สายลมที่หวังดี - สุเมธ

Geography

Phitsanulok province covers some 10,584.5 sq. km. The riverside provincial capital is 377 km. North of Bangkok. Phitsanulok is situated on the geographical and administrative line uniting the central and northern regions. Phitsanuloke, located in Central Northern Thailand is a modern city. Ideal as a stepping stone for the Northern visitors attractions including Sukothai.
Phitsanulok was the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great of Ayuthaya (reign : 1590 - 1605), and his brother Prince Ekathosarot. Phitsanulok has long been an important center for political and strategic reasons. Phitsanulok was a major center of recruitment when Ayuthaya waged war with Burma, and was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the 1448-1488 reign of Ayuthaya’s King Boromtrailokanat.
The climate of Phitsanulok is generally hot and humid. It borders with Uttaradit in he North, Pichit in the south, Loei and Phetchabun in the East, Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai in the West. Covering an area of 10,815.8 sq.km., the province is divided into 9 Amphoes : Muang , Bang Rakam , Nakhon Thai , Phrom Priram , Wat Bot - BangKrathum , Chat Trakan , Noen MaPrang , Wang Thong

City Attraction

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat his monastery commonly called by the inhabitants as "Wat Yai" is the most important monastery of Phitsanulok, the home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat. It is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river.The monastery was built in the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) In 1357 A.D. It houses the Phra Buddha Chinnarat regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. It is cast in the attitude of subduing evil. Later, in 1631, King Ekatosarot graciously bestowed some of his gold regalia to be beaten into gold - plate and applied them to the image worth his own hands, creating its most beautiful Buddha image. There are many other beautiful and noteworthy items in the monastery compound. The mother - of - pearl inlaid wooden doors of Vihara are especially splendid, and were built by King Boromkot in 1756 as a dedication to phra Buddha Chinarat. Behind the Vihara, there is a large Prang 36 meters high, with a staircase leading up to the niche containing the Buddha relics. In front of the Prang, there is Phra Attharos, and on the 9 room Vihara slope. There remains only the newly-renovated Buddha image.
Wat Ratchaburana nad Wat Nang Phya Is located on the eastern bank of the Nan river, near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to the south. These two monasteries, assumed to be built when Phitsanulok City was ruled by King Boromtrailokanat, have linking compounds. Wat Nang Phya has temple or bot but it is known for the so-called "Phra Nang Phya" votive tablets special fine form of the 3-head nagas decorated on their eaves.
King Naresuan the Great Shrine The shrine is located in the compound of the Phitsanulok Phittayakom school, and depicts the seated king ceremoniously declaring Ayuthaya's independence from Burma. The shrine was constructed on the site of the Channdra Palace where King Naresuan was born in 1555.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

The Long-tailed Boat Racing Festival


The traditional Long-tailed Boat Races are usually held in October when the Nan River is full. The fair is held in front of Wat Phra Sri Ratanamahathat. Robes are placed over the Phra Buddha Chinarat, and there are contests of boat processions and races with scores of boats.

Topland Hotel & Convention Centre

General Overview
Phitsanulok, one of Thailand's most beautiful and historic province, now boasts its latest deluxe hotel-the 260-room Topland Hotel & Convention Centre which is part of the handsome new Topland Plaza Shopping Complex. An ultra-modern 17 story building completes with indoor parking for 500 cars and rooftop helicopter landing pad. It is conveniently located in the heart of Phitsanulok town, just 7 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the railway station. Within the Shopping Centre are department store, large supermarket, food centre, fitness centre, amusement park, and 30-specialty shops. The province of Phitsanulok, some 370 kilometers north of Bangkok, boasts much in the way outstanding tourist attractions. These include Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple where the sacred Praputthachinaraj image is located. This is highly revered by both foreigners and Thais. Phitsanulok is also well place as a base to visit other sights in northern Thailand. To the west is Sukhothai, a former capital of Thailand, while northwards are the beautiful cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Linked to Bangkok by air. Phitsanulok is an exciting and fascinating province and city, which now offers first class accommodation as well.

