Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Temple Historic Phitsanulok temple housing the revered Phra Chinnarat
Phitsanulok’s principal temple, famed for housing the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat image. Pilgrims and tourists visit for the revered Buddha statue, temple architecture and religious festivals.
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is a major Buddhist temple in Phitsanulok, Thailand, best known for housing the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, a highly revered and beautifully crafted Buddha image dating to the 14th century. It serves as the city’s principal temple and pilgrimage site.
The temple complex includes the main viharn where the principal image is displayed and the ubosot used for ordination and ritual ceremonies, both constructed in classical Thai monastic architectural form. Visitors come to view and pay respects to the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat and to see the surrounding temple art and murals.
Historically the temple dates from the Sukhothai-to-Early-Ayutthaya period and has long been central to Phitsanulok’s religious and civic life, with restorations and additions over the centuries. It remains an active monastic site hosting major Buddhist festivals and daily worship.
The temple is located in central Phitsanulok near the east bank of the Nan River, within easy reach of the city’s historic center and transport links.
- Principal image: The temple's principal Buddha image is widely regarded in Thailand for its artistic quality and is a focal point for pilgrimage and photography.
What to See #
- Phra Phuttha Chinnarat: The principal image is a highly venerated gilt Buddha statue created in the 14th century and displayed in the viharn for public viewing.
- Viharn and Ubosot: The viharn and ubosot form the temple's main ceremonial halls, with the viharn housing the principal image and the ubosot used for ordination and liturgical rites.
How to Get to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat #
Phitsanulok is accessible by train from Bangkok; the temple is in the city center and a short tuk‑tuk ride from the train station. Local buses and songthaews also serve the central temple area.
Tips for Visiting Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat #
- Arrive in the morning to see the main Buddha and to avoid the midday heat; weekday mornings are quieter than weekends and festival times.
- Photographing the main viharn (assembly hall) is rewarding for its gilded rooflines and the lacquered, gold-leafed Buddha image inside - but be respectful of worshippers during prayers.
- Combine with a visit to the nearby Khok Mueang markets to taste local northern Thai dishes.
Best Time to Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat #
Best visited November-February for comfortable touring conditions; mornings are best for photography and worship observation.
Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat #
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 18°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1249 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm, feeling like 27°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.