This Is Thailand

Locally dubbed as “Wat Yai”, the complex is considered the most important temple in Phitsanulok. Housing Thailand’s famous Phra Phutthachinnarat, Wat Yai is located at the foot of Naresuan Bridge on the city side of the river. The temple was built during the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357.

Phra Phutthachinnarat is considered the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand. The large Sukhothai-style bronze statue was cast in 1357 by the order of King Maha Thamma Racha I of Sukhothai. The statues unique feature is the flame-like halo a symbol of spiritual radiance. In 1931, King Ekatotsarot (King Naresuan’s younger brother) commanded a gold coating of the image, making it outstanding against the dark backdrop.

Today, thousands of visitors, both Thais and foreigners, flock to Wat Yai just to get a glimpse of Phra Phutthachinnarat. Most of contemporary Buddha images are cast using Phra Phutthachinnarat as a model. There is even a saying that, your trip to Phitsanulok is not complete without visiting Wat Yai to pay respect to Phra Phutthachinnarat. Only the Emerald Buddha situated in the Grand Palace, Bangkok, is more highly respected by Thais. A celebration to honour the statue is held annually in late January.

Other outstanding features of the temple (vihan in Thai) include the large pearl-inlaid wooden doors, the gateway to see Phra Phutthachinnarat. The doors were completed in 1756 by Ayutthaya’s royal craftsmen. Inside the vihan are the Italian marble floor, two painted pulpits (thammas) placed to one side, and murals illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha.

Apart from Phra Buddha Chinnarat, there are other Buddha images worth seeing. Phra Attharot, a standing Buddha statue cast in same period as Phra Phutthachinnarat, is situated in front of the large Phra Prang (pagoda) behind the Viharn.

A 36-metre high Phra Prang was built in the early Ayutthaya style. There are staircases leading up to the place where relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined.

There is also a small museum, which exhibits a good collection of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya-era Buddha images and related religious items that is worth visiting. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively.

Wat Phra Si Mahathat Woramahawihan is open daily between 6.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. The Phra Phutthachinnarat National Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The museum is closed on public holidays, for more information, click www.thailandmuseum.com.

Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo)

Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo) is a research centre on the breeding of wildlife in Khao Kho (a project under the Royal Initiative), which is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Office, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora in accordance with the Royal Initiative of Their Majesties the King and the Queen influenced by their royal visit to Khao Kho. Moreover, the Wildlife Conservation Division has established a Wildlife Breeding Centre, as well as, the Khao Kho Open Zoo, covering an area of 20 square kilometres in Khao Kho Sub-district, Sado Phong Sub-district and Nong Mae Na Sub-district in Khao Kho District.

Wildlife bred and propagated at the centre can be categorised into 3 types; namely, mammals, birds, as well as, reptiles and amphibians.

There are 3 bungalows provided for tourists at the centre. Each is for 10 persons. For a group visit, a letter requesting a lecturer should be submitted in advance to the Chief, Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Tel. 08 6887 7393. For further information, please contact the Wildlife Breeding Centre, Wildlife Conservation Division, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 713, 0 2579 9630. To get there: Take the similar route to Si Dit Waterfall. At Km. 7, turn left and go further for approximately 3.5 kilometres.