Weather in Phitsanulok

About Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok preserves Thailand's most revered Buddha image—the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat—in a temple that draws pilgrims from across Southeast Asia seeking blessings from the 15th-century bronze masterpiece. This northern city balances religious significance with modest tourist infrastructure.

Country

Thailand

Best months to visit

January, February, November, December

Currency

THB

Language

Thai, English

Things to do in Phitsanulok

Buddha image temple worship and meditation Buddhist art appreciation at Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Sukhothai Day-trip to World Heritage ruins Riverside walking and local food stall dining Cooking classes focusing on northern Lanna cuisine Wat Chedi Luang ancient stupa exploration

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

March

35C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

April

36C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

May

35C

Very hot, with regular rainfall.

June

32C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

September

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

31C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

November

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Phitsanulok sits on the Nan River in north-central Thailand, a workaday provincial capital whose main draw is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat image, considered one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in the country. The city also makes a practical base for visiting the historic ruins of Sukhothai, a short drive away, and for sampling local specialities like ground-pork rolls (mu yor) along the riverside night market.

Best areas to stay in Phitsanulok

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Area

The temple complex housing the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the city's most-visited sites and a major pilgrimage destination.

Nan Riverside Night Market

An evening market along the river with food stalls, including the city's famous mu yor, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.

Phitsanulok Folk Museum Area

A small museum complex showcasing rural Thai life and traditional tools, useful for context on the wider region's history.

Sukhothai Historical Park (day trip)

The ruins of Thailand's first capital, about an hour's drive away, with restored temples, Buddha statues and ponds across a landscaped park.

Getting to Phitsanulok

✈

Flights

Fly into Phitsanulok Airport via Bangkok, or arrive by train or bus from Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

⏱

From London

~13-15 hours from London via Bangkok, plus a short domestic flight or train journey.

🚕

Getting around

Songthaews and tuk-tuks cover the city; car or motorbike rental is useful for the Sukhothai day trip.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Phitsanulok?

November to February is coolest and most comfortable for sightseeing; the hot season (March to May) can be intense for walking around temples and markets.

How do I get to Phitsanulok?

Phitsanulok has its own airport with flights from Bangkok, and is also well served by trains and buses, making it a convenient stop between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

What is the Phra Buddha Chinnarat?

It's a revered bronze Buddha image housed at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai), considered one of the most beautiful in Thailand and an important pilgrimage site for Thai visitors.

Can I visit Sukhothai from Phitsanulok?

Yes — the Sukhothai Historical Park, with its UNESCO-listed ruins of Thailand's first capital, is about an hour's drive away and commonly visited as a day trip.

What food is Phitsanulok known for?

Mu yor (steamed ground-pork rolls) and the riverside night market's wide range of Thai street food are local highlights, alongside the city's reputation for good-value, less touristy dining.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Wat Yai was genuinely impressive — the Phra Buddha Chinnarat image has a real presence, and it felt much more like a place of active worship than a tourist attraction.

Narisa T. · January 2024

★★★★☆

Used Phitsanulok as a quieter, cheaper base for visiting Sukhothai rather than staying right at the historical park, and it worked well with an early taxi out there.

Connor B. · December 2023

★★★★☆

The riverside night market was a highlight — tried the local mu yor and it lived up to its reputation. A nice low-key stop between bigger destinations.

Wipa C. · March 2024