Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

This Buddhist temple complex in Phitsanulok features a prominent Khmer-style prang tower that contains Buddha relics and rises above the surrounding structures. The main shrine hall displays mother-of-pearl inlaid doors, and covered galleries line the inner walls with rows of Buddha statues facing the center.

King Lithai of Sukhothai founded this religious center in 1357, commissioning multiple bronze Buddha statues for worship and meditation from the beginning. Over centuries, the site was expanded and maintained, reflecting its enduring importance to the region.

The Phra Phuttha Chinnarat statue is the focal point of devotion where visitors and locals leave flowers and sit in prayer. This golden figure draws people seeking blessing and spiritual connection within the temple grounds.

The temple is open daily for visitors to explore the entire grounds with respectful dress required and shoes removed when entering sacred areas. Early morning visits are advisable for a quieter experience and more comfortable temperatures throughout the day.

This Khmer-style prang is among the oldest pagodas in Northern Thailand, displaying architectural influences that remain visible in its precisely carved stone details today. The structure unexpectedly blends Southeast Asian and Indian design elements in its construction.