Phichit was probably built
by Phraya Khot Thabong in 1058. The community
was named Sa Luang during the Sukhothai period
(1238-1350) and was designated a Thai province
during the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910)
The province covers an area of 4,531.0 square
kilometers and borders Phitsanulok to the north,
Phetchabun to the east, Nakhon Sawan to the
south and Kamphaeng Phet to the west. Administratively,
Phichit is divided in to 8 Amphoes : Muang,
Bang Mun Nak, Pho Prathap Chang, Pho Thale,
Sam Ngam, Taphan Hin, Tap Khlo and Wang Sai
Phun. and it is 344 kilometers north of Bangkok.
Phichit Attractions:
Wat
Tha Luang
This monastery is situated on the west bank of
Mae Nam Nan near the Provincial Hall, housing a bronze Buddha
image of Chiang Saen period, cast in the attitude of subduing
evil, in the main shrine hall. This image is believed to have
been brought from the north, by Khun Phaen, to be enshrined
here. The name of the Buddha image is "Luang Pho Phet" having
a lap width of 1.40 meters and regarded an important Buddha
image of Phichit which is highly respected by Phichit inhabitants.
Bung
Sifai
This 12,100 rai swamp, located 1 km. west of Phichit
Market, having water all year round, is a fish breeding source
surrounded by lotus, grown by the people for use of its flowers
and leaves, along the bank. In the area there is a park called
"Suan Somdet Phra Si Nakharin". It is nice place for relaxation
and picnic dining. The place is also decorated with 'Phichit
Crocodile Auditorium', an auditorium constructed in the shape
of a crocodile, since Phichit was once full of crocodiles. Main
functional part is the 'Stomach' which contains at most 30 persons
in an air-conditioned hall. Its other dimensions are as follow
: 38 meters long, 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long for the
mouth. There is also an "Aquarium' which is open daily from
10.00-19.00 hrs.
The
Old City Park
It is located on Phichit Wang Child Rd.,
about 7 kms. from Phichit township. It is believed that this
area used to be the old Phichit town approximately 900 years
ago. In the Park, there is an arboretum, a peaceful relaxing
place for local people. In addition, there are Ko Si Mala, Tham
Chalawan and sculptures of important features from a Thai literature,
'Kraithong 'Wat Mahathat' It is located in the area of the Old
City Park, presumed to have been constructed in Sukhothat period.
Objects of art found from excavation made in this wat are potteries
and Buddha images of various eras.
Wat
Nakhon Chum
This is an ancient monastery located in
Tambon Muang Kao in the area of the old city, 9 kms. from town.
It had been utilized as a place where an oath-taking ceremony
took place in the old days. This is the place where an old Main
Shrine Hall and an 800-year-old Buddha image are located.
Wat
Pho Prathap Chang
Located in Tambon Pho Prathap Chang,
27 kms. from town on Phichit-Wang Chik-Pho Prathap Chang Route,
is an ancient monastery surrounded by walls and once was used
by King Narai the Great as a camp site for his troops in a northern
trip. It is also the place where King Sua or King Sanphet VIII
was born.
Phra
Buddha Ket Mongkhon
This is also called'Luang Pho To Taphan
Hin' the largest Sitting Buddha, openly enshrined in Wat theva
Prasat. The construction was completed in 1970 having a lap
width of 20 meters with 24 meters in height and its name was
bestowed by H.M. the king as "Phra Buddha Ket Mongkhon".
Phichit
Annual Boat Racing
With cooperation of the Phichit Province
and Tourism Authority of Thailand, provincial boat racing is
restored to be a national level festival, taking place on every
first Saturday and Sunday of September, at Wat Tha Luang located
on the bank of Mae Nam Nan. The main features of the festival
are boat racing and boat procession beauty contest which is
regarded an exciting, gayful, and colorful one.