Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Incense, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, Phitsanulok
GLENN BEANLAND/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©
WAT RATBURANA
( admission free; 6am-8.30pm)
Across the street from Wat Phra Si Ratana Ma-
hathat, Wat Ratburana draws fewer visitors but in some ways is more interesting
than its famous neighbour. There is a large wooden boat decked with garlands that
originally served to transport King Rama V on an official visit to Phitsanulok. Today
the boat is thought to grant wishes to those who make an offering and crawl under
its entire length three or nine times. Next to the
wí·hăhn
is a sacred tree with lad-
ders on either side that visitors climb up, leave an offering, then ring a bell and des-
cend, repeating the action a total of three or nine times. Directly adjacent to the tree
is an immense gong that when rubbed the right way creates a unique ringing
sound.
Near each of these attractions you'll find somebody stationed who, in addition to
selling the coins, incense and flowers used as offerings, will also instruct visitors in
Temple
