Phichit City
A riverside provincial town with low temples and canals; birdwatchers visit Bueng Si Fai lake for lotus beds, while food stalls serve noodle soups and grilled river fish amid rice paddies and market bustle.
Why Visit Phichit?#
This riverside provincial city offers a quiet, historic atmosphere framed by temples and seasonal water landscapes. Wat Nang Phaya and other local temples showcase delicate brickwork and mural art, while Bueng Si Fai’s lotus blooms transform the lake in season. Phichit’s riverside markets and rice- and fish-based dishes give a taste of central Thai life that blends agricultural rhythms with understated temple culture.
Best Things to Do in Phichit#
Phichit Bucket List#
Wat Nang Phaya - Eleventh-century temple noted for intricate stucco Buddhas and historic architectural details.
Bueng Si Fai - Large freshwater lake park with shaded pavilions, boat rides, and relaxed birdwatching opportunities.
Phichit Night Market - Evening market serving grilled river fish, local desserts, and an array of street snacks.
Phichit Provincial Museum - Compact museum displaying local artifacts, textiles, and exhibits about provincial history and archaeology.
Muang Kao archaeological site - Small archaeological park showcasing ancient ruins and panels explaining early settlement history.
Local ricefield viewpoints - Short walks to nearby ricefield vantage points offering quiet rural scenes and photo opportunities.
Sukhothai Historical Park - UNESCO park of Sukhothai’s temples and ruins, about one hour’s drive from Phichit.
Phitsanulok (Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat) - Phitsanulok’s Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat houses a revered Buddha image, short drive away.
Best Time to Visit Phichit#
Phichit follows Thailand’s monsoon rhythm: a hot build‑up (Mar-May), a wet monsoon (Jun-Oct) and a cooler, drier season (Nov-Feb). Aim for November-February for comfortable touring and outdoor activities.
November - February
18-32°C (64-90°F)
Dry, cooler mornings and comfortable days make temple touring and cycling far more pleasant; expect clearer skies and bustling markets.
March - May
28-38°C (82-100°F)
Fierce heat and humidity; outdoor sightseeing becomes punishing by midday, but early mornings are still fine for short excursions only.
June - October
24-34°C (75-93°F)
Daily downpours break up hot days; travel plans need flexibility, though rural landscapes and rice paddies look spectacular overall.
How to Get to Phichit#
Phichit is well served by road and rail and is most easily reached by train or bus from Bangkok; Phitsanulok Airport is the closest airport for faster connections. For most visitors, the train offers a comfortable, economical balance of cost and convenience.
Phitsanulok Airport (PHS): The nearest commercial airport to Phichit is Phitsanulok Airport (PHS), about 40-70 minutes by road depending on your destination in Phichit. Flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour; expect domestic fares generally in the 1,000-2,500 THB range if not booked well in advance. From Phitsanulok airport a taxi or songthaew to Phichit will cost roughly 300-600 THB and takes around 45-75 minutes.
Bangkok airports (BKK/DMK) to Phitsanulok: Direct flights land at Phitsanulok (PHS) which is the practical air gateway for Phichit visitors.
Train: Phichit is on Thailand’s Northern/Phitsanulok route; Phichit Railway Station is served by ordinary and rapid trains from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong). Journey times from Bangkok are typically 4-6 hours depending on service; fares range from about 100 THB (3rd class) to 400+ THB (2nd class/air‑con reserved).
Bus/Minibus: Buses and vans run from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to Phichit and nearby towns. Travel time is roughly 4-5 hours and fares commonly range from 200-350 THB. Local songthaews and municipal buses handle short-distance travel within the province.
How to Get Around Phichit#
Phichit is best reached by train or intercity bus from Bangkok; trains are comfortable and scenic while buses can be quicker. For local movement, songthaews and motorbike taxis are cheap and efficient, with walking suitable for the compact town centre.
- Train (State Railway of Thailand) (≈100-400 THB) - Phichit Railway Station is on the northern line with frequent services from Bangkok and Phitsanulok. Trains are reliable for daytime travel; sleeper options are rare on this short route. Reserve seats for rapid trains during holidays.
- Intercity Bus / Minivan (200-350 THB) - Vans and buses from Mo Chit (Bangkok) or regional terminals run to Phichit several times daily. Buses are slightly faster than ordinary trains and drop you closer to town stops; minibuses are cheaper but can be cramped.
- Flights via Phitsanulok (PHS) (1,000-2,500 THB (one-way)) - If you prefer air travel, fly into Phitsanulok and continue by taxi or minibus to Phichit. Flight time from Bangkok is about an hour; consider combined travel time (airport transfers) when planning.
- Local Songthaew / Motorbike Taxi (10-80 THB) - Within Phichit province, songthaews (shared covered trucks) and motorbike taxis are cheap and ubiquitous for short trips. They are convenient for last-mile connectivity but agree a price for non-metered trips.
- Walking - Phichit town centre is compact and easily explored on foot for markets and temples. Temperatures can be high midday, so plan walking in mornings/evenings and carry water.
Where to Stay in Phichit#
Town centre - $8-25/night
Basic guesthouses and small hotels near the river and train station; clean and cheap but few western comforts. Weekend demand can raise rates.
Near Phichit Market - $25-60/night
A handful of modest mid-range hotels and family-run inns found near the market and main road; limited choice, book ahead for weekends and festivals.
No central luxury - expect $70+/night in nearby cities
No true luxury resorts inside Phichit; travelers seeking high-end facilities should consider nearby provincial cities instead.
Shopping in Phichit#
Shopping is focused on fresh markets and street stalls selling produce, Thai snacks and everyday items; small shopping streets have clothing and household goods. There’s usually a night market or evening food stalls on busy nights where you can sample local specialties.
Nightlife in Phichit#
Nightlife in Phichit is modest: night markets and casual bars/restaurants are the main options for evenings. Expect a relaxed atmosphere; live-music venues and late-night clubs are scarce in town.
