Gplace > Thailand > Phitsanulok > Muang Phitsanulok > Wat Phra Si Mahathat Phitsanulok

“Home to the stunning Phra Buddha Chinnarat and rich in historical artifacts, this temple combines religious significance with exquisite Ayutthaya and Sukhothai art, making it a must-visit spiritual and cultural site.”

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan, or Wat Yai, was founded around 1357 CE (B.E. 1900) along with the establishment of Phitsanulok city. It serves as the spiritual heart of the city and Northern Thailand, revered by locals and visitors nationwide.

The temple’s centerpiece is the Phra Phutthachinnarat (Phra Buddha Chinnarat) — a large bronze Buddha statue cast in the Sukhothai style on the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai. The statue is celebrated for its elegant posture (Mara Vichaya), delicate and graceful features, and a distinctive flame-like halo symbolizing spiritual radiance. In 1931, King Ekatotsarot (brother of King Naresuan) commissioned the statue to be coated in gold leaf, enhancing its majestic appearance.

Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered by many Thais as the most beautiful Buddha image in the nation, second only in reverence to the Emerald Buddha housed in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. It has also served as a model for countless contemporary Buddha statues across Thailand. Every year, a special celebration honoring this statue is held in late January, drawing thousands of devotees.

Beyond this iconic statue, the temple boasts other architectural and artistic marvels:

The large mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden doors at the viharn entrance, created in 1756 during the late Ayutthaya period, showcase intricate floral and mythical creature motifs crafted by royal artisans.
Inside the viharn, visitors will find an Italian marble floor, painted pulpits (“thammas”), and detailed murals illustrating the life and teachings of the Lord Buddha.
The Phra Attharot, a standing Buddha image dating to the same era as Phra Phutthachinnarat, stands in front of the imposing Phra Prang — a 36-meter tall pagoda built in early Ayutthaya style that enshrines a relic of the Buddha, accessible via staircases for visitors.
A small museum within the temple complex exhibits an impressive collection of Buddha images and religious artifacts from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.

Wat Yai also features the Phra Luea statue, cast from leftover bronze from the main Buddha images, enshrined in a small pavilion surrounded by three sacred Bodhi trees known as “Pho Sam Sao.” Additionally, the Viharn Kaep, a unique Ayutthaya-era structure resembling the Buddha’s parinirvana shrine, houses an ornate stone coffin with intricate lacquered and glass mosaic decorations.

Visitors are advised to dress respectfully and modestly when visiting this sacred site, as it remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage.

How to Get There

By Bus: Within Phitsanulok city, local buses and songthaews operate regularly and can drop visitors near the temple area. There is no direct intercity bus route to the temple; visitors typically take taxis or tuk-tuks from bus terminals.
By Taxi/Grab: Taxis, tuk-tuks, and Grab services are widely available in Phitsanulok city. Simply ask the driver to take you to “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat” or “Wat Yai.”
By Car: The temple is easily accessible from the city center via Phutthabucha Road, with parking available nearby.
By Train: Phitsanulok Railway Station is about 3 km from the temple; taxis or tuk-tuks can be taken from there.

Travel Tips

The temple is a highly revered site; visitors should dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).
Photography inside the vihara is generally not allowed near the Buddha images; always ask permission if unsure.
Early morning or late afternoon visits offer a serene atmosphere for meditation and photography.
Explore nearby attractions such as Phitsanulok National Museum and the Nan River promenade.

Admission Fee: