Phitsanulok is not well known to foreign tourists and thus has retained the charm of a typical, larger Thai city. Unfortunately, most of the older parts of the city were destroyed in a disastrous fire decades ago.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai), (near Naresuan Bridge). This is the most important temple in Phitsanulok and is the home of the famous Phra Buddha Chinnarat, one of the most revered Buddha figures in Thailand. The temple is host to a large fair every January. There is also a small market on the ground, where people offer souvenirs and local food. Connected to the temple ground of Wat Yai is the Nang Phaya Temple. There you can get a traditional Thai massage. edit
Wat Ratburana, (on the southern side of Naresuan Bridge). This wat is best known for its very old and tall Chedi. According to legend this was constructed in the 15th century to house the ashes of the King of Sukhothai's two brothers. There is also the usual Thai temple buildings, plus, a small museum, and a boat used by King Chulalongkorn. edit
King Naresuan Shrine and Wang Chan Palace Ruin. King Naresuan was one of the great Thai kings who liberated Ayutthaya Kingdom from the Burmese in the 16th century. This shrine commemorates his life. It is found north of the city centre, past the government offices. It is hard to miss. A small white building, inside the statue of the King. lat=16.8298. long=100.2617. Surrounding the shrine are the ruins of the palace the King was born in. Excavations underway in 2012. edit
City Pillar Shrine/Lak Mueang (Thai), (On the river, opp. Wat Yai.). The spiritual centre of the city and province. A Lak Mueang (Thai) or 'City Pillar Shrine' is a golden pillar, which represents the tutelary diety of each province of Thailand, housed inside an impressively designed structure. This shrine was designed by the Thai Fine Arts Department, in a Khymer style.