SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK

Si Satchanalai is the ancient “City of Good People,” the princely twin of Sukhothai. It is a tranquil UNESCO site filled with sacred, jungle-clad ruins along the Yom River.

Once a vital center for trade, art, and the royal succession, it showcases masterpieces of early Thai architecture, blending Sukhothai and Khmer styles in a serene, forested setting.

The Historical Core (Within the Ancient City Walls):

  • Wat Chang Lom: The park’s most iconic structure, featuring a massive bell-shaped main stupa surrounded by 39 full-sized, majestic elephant sculptures on its base.

  • Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo: Meaning “temple of seven rows of stupas,” this unique site contains 32 small stupas in various styles, believed to be the royal tombs of the Si Satchanalai ruling family.

  • Wat Nang Phaya: Famous for its stunning, well-preserved stucco relief decorations on the vihara (assembly hall) walls, showcasing early Ayutthaya-style artistry.

  • Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi: A smaller but historically significant temple located east of Wat Chang Lom, known for its traditional mondop structure.

  • Wat Lak Muang (City Pillar Shrine): The site of the ancient city’s spiritual anchor, often featuring Khmer-influenced prasat architecture.

  • Wat Khok Singkharam: A well-preserved ruin outside the main walls, featuring multiple pagodas and the remains of a large assembly hall.

  • Wat Suan Kaeo Uthayan Yai: An expansive ruin area within the city, known for its forest setting and impressive collection of moss-covered monuments.

  • The Ancient City Walls & Moats: The formidable defensive fortifications of the city, comprising three layers of stone walls and two deep moats stretching 3.8 km.

  • Ramnarong Gate: The original main southern entrance to the walled city, constructed with a deliberate crooked design for defensive military purposes.

  • The Royal Palace Ruins (Kham Luang): The former residential area for the crown prince of the Sukhothai Kingdom, whose foundation stones and remains are visible within the core.

The Chaliang Zone (Yom River Area):

  • Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang: The largest and most important temple complex, technically outside the main park. It features a towering Khmer-style prang (stupa) that dominates the riverbank.

  • Wat Chao Chan: An older temple site from the Khmer Empire period, pre-dating the Sukhothai era, showcasing authentic Khmer architectural style.

  • Phra That Mutao: The remains of a massive stupa believed to be of Mon Dvaravati origin, making it one of the oldest archaeological finds in the park area.

  • Wat Chom Chuen: A ruin situated right on the peaceful banks of the Yom River, located close to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.

The Hilltop Temples (Phanom Phloeng Hills):

  • Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng: Located atop a prominent hill, offering panoramic views of the entire Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The site contains a ruined chedi and a large seated Buddha image.

  • Wat Khao Suwankhiri: An adjacent hilltop temple reached by a connecting trail, offering an equally impressive view and containing its own distinctive ancient structures.

Art, Industry & Community Sites:

  • Celadon Kiln Site Study & Conservation Centre: The main exhibition of the Thuriang Kilns, where hundreds of kilns producing the famous Sangkhalok glazed ceramics were excavated.

  • Thuriang Kilns (Ban Ko Noi): The extensive fields of ancient kiln ruins outside the main park, showcasing the scale of the kingdom’s ceramic industry, which exported wares across Asia.

  • Ban Na Ton Chan Village: A nearby modern community tourism initiative famous for its traditional wooden houses, local cuisine (like khao poeb noodles), and scenic bamboo walkways.

  • Ban Had Siew: A local village known for its vibrant textile production, specializing in cotton fabrics dyed with natural indigo and woven into intricate Sukhothai-era patterns.

Cycle Through the Ancient City Walls: Rent a bicycle for a few dollars (approx. $0.85 – $1.45 / 30-50 THB) and explore the flat, peaceful park grounds, cycling past ruins, moats, and forested areas.

Marvel at Wat Chang Lom: Visit the “Temple Surrounded by Elephants,” a signature Si Satchanalai monument featuring 39 well-preserved, full-bodied elephant sculptures supporting the main Singhalese-style chedi.

Climb Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng: Ascend the hill (approx. 144 steps) within the park to visit this temple for a panoramic, serene view of the surrounding ruins and the Yom River plain.

Explore Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang: Visit this grand, Khmer-influenced temple located just outside the main park, famous for its towering corn-cob prang and large seated Buddha image.

Discover the Royal Tombs at Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo: Wander through the complex of “seven rows of stupas,” which actually contains over 30 stupas of varying styles, believed to be the royal cemetery of the Si Satchanalai ruling family.

Admire the Stucco Carvings at Wat Nang Phaya: See the intricate, well-preserved stucco reliefs on the side of the vihara (assembly hall) wall, which exemplify the Ayutthayan-style artistry of the 15th century.

Learn About Sangkhalok Kilns: Visit the Si Satchanalai Centre for Study & Preservation of Sangkhalok Kilns to explore excavated kilns and artifacts that detail the region’s history as a major ceramics producer between the 14th and 15th centuries.

Visit a Traditional Weaving Village: Take a short trip to Ban Na Ton Chan to experience community-based tourism, see the process of creating mud-soaked textiles, and purchase fabrics directly from local artisans.

Try the Local Noodle Dish, Khao Poeb: In the local villages, seek out the unique regional specialty made with steamed rice flour crepes, vegetables, and a savory broth.

