The Wang Chan Palace ruin is located across the Nan River from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, on what used to be the grounds of a large school. After some persuasion the school was demolished so that the foundations of the old palace could be slowly uncovered and studied. The results of the archaeological study and the work of restoration on the site can be seen in the exhibition centre.

Perhaps the best known historical fact regarding Wang Chan Palace is that King Naresuan was born here in 1555 before being sent off to Burma as hostage when Phitsanulok temporarily fell into enemy hands. Eventually he returned to his homeland with military experience a lot wiser and, as the story goes, led his people to freedom.