Phichit Province Guide: History, Towns and Local Products
Phichit lies on the plain between the Nan and Yom rivers, a land of rice fields, swamps and slow water. Every Thai child knows its legend: Chalawan, the crocodile king who lived in a cave under the river, and Krai Thong, the hero who defeated him.
This guide looks at the old city, a royal temple from the Ayutthaya period, the boat races and festivals of the river, the province's twelve districts and the pomelos it is known for. Makers based here will find a few ideas on selling further afield, too.
Phichit
Crocodile Legends and River Boats
A flat river province of the lower north, home of Thailand's most famous crocodile legend and of boat races that fill the Nan every September.
By the SnapSellGo Thailand Desk · Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Made in Phichit
What Phichit makes best. Real listings will appear here.
"Known for" cards are editorial, not listings. Live products from Phichit replace them automatically.
Why Phichit is the land of the crocodile
The tale of Krai Thong, one of Thailand's best-known folk stories, is set in Phichit. Chalawan, a crocodile who could take human form, carried off the daughter of the town's ruler, and Krai Thong, a young man with magic knowledge, went down into the river to fight him. Crocodile statues and the swamp park of Bueng Si Fai keep the legend alive.
Phichit was an important town in the Ayutthaya period, and its old city, now a historical park, still shows ramparts and temple ruins. In 1701, King Suea of Ayutthaya, who was born in the province, had Wat Pho Prathap Chang built at his birthplace; its brick halls stand among old trees. On the Nan River, the province holds long-boat races each year.
Chalawan
The crocodile king of the Krai Thong legend.
Wat Pho Prathap Chang
Built in 1701 for King Suea at his birthplace.
Long-boat races
Crews race on the Nan River every year.
Tha Khoi pomelo
Phichit's best-known fruit.
A short history of Phichit
Phichit's history runs from an Ayutthaya town to a legend known across the country.
- Ayutthaya periodPhichit is an important town on the Nan, with ramparts and temples.
- 1701King Suea has Wat Pho Prathap Chang built at his birthplace.
- 19th centuryThe tale of Krai Thong is written down as a verse drama at the Bangkok court.
- TodayLong-boat races on the Nan draw crews from across the region.
Twelve districts between the Nan and the Yom
Phichit has 12 districts and about 530,000 residents. These are the ones visitors meet first.
| District | What you find there |
|---|---|
| Mueang Phichit | The old city historical park, Bueng Si Fai and the Nan riverfront. |
| Pho Prathap Chang | Wat Pho Prathap Chang, built for King Suea. |
| Taphan Hin | A market town on the Nan. |
| Bang Mun Nak | Rice fields and riverside temples in the south. |
| Pho Thale | Farmland along the Yom River. |
Dates to plan a trip around
Phichit's calendar belongs to the river. These are the dates to plan for.
Local products and what OTOP means here
The OTOP scheme gives every product a home sub-district, and Phichit is best known for its pomelos, especially those of Tha Khoi, sweet and pale, sold along the roads of the province.
The plain grows rice and other crops, and the river towns sell fish and local sweets at their markets.
The carousel at the top of this guide shows live products from Phichit producers as they go online, and makers keep all of every sale.
Short on time? The old city ruins and Bueng Si Fai. Into history? Wat Pho Prathap Chang. Visiting in September? The long-boat races on the Nan. Buying local? A Tha Khoi pomelo in season.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Chalawan?
The crocodile king of the Thai folk tale of Krai Thong, which is set in Phichit. In the story, Krai Thong goes down into the river to defeat him.
What is Wat Pho Prathap Chang?
A temple built in 1701 by King Suea of Ayutthaya at his birthplace in Phichit. Its old brick halls are among the province's main sights.
When are the Phichit boat races?
Long-boat races are held on the Nan River each year, usually in September.
What fruit is Phichit known for?
Pomelos, especially from Tha Khoi.
Sources: Wikipedia entries for Phichit province, Krai Thong, Wat Pho Prathap Chang, Suriyenthrathibodi (King Suea) and Bueng Si Fai. Dates tied to the moon shift a little every year, so confirm them before you book. Cover photo: Wat Pho Prathap Chang by Kittipong khunnen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.