Taphan Hin

Taphan Hin (ตะพานหิน) is the commercial and transportation hub of Phichit Province, located about 25 km south-east of the provincial capital on the east bank of the Nan River. Despite its importance as a market town, Taphan Hin is a compact, unpretentious place dominated by a single monumental landmark: the 34-metre-tall golden Buddha statue, Luang Pho To, at Wat Thewaprasat, which towers over the riverbank opposite the main market.

The district has a population of about 54,000 and serves as a gateway to eastern Phichit, with the railway station providing direct connections to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The town's economy is based on agriculture (rice, fruit), commerce, and transport. The climate follows the standard Lower Northern Thailand pattern: a pleasant cool season (November–February), a very hot season (March–May), and a rainy season (June–October).

By Plane

The nearest airport is Phitsanulok Airport (PHS), about 100 km north. A taxi or minivan takes about 1.5 hours and costs 700–1,000 baht.

By Train

Taphan Hin Railway Station is on the Northern Line, with frequent services from Bangkok (about 5–6 hours) and Chiang Mai (about 7–8 hours). Both ordinary and rapid trains stop here. It is a convenient way to arrive from the capital without passing through Phichit town.

By Car / Road

Taphan Hin lies on Highway 113 between Phichit town and Phetchabun. From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) then Highway 117 north, turning east onto Highway 113 — total about 360 km, 5 hours. Buses and minivans from Phichit town run every 20–30 minutes (25 km, 30 min, 30–40 baht). Direct buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal also serve Taphan Hin.

The town centre is compact, with the market, railway station, and Wat Thewaprasat all within walking distance. Songthaews serve local routes to surrounding villages. Motorcycle taxis gather near the market and station (20–40 baht for trips within town).

• Wat Thewaprasat (วัดเทวประสาท) — The town's defining sight, featuring the 34-metre golden Luang Pho To Buddha statue on the Nan River bank opposite the market. The statue is visible from kilometres away and is especially striking at sunset when the golden surface catches the light.

• Taphan Hin Market (ตลาดตะพานหิน) — A lively market area along the river, selling fresh produce, cooked food, textiles, and household goods. The market is busiest in the early morning and late afternoon.

• Nan River Front — A pleasant riverside walk with views of the golden Buddha and traditional long-tail boats moored along the bank.

• Sunset Viewing at Wat Thewaprasat — The golden Buddha statue is best photographed in the late afternoon light, with the Nan River in the foreground.

• Market Crawl — Explore the morning and evening markets for local snacks, pomelos from Pho Prathap Chang, and makham kaeo tamarind candy.

• Cycle the Riverside — Flat roads along the Nan River are suitable for easy cycling, passing through small villages and farmland.

• Kuay Tiew Taphan Hin — A well-known noodle shop near the market serving boat noodles (kuay tiew ruea) with a rich pork broth. 35–50 baht.
• Khao Mok Gai — A biryani-style chicken rice stall near the railway station, reflecting the local Muslim community's culinary influence. 40–50 baht.
• Som Tam Stalls — Multiple vendors near the market sell papaya salad (som tam), grilled chicken, and sticky rice — the classic Isaan/Thai combination. 30–50 baht per dish.
• Night Market — Evening food stalls set up near the riverfront, offering grilled seafood, moo ping (grilled pork skewers), and fresh fruit shakes. 20–60 baht.

Fresh pomelo juice is available during the harvest seasons (October and April). Local coffee stalls serve oliang (sweetened iced black coffee) for 15–20 baht. Bottled water is safe; tap water is not recommended for drinking.

• Budget — Poon Thong Mansion — A basic guesthouse with fan rooms near the market. Shared bathroom. 200–350 baht/night.
• Mid-range — Taphanhin Hotel — A clean air-conditioned hotel on the main road with private bathrooms, TV, and Wi-Fi. 400–600 baht/night.
• Mid-range — Siri Place — A modern mini-hotel with en-suite rooms, hot water, and parking. 500–800 baht/night.

Taphan Hin's market is the best place in Phichit to buy pomelo (som o, ส้มโอ) and makham kaeo (มะขามแก้ว) tamarind candy, both of which are sold at lower prices than in Bangkok. The morning market also sells fresh local produce, dried fish, and hand-woven textiles from Bang Mun Nak and surrounding villages.

• Phichit — 25 km north-west, the provincial capital with Muang Kao Historical Park and Bueng Si Fai lake (30 min by car/train).
• Thap Khlo — 20 km east, with the Khao Chet Luk gold mine site and mountain scenery (25 min by car).
• Bang Mun Nak — 15 km north, known for hand-woven cotton textiles (20 min by car).
• Phetchabun — 70 km east, gateway to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park and cooler mountain areas (1 hr by car).