Room Information
The accommodation in the hotel is deluxe This include 245-standard rooms, nine luxurious business suites, five executive suites and a Royal Suite with Jacuzzi. All rooms have exclusive interiors offering every luxury, useful facilities, and gracious services, all combined to ensure maximal relaxation.

Facilities Information
Cafe' Royal, Chinese Restaurant, Lobby Lounge, Beer Garden, pub, Karaoke, traditional massage, Palace Music Hall, poolside bar, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, snooker club, meeting & convention facilities, Shopping Complex

Address : 68/33 Akathodsarod rd., Muang Amphore Phitsanulok 65000
Phone : +66(055) 247 800 ~14, 245 390~9
Fax : +66(055) 247815, 245395

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Biography King Naresuan the Great

Phitsanulok was the birthplace of one of the greatest heroes in Thai history - King Naresuan who was born in 1555. His father, King Mahathammaracha was a descendant of the Phra Ruang dynasty of Sukhothai, and his mother was Queen Phra Wisut Kasattri of the Suwannaphum dynasty of Ayutthaya. At the age of nine, he had been taken as hostage to Burma for 6 years. King Naresuan was a great warrior king. He liberated Ayutthaya from Burma while he was the Crown Prince. He led the soldiers into battles to defend the country against Burmese invasions many times. He is also widely known among the Thais nowadays for his heroic efforts. He led the assault of a Burmese camp by climbing the wooden stockade with the blunt side of a saber in his mouth. He had a duel on elephants with the Burmese Crown Prince and slew him. He took the offensive against Burma and also dealt with the Cambodians who made a series of raids. King Naresuan extended Ayutthaya's territory to include Lanna, Lanchang, Cambodia and some parts of Burma. He enforced strict discipline on his soldiers and the people. During his reign, Ayutthaya was a very secure and powerful state.

Apart from being a great warrior, King Naresuan also played a significant role in foreign relations and trade. Realizing the importance of foreign trade, he sent envoys to China and Spain, and cultivated friendly relations with the Europeans. Ayutthaya concluded a treaty of friendship and commerce with Spain, which was the second treaty that Siam made with a European Power. (The first European power with which Siam had a treaty was Portugal.) Under this treaty, Spaniards had the right to reside, to trade and to practice their religion in Siam. At the end of his reign, he exposed Ayutthaya to another western nation - the Dutch.


King Naresuan deserved the honor of being "the Great". He not only restored the national independence but also made Siam such a powerful country that no enemy threatened the walls of Ayutthaya again for a period of one hundred seventy three years. Three of King Naresuan's weapons and belongings have constituted a part of the Royal Regalia down to the present. The first is the musket with which he shot the Burmese leader in one of the battles to defend Ayutthaya against Burma. Second is the saber that he carried in his mouth during his assault on the Burmese camp at Ayutthaya. The last is the leather hat with a brim cut-off in the shape of a crescent moon, which he was wearing when he engaged in a duel on elephants with the Crown Prince of Burma.
For more information : http://www.kingnaresuanmovie.com/

Friday, February 9, 2007

Transportation

Phitsanulok is a good starting point for a visit to the World Heritage site at nearby Sukhothai. The city can be reached by both rail and air, and is on the intersection of several major highways: Highway No.11 (Sing Buri - Lampang - Chiang Mai), Highway No. 12 (Tak - Lom Sak - Khon Kaen) and Highway No. 117 (Nakhon Sawan - Phitsanulok). Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University, and Rajabhat Pibulsongkram University, as well as to a major Royal Thai Army base.
Car
  • a) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Wang Noi, then proceed to Nakhon Sawan along Highway No. 32 via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and finally take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok, a total distance of 337 kilometres.
  • b) Drive from Bangkok to Sing Buri and use the In Buri-Tak Fa route (Highway No. 11), then turn into Highway No. 12 and proceed to Phitsanulok via Amphoe Wang Thong, a total distance of 450 kilometres.
Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Phitsanulok. Contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66; Phitsanulok Yan Yon Tour at Tel: 0 2936 2924-5; Choet Chai Tour at Tel: 0 2936 0199 and Win Tour at Tel: 0 2936 3753.
Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Phitsanulok. Call 1690 for more information.
Air
Thai Airways has several daily flights connecting Bangkok with Phitsanulok. It takes 50 minutes for the journey. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, their Phitsanulok office at tel. 0 5525 8020 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.

