 The second element "krathum" () means 'bur-flower tree' ("Neolamarckia cadamba").Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise), Mueang Phitsanulok and Wang Thong of Phitsanulok Province; Sak Lek, Mueang Phichit, and Sam Ngam of Phichit Province.Most of Bang Krathum lies within the Nan Basin, although a narrow strip of land on the west side of the district lies within the Yom Basin.