site for Phichit's annual boat racing festival.

Wat Khao Rup Chang

This temple can be found about 15 km south of Phichit, along the Phichit-Taphan Hin Road. It enshrines a walking Buddha image and a replica of Buddha's footprints.

The Old City Park

About 10 km from the urbanised city of Phichit lays the old city, or 'Muang Kao'. The site is now a public garden and there are two important monasteries situated nearby. Wat Nakhon Chum has a fine viharn, said to date from the Sukhothai period, housing an 800-year-old Buddha image. A few hundred metres away lies Wat Mahathat, which is also believed to date from the Sukhothai period, which contains a ruined chedi and the remnants of various monastic buildings.

Phichit Annual Boat Race

The site of Wat Tha Luang is where this annual boat fair takes place, on the first Saturday and Sunday of September. The highlight of the festival is the competing boats, which are finely decorated, as well as a beauty competition.