The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.

Experience Thailand without riding elephants!

Come and completely immerse yourself in the gigantic megalopolis which is Bangkok. 

Bangkok, a continental megalopolis

To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.

Khao Yai or the paradise of species

Koh Tao

Kanchanaburi

Maesalong

Prasat Phanom Rung

You  wouldn't necessarily describe it as such, but Phitsanulok is one of Thailand's largest cities, serving as point of transit between Bangkok and Northern Thailand.

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For me this was more about visiting the province between Bangkok and Nan. The Nan River actually flows through Phitsanulok, and there is a night market close by it. The problem is that as you visit Thailand's towns and cities you become bored with temples, yet there isn't much else to see except temples in Phitsanulok. I restricted myself to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat(also known as Wat Yai), which is the most famous of them. After that I perhaps didn't really make enough of my time there to really appreciate the city, being aware as I was that it's a destination regularly visited by travelers heading for Northern Thailand. There is of course a national museum and a folklore museum there, which are two other things of interest the city has to offer. To sum up, I don't consider Phitsanulok a must-see destination when <a href="/thailand/">visiting Thailand</a>.

You wouldn't necessarily describe it as such, but Phitsanulok is one of Thailand's largest cities, serving as point of transit between Bangkok and Northern Thailand.

I stopped at Phitsanulok when I went to visit the temples of Sukhothai and I remember a fairly large town, with wide streets where tuk-tuks were replaced by rickshaws!
What I remember most about my visit to Phitsanulok is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, a beautiful temple where there is a statue of Buddha, one of the most sacred in the country, which draws big crowds to gather in front of it. And speaking of statues of Buddha, why not do like I did and visit the factory which makes them, so you can see how they are hand made and decorated. An interesting and original trip.  
Apparently there are some beautiful national parks in the area, especially Thun Salaeng Luang, but I didn't have the time to explore them as I was continuing <a href="/thailand/">my journey around Thailand.</a>

Not far from Sukhothai, Phitsanulok is a provincial town which can serve as a stopping off point in the region. Its temples and town center are a nice destination.

Phitsanulok Vacations

Phitsanulok: How to get there?

Phitsanulok: When to go?

Phitsanulok: For how long?

Phitsanulok: What to see in the surroundings?

Thailand: our articles for your vacation