A Hidden Gem for History Enthusiasts: The Lesser-Known Temple of Phitsanulok - Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุวรมหาวิหาร (วัดใหญ่) Phitsanulok once played a significant role as a major city in the western part of the Khmer Empire, with Phitsanu=Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, meaning 'the realm of Vishnu'. Later, it broke away from the Khmer Empire and became part of the emerging Thai state of Sukhothai. Many people use Phitsanulok as a transit point, heading north to Chiang Mai or south to Bangkok. If you're just here for a brief rest, history buffs might enjoy a visit. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is the most important temple in Phitsanulok, established during the Sukhothai era (1357). Inside the temple, there is a Buddha statue commonly referred to by the Chinese as the 'Buddha of Success' (พระพุทธชินราช - 'King of Victory'), which is one of the most beautiful and revered Buddha images in Thailand. However, there is still controversy over the exact time of its casting, with some believing it was in the 10th century, while others suggest the 14th century. The Marble Temple in Bangkok and the Thai Buddha Hall in Kaiyuan Temple, Chaozhou, Guangdong, both house Buddha images modeled after this one. 🚄 To visit, you can walk 1.5 kilometers from Phitsanulok Train Station or take a Grab.