City Walls of Phitsanulok

The City Walls of Phitsanulok were originally made of clay similar to those of Sukhothai and built during the Ayutthaya period to deter raids from Lanna and Burma. Today, its remnants can be seen to the north and east of town. The original City Moats measuring 12 meters wide are still in existence to the west of town parallel to Phra Ruang Road.

Phra Nang Phaya : The Number One Amulet of Phitsanulok


This is a pyramid shaped clay amulet of a seated Buddha with slightly oversized head, board and straight shoulders, seated with right hand touching the ground in victory or in as hand posture of subduing demon. They are from chedis in Phitsanulok Province, the major findings are from Wat Nang Phaya where the name speaks for itself. It wa claimed that they were made by Queen Visutkasatri, wife of King Mahadharmaraja, mother of King Naresuan the Great over 400 years ago. Some of the similar amulets were discovered from Wat Rajburana which the Queen has repaired during her reign. The wearers claimed it also provide them with great fortune and loving kindness. Especially for male who wear it.
How to Identify Phra Nang Phaya

1. The amulet has two sizes:
  • Pim Yai which is the most sought after. There are 3 types: Khow Kong, Khow Trong and Ok Noon.
  • Pim Lek which has 3 types: Sangkhati, Thong Dhevada and Ok Noon Lek.
2. The Amulet is the earthen based mixed with holy plants and tiny sand.There are 4 colours; yellow, red, green and black. Some Amulets are coarse grains and some are fine grains.

Pailyn Phitsanulok Hotel


Phitsanulok is a very important center for business and communications, connecting you to the north, the north-east and the north-west by air, rail and road. Phitsanulok is a great tourist center, with many interesting things to see and many relics of the ancient city and its past available for your exploration.Pailyn Phitsanulok Hotel is a first-class hotel on the bank of the Nan River in the business district of Phitsanulok. The building is a major tourist attraction with its panoramic view of the Nan River and House-Boat Museum. The hotel entrance, full of dignity, allows guests to enjoy this beautiful place from the moment they enter our doors.Dine in our Mangkla, Ploypailyn and Morakot Restaurants, choosing from an array of our special dishes prepared by our expert chefs. While you are savoring these culinary delights, be entertained by a selection of songs rendered by our beautiful vocalists. For our guests who like soft lights and sweet music why not try our Michel Club? For the more energetic, try the Studio 54, our very popular disco.The hotel has 3 rooms suitable for parties and meetings. They are Vorayada, Varintorn and Busrakum. These rooms can accommodate 1,000 persons, including full service and equipment.Relax in the Taymoogin Sauna, followed by an ancient traditional massage resulting in complete relaxation. All services are performed around the clock by the well trained and friendly staff of the hotel. Be close to nature and enjoy the comfortable accommodation which is Pailyn Phitsanulok Hotel.

Address: 38 Baromatrailokanart Road, Phitsanulok 65000 Phitsanulok
Phone: +66(055)225228

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Yellow White Tail Fighting Cock


Originating and widely bred in the north of Thailand. The Yellow White Tail Fighting Cock is native of Ban Krang Village, Phitsanulok. In Ayuthya period, King Naresuan the Great brought the Ban Krang Yellow White Tail Fighting Cock to fight with Burma fighting cock, and win. Now, the yellow white tail fighting cock are well known not only in Thailand, but also, in Burma.
A cockfight is a blood sport between two specially trained roosters held in a ring called a
cockpit.
The combatants, known as gamecocks or cocks, are not typical farm roosters. The cocks are specially bred and conditioned for increased stamina and strength. The comb and wattle are removed from a young gamecock because, if left intact, the tissue might encounter health issues, such as frostbite or parasites. Cocks possess inherent aggression toward all males of the same species; thus, cocks do not require fight training. Often wagers are made on the outcome of the match, and the winner is determined by various rules: not all fights are to the death.
Cockfighting can be considered a traditional sporting event or an example of animal cruelty.