"Si Satchanalai Historical Park"
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Similar in style to those at Old Sukhothai, but much less visited, Si Satchanalai Historical Park can easily be visited on a day trip from Sukhothai. The ruins span from the 13 the to the 15th Centuries and are set amongst scenic hills. There are 140 documented sets of ruins here including old walls, pagodas, stupas, gateways, moats, kilns and much more.
Wat Khao Phanom Ploeng
Sitting atop a hill in the north of the park, this temple has a Pagoda, some pillars and a damaged Buddha image. The view of the park from here is nice but a better viewpoint is at Wat Khao Sawan Khiri.
Wat Chang Lom
Probably one of the most impressive of the ruins here. The huge Pagoda is supported by 39 elephants (though they are pretty rundown and look more like fat dogs). The elephant tours generally start from in front of this temple.
Wat Chedi Chet Thaew
Across the path from Wat Chang Lom, this temple has been very well restored and some mural painting can still be seen. There are the few rows of Pagodas here, the largest being a copy of the one at Wat Mahathat.
Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai
Just to the south of Wat Chedi Chet Thaew, this temple contains what was originally a sizeable hall. The temple is also known as Wat Kao Hong or 'Nine Rooms Temple'.
Wat Nang Phaya
This temple is well known for its relief on the northwestern wall of the seven room chapel which dates back to the Ayutthaya Period. This temple is to the south of Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai.
Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi
This is unique in Si Satchanalai due to the brick building in front of the temple which looks not unlike a small church.
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Located a couple of kilometers south of the historical park in Chaliang, this large temple is the most impressive site in the area. The large Pagoda dates from the 15th Century and contains an excellent walking Buddha. Undoubtedly the most photogenic of the monuments, however electrical lighting wires have been strung around it, spoiling any chance of a decent photo. Nearby, stretching over the Yom River is a rope footbridge from which great photos of the river can be taken.
Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center
A few kilometers to the north of the historical park, this center contains a display of kilns, artifacts and excavated ceramics. Over 500 kilns have been excavated so far in the area of Sawankhalok town and there is evidence of the ceramics being shipped as far as China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The kilns are seven meters to eight meters wide, oval with a curved roof.
|
