Bueng Si Fai

Bueng Si Fai is a large natural freshwater swamp on the edge of Phichit town, and the town’s largest body of water. The Department of Fisheries uses it as a breeding ground for native species, but it functions equally as public parkland — a landscaped path rings the water, with shade trees, benches, and paddleboat rental for anyone wanting to get out onto the lake itself. Entry to the lake and park is free, daily from 06:00 to 19:00.

The lake’s best-known landmark stands at its front edge: Phaya Chalawan, a hollow concrete crocodile statue 38 metres long and 5 metres tall, reportedly the largest crocodile statue in the world. It depicts the man-eating crocodile from Kraithong, a Thai folk tale set partly in this province, and its body is large enough to contain a small meeting room seating 25-30 people. It’s become Phichit’s unofficial symbol and the spot where most visitors take a photo first.

Out on the water itself, a second landmark — the Chalerm Prakiat Aquarium — sits in a building shaped like a nine-pointed star, jutting out from the eastern bank. Run by the Department of Fisheries, it displays more than 20 native freshwater species alongside traditional fishing equipment used on the lake for generations, and is free to enter, though it keeps its own hours separate from the lake: weekdays 09:00-18:00, weekends 09:00-19:00.

Insider Tip: Go at sunset. The lake faces west, and the combination of open water, the star-shaped aquarium silhouette, and Phichit’s low skyline makes for one of the better free sunset views in this part of the country — locals treat the lakeside path as an evening walking and exercise spot for exactly this reason.

Watch out: Shade is limited once you’re away from the immediate park area, and the open water means there’s little wind break either — bring a hat and water if you’re walking the full loop around midday.

Just south of the main lake, the water lily park adds three dedicated exhibition buildings and several water lily varieties, including the Red Indian Water Lily, and pairs naturally with a Bueng Si Fai visit — most people do both in the same trip since they’re a short walk apart. The lake sits about 1km west of Phichit Market, an easy tuk-tuk ride from the town centre.