Phichit Old Town

Ruins

Phichit Old Town is a tranquil, densely wooded area of Sukhothai- and Ayutthaya-era temple ruins southwest of the modern city.

Phichit Old Town Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsPhichitSan Phra IsuanPhichit Old TownPhichit Old Town
In this guide

Phichit Old Town essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191
Neighbourhoods

Exploring Phichit Old Town

Phichit Old Town is an area of temple ruins dating back to the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras, set in a densely wooded area southwest of the modern city. The town once stood on the banks of the Nan River, but when the river changed course in the late 19th century the settlement was moved to its present location to stay near the water.

Today the Old Town is a tranquil spot that receives few visitors. While it cannot compare with the ruins at Kamphaeng Phet or Sukhothai, it is worth a visit for anyone interested in Thailand’s rich history.

Only one temple, Wat Mahathat, gives a real sense of how the area once looked, with a large bell-shaped chedi and the foundations of its viharn; wander the woodland and you will find other isolated chedi here and there.

Just outside the wooded area, Wat Nakhon Chum is a functioning temple with a beautiful bot (ordination hall) whose inward-leaning walls have slits to let in light and air. It houses a revered Buddha image, Luang Pho Phan. Continue eastward and the road returns you to new Phichit past Bueng Si Fai lake, which is also worth a look.

Things to Do
When to Go

Weather & Climate near Phichit Old Town

Climate

Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1142 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 94 Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
37°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 18° - 32° 25° 4 mm - - 0.8 m/s - -
February - 21° - 34° 27° 11 mm - - 1.0 m/s - -
March - 23° - 35° 29° 32 mm - - 1.2 m/s - -
April - 25° - 37° 31° 61 mm - - 1.4 m/s - -
May - 25° - 35° 30° 165 mm - - 1.2 m/s - -
June - 25° - 33° 29° 133 mm - - 1.3 m/s - -
July - 25° - 33° 29° 143 mm - - 1.3 m/s - -
August - 24° - 32° 28° 206 mm - - 1.1 m/s - -
September - 24° - 32° 28° 221 mm - - 0.9 m/s - -
October - 24° - 32° 28° 135 mm - - 0.8 m/s - -
November - 21° - 31° 26° 27 mm - - 0.8 m/s - -
December - 18° - 30° 24° 4 mm - - 1.0 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

Phichit Old Town: Getting There & Need to Know

  • What is it? The ruins of an ancient town.
  • When to go: any time.
  • Nearest town: new Phichit is about 9km to the northeast.
  • Address: Highway 1068.
  • Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Entrance fee: free.

Head west from Phichit on Highway 115, then turn left onto Highway 1068; after a few kilometers you reach the entrance to the Old Town. There is no public transport this way, so without a rented vehicle arrange transport through your hotel.