Phitsanulok is an important and historic town in north central Thailand and is the capital of Phitsanulok province, which stretches all the way to the Laotian border. Phitsanulok is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, founded over 600 years ago. It is probably best known as the birthplace of King Naresuan, who freed the country from Burmese domination in the late 16th Century. As the cross-road between the northern and central regions of the country, it has long been important both for political and strategic reasons, and was fought over many times in centuries past. Phitsanulok was the capital of Thailand for 25 years during the reign of King Borommatrailokanat of Ayutthaya. The city's original name was Song Kwae (two streams), since it is located at the convergence of the Nan and Yom Rivers. Phitsanulok (Thai พิษณุโลก) is one of the provinces (changwat) of Thailand, located in the North of Thailand. ... King Naresuan the Great (1555 - April 25, 1605, also sometimes called Naret or the Black Prince, Thai สมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) was king of Siam (today Thailand) from 1590 until his death in 1605. ... King Borommatrailokanat (often short Trailok, Thai สมเด็จพระบรมไตรโลกนาถ, 1431-1488) was king of Ayutthaya 1448-88. ... Ayutthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thai พระนครศรีอยุธยา; also spelled Ayudhya) city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. ...

Phitsanulok's main tourist attraction is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, known locally simply as Wat Yai (the big temple). This famous temple, built in 1357, is home to the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat, which is one of the most beautiful Buddha figures in Thailand. (An exact replica exists in the Marble Temple in Bangkok.) A large provincial fair is held at the temple every January. Unfortunately, most of the older portions of Phitsanulok were destroyed in a disastrous fire which occurred about 1971. Thus little else remains of the old town besides the famous temple and a small section of the city wall. [[ == == ===Events= July 9 - Charles Bridge in Prague was founded == == ==]] Births Vincent Ferrer April 11 - King John I of Portugal Deaths May 28 - King Afonso IV of Portugal Categories: 1357 ...

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 main highway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Phitsanulok is home to Naresuan University, as well as to a major Royal Thai Army base. Seated Buddha at Sukhothai, Thailand The Sukhothai historical park covers the ruins of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom from the 14th century, which today is situated in the north of Thailand. ...