About Phichit accommodation

Phichit is a quiet river town in central Thailand, built around a huge lotus-covered lake and a stretch of the Nan River where locals still race longboats every year. It's not a place many tourists have heard of yet, which is part of the appeal if you want somewhere genuinely local.

Whatever your budget, there's a straightforward stay to match, from simple guesthouses near the river to a handful of tidier hotels closer to town. Here's what you need to know before you book.

Where to stay in Phichit

• Phichit town (Nai Mueang): the district around Wat Tha Luang and the provincial hall, with the widest pick of hotels and cafes.
• Taphan Hin: a smaller district south of town, handy if you're stopping between Phichit and Phitsanulok.

How much is Phichit accommodation?

• Budget: AU$20-45, a clean private room with air-con, sometimes with breakfast included.
• Mid-range: AU$45-75, a proper hotel room with a few extras like a terrace or a city view.

What Phichit is known for

• Bueng Sifai: a large freshwater lake south of town, covered in lotus flowers and popular with birdwatchers. Rent a rowboat and get out on the water at sunset.
• Wat Tha Luang: the province's most important temple, home to a large gilded Buddha statue built in the classic Chiang Saen style. The temple sits right on the riverbank.
• Longboat racing: Phichit hosts one of Thailand's best-known traditional longboat races on the Nan River each year, with crews of dozens paddling in time to a drum. Riverside food stalls and crowds turn out for it.

Top-rated hotels in Phichit

• Minimal Hotels: a newer, design-led hotel in town with rooms that open onto a private terrace.
• Fahluang Residence: a budget-friendly residence close to Wat Tha Luang, handy if the temple and riverside are your main reason for visiting.
• Modern Resort: a resort-style stay in Khlong Khachen with simple, comfortable rooms and a solid breakfast.
• Roseinn Hotel Taphanhin: the pick if you're based in Taphan Hin, with low rates and no-fuss rooms.
• The Nest Hotel Phichit: a small hotel with a shared lounge, restaurant and bar, good if you want more of a social base.

Travel tips for Phichit

• Phichit doesn't have its own airport. The nearest is Phitsanulok, about an hour's drive away, or you can take the train straight into Phichit town.
• Book ahead if your trip lines up with the longboat races. Riverside rooms fill fast and prices climb during festival week.
• Most hotels sit either in Phichit town or out in Taphan Hin, so pick based on which side of the province you're exploring.