Take a Hands-On Cultural Workshop: Participate in a local wisdom-inspired workshop, such as creating a Buddhist votive tablet (amulet), often available as part of day tours from Sukhothai.

Witness Local Life Along the Yom River: Cross the suspension bridge near Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat and take a leisurely walk to enjoy views of the Yom River, where you can observe locals fishing and enjoying the rural scenery.

Biking is Essential for Exploration: The Historical Park is vast, flat, and tranquil, making a bicycle the best and most enjoyable way to cover the sites. Rental shops are located near the main entrance/bus stop, costing only around $0.85 – $1.45 (30-50 THB) for a full day.

Day Trip from Sukhothai: Si Satchanalai is located about 35 miles (55 km) north of Sukhothai. It’s easily visited as a day trip from the Old Sukhothai area.

Public Bus/Minivan: Buses and minivans run regularly from the New Sukhothai bus terminal. They will drop you off on the main road near the pink archway. From the drop-off point, it’s about 2 miles (3 km) to the main Historical Park entrance, which you can cover by bike or local transport. Fares are typically low (approx. $1.45 / 50 THB).

Private Transport: For maximum flexibility, hire a private taxi or arrange a dedicated driver through your hotel in Sukhothai. This is the most direct but most expensive option (expect to pay around $50 – $60 / 1,700 – 2,100 THB for a round-trip from Sukhothai).

Tranquility and Atmosphere: Si Satchanalai is often called the “quieter twin” of the Sukhothai Historical Park. It receives significantly fewer visitors, offering a more peaceful and contemplative experience where you often have the ruins to yourself.

Hours and Entrance Fee: The park is generally open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (or 5:00 PM). The entrance fee for the main park is typically $2.85 (100 THB) for foreigners. Note that the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat area, slightly separate, has a different fee.

Lack of Amenities: Unlike the main Sukhothai park, there are very few restaurants or convenience stores inside the main park area. Be sure to bring your own water and snacks before entering, especially if planning a full day of cycling.

Respect Temple Etiquette: As a UNESCO World Heritage site centered on Buddhist temples (even in ruin), dress respectfully: shoulders and knees should be covered, especially at active sites like Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.

Best Time to Visit: Go early in the morning for the coolest weather, best light for photos, and the most solitude. This is Northern Thailand, so be prepared for heat and humidity outside of the cool season (November to February).

Hidden Gems – Local Culture:

  • Ban Na Ton Chan Homestays: For a true cultural immersion, consider an overnight stay in this award-winning community-based tourism village nearby, renowned for its local hospitality and traditional khao poeb noodles.
  • Authentic Local Crafts: The region is historically famous for its Sangkhalok celadon pottery. Look for contemporary celadon workshops or shops for authentic, high-quality souvenirs that directly connect to the region’s past.

Khao Perp Yai Kreung (ข้าวเปิ๊ปยายเครื่อง) [$1-$5] – Famous local eatery near the historical park, renowned for its Khao Perp (folded rice crepe) and Khao Oab (wrapped rice crepes), cooked traditionally over charcoal steamers.

Local Noodle Stall near Wat Phra Prang [$1-$3] – A quintessential roadside spot, often run by a single family, serving classic Kuay Tiaw Sukhothai (Sukhothai Noodles) with a pork-bone-based soup.

Ban Na Ton Chan Homestay Eateries [$1-$5] – Restaurants within the nearby Ban Na Ton Chan community known for cooking with local, seasonal products and showcasing the village’s culinary heritage, including Khao Perp.

Pasong Restaurant [$2-$6] – A local favorite recommended by teachers in the area, known for traditional Thai dishes, particularly the Southern-style sour and spicy curry, Gaeng Som.

108 Restaurant [$1-$5] – A convenient and reliable local spot, praised for its simple, well-executed Thai dishes like a perfectly fried egg or Penang Gai (Penang Curry with chicken).

Love Smootty [$2-$5] – While known for smoothies, this place is also highlighted for its unique fusion dishes like Spaghetti Tom Yum, offering a Western-Thai twist near a local bus stop.

Sisatchanalai Heritage Resort Restaurant [$5-$15] – Located right on the Yom River, this is one of the few places offering a slightly more formal sit-down experience with a selection of local and general Thai dishes.

Pao’s Kitchen (Local name varies) [$2-$6] – A common, informal shophouse restaurant in the small Si Satchanalai town area, serving a variety of classic Thai stir-fries, curries, and rice dishes like Pad Krapow.

Riverfront Food Stalls (near the Iron Bridge) [$1-$4] – A collection of very casual stalls that set up in the evening, perfect for a quick and cheap dinner of grilled skewers, fresh fruit, or simple noodle soups.

Small Eatery near Wat Nang Phaya [$1-$4] – Humble, no-frills places often found just outside the main temple areas, offering quick and simple lunch options for local workers and visitors.

The Local Rice & Curry Shop (Khao Gaeng) [$1-$3] – A typical Thai setup where various curries and side dishes are prepared in advance and served over rice for a fast, budget-friendly meal.

Sometimes Café at Doi Daeng [$3-$8] – A small, vintage-style café located on a mountaintop, offering panoramic views, fresh coffee, and light desserts—a great spot for photos and a quiet break.

Local Coffee Stall on Doi Khao Mung [$1-$3] – An even simpler spot at the viewpoint, serving hot coffee (sometimes in bamboo tubes) and basic bread, prized for its exceptional views of the morning mist.