The Birthplace of King Naresuan
One of the recently popular sites to visit in Phitsanulok is the King Naresuan Shrine and Wang Chan Palace. It is located across the river Nan from the city’s most famous pilgrimage site – Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (also known as Wat Yai). These low-lying brick ruins now stand on what once were the grounds of a big school. The school had to be demolished in order to uncover and study the foundations of the ancient Wang Chan Palace. The site is the birthplace of King Naresuan, and it is said that he was taken prisoner when Phitsanulok was conquered by Burma. He later escaped, returned to his hometown and led his people to independence. There is a small museum at the site that houses legends and pictures of the King’s life.
King Naresuan Shrine and Wang Chan Palace
Exploring Around Wang Chan Palace
As you keep wandering through the site, you’ll arrive at a cluster of wats and stupas located right outside the walls of the Wang Chan Palace. These old buildings, though badly weathered, will give you a hint of their past glory and will make for quite an interesting sight. Around here, you’ll see Wat Viharn Thong – a large structure comprising broken columns on a big brick base. From here, you can head to Wat Pho Thong, another evocative ruin. The biggest structure to be seen here looks impressive enough despite its diminished condition. The most graceful of all the ruins in the area is the Wat Sri Sukot – a small hemispherical stupa. You’ll see a beautifully sculptured seated Buddha flanked by 3 attendants to his side. From this ruin, you’ll get a glimpse of the latest addition to the site – the glimmering white walls of the King Naresuan Shrine.
King Naresuan Shrine – A Tribute to the King
The King Naresuan Shrine was constructed in 1961 to commemorate the birthplace of King Naresuan – one of the most revered kings of Thailand. A red carpet is kept laid out right in front of the shrine’s entrance. The place is flanked by devotees who come in large numbers to pay their respects to the King. A Thai-style pavilion with a stylish roof, the shrine is fronted by a platform decked with several attractive pieces of sculpture. Here, you’ll also get to see a bronze statue of the King depicted as pouring water out of a cup, symbolizing his declaration of freedom from the Burmese.
Thailand Car Rentals provide facility packed car rental deals for Phitsanulok, hence book one and visit King Naresuan’s Shrine as per your own plan and eliminate dependency on public transport.