Thailand Guide
The central plains
Food and Drink
1 Karaket "Thai Food" Thanon Phaylithai Tasty Thai curry shop, where you make your selection from the metal trays set out on the pavement trestle, then eat in air-conditioned comfort inside. Very popular for family takeaways. Price: Most dishes B30 Opening time: Shuts around 8.30pm
2 Kwetiaw Hoy Kha Rim Nan 100m north of Wat Mahathat, Thanon Buddhabucha The noodles here are so famously tasty they've been featured on three local TV channels. Choose from phat thai, Sukhothai noodles with red pork in chilli-hot broth, tom yam soup with noodles, or yellow noodles with pork; tofu versions are also available (B25–40). There's no English sign but it's got a brown awning, counter seating (with some river views), and is always packed. Opening time: Daily 9am–4pm
3 Mouth Pub and Restaurant Thanon Ramesuan Lively indoor-outdoor corner restaurant and bar with enjoyable live music nightly and several cosy dining areas. The extensive menu covers Thai and Western cuisines, from seafood to hamburgers, pastas to stir-fried ostrich and T-bone steak. Highlights include the delicious samlee cottonfish with spicy mango sauce and tangy tom kha khai soup. Free internet access too. Price: Cocktails from B100, mains B90–250
4 Pae Fa Thai About 5km south of the night bazaar down riverside Thanon Buddhabucha; near Wat Chan, just upriver from the Supanganlaya Bridge Many locals rate this as the best of the several floating restaurants that capitalize on the romance and breeziness of Phitsanulok's river setting, though the views here, near the bridge, aren't especially gripping. The menu (mostly B100–200) naturally features lots of fish and seafood as well as curries – their phanaeng tofu is especially good. Opening time: Daily 11am–11pm
5 Tui Phochana Thanon Phayalithai. One of several cheap Thai curry shops on this road, this one is famous for its curries made with jackfruit. Price: B20–40 Opening time: Shuts about 7pm