Page 82 - Experience Thailand and More

PHITSANULOK

Vishnu’s Heaven

Today, a crossroad between the north and central regions, Pitsanulok has
held strategic importance since the 11th century when it was an outpost of
the Angkorian kingdom. Then set between the Nan and Kwae Noi rivers, it
was known as Song Khwae, or Two Rivers. Over time, it grew to become
an important city during the reign of Sukhothai, and, today, many tourists
choose to make this their headquarters when visiting the ancient cities of
Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet and Si Satchanalai. The birthplace of King
Naresuan the Great in 1555, Pitsanulok served as the Thai capital for about
25 years, during the Ayutthaya period. After this, before the establishment
of Bangkok as the next Thai capital, King Rama I, before he was enthroned,
earned a reputation as an astute army commander when he battled the
invading Burmese.

In the past, Pitsanulok was known for its placid nature with many houseboats
lining the waterfronts. Most of these have now disappeared as the city has
taken on a more frenetic pace as a commercial hub for trade between the
regions. Furthermore, as more people take to the road to travel on their
own, it has become a way station between more important cities and tourist
destinations. Still, most Thais and foreign Buddhists will stop to pay their
respect to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images at Wat Phra Si
Rattana Mahathat.
82