Si Satchanalai-Chalieng Historical Park is a park preserving the ruins of the Sukhothai kingdom in the towns of Si Satchanalai and Chalieng, located some 20 km to the north of Sukhothai.
The ruins of Si Satchanalai is located on the west bank of the Yom River, about 7 km to the south of modern Si Satchanalai town. It has some of the best preserved ruins comprising city walls and temples.
About one kilometer away are the ruins of Chalieng. These are believed to belong to an ancient Khmer settlement that predates Si Satchanalai, built during the reign of Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, credited for building many of the monuments at Angkor Thom.
Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Si Satchanalai (23 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Visiting the Si Satchanalai-Chalieng Historical Park
Please read Si Satchanalai Budget Travel Guide for details for going to Si Satchanalai.
There are fewer visitors here compared to Sukhothai itself. It would be more convenient to hire your own transport, such as a tuk tuk, to take you around. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle to ride around - look out for the bicycle rental shop located somewhere between Si Satchanalai and Chalieng.
The information centre - although with limited information - is located in front of the Ram Narong Gate, on the west side of the Si Satchanalai historical park.
Seated Buddhat at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Chalieng (23 December 2002)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
What to see in Si Satchanalai and Chalieng
The ruins of Si Satchanalai are encircled by a city wall, parts of which are in ruins, roughly rectangular in shape. There are pathways within the site where you can cycle around. The important ruins within the Si Satchanalai site are listed here:
Sights within the city wall of ancient Si Satchanalai
- Wat Chang Lom
This is a bell-shaped chedi that forms the centerpiece of the Si Satchanalai site.
- Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo
Located south of Wat Chang Lom, this temple ruin comprises several chedis, including one which is a smaller version of the chedi at Sukhothai's Wat Mahathat.
- Wat Nang Phaya
Temple ruin with a wihan decorated with Ayutthaya-period stucco reliefs.
- Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan Yai
A cluster of brick ruins.
- Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan Noi
Another temple ruin comprising mostly laterite bricks.
- Wat Khok Singharam
Temple ruin comprising three bell-shaped stupas on the same podium.
- Lak Muang
The city pillar of Si Satchanalai, built as the city foundation shrine.
- Wat Khao Phnom Phloeng
Funerary temple where ritual cremations are conducted, located to the north of Wat Chang Lom.
- Wat Suwan Khiri
A lone chedi on a hill, with panoramic views all around.
Sights outside the city wall
- Wat Khao Yai Bon
A large ruined chedi on the west side beyond the city wall.
- Wat Kuti Rai
Ruins to the north of the city wall, outside the Tao Mo Gate, comprising two rectangular mondops built of laterite.
- Ban Pa Yuang and Ban Noi
Villages north of the city wall specializing in fine Sangkhalok ceramics.
Sights in Chalieng
Sights here are located a kilometer to the southeast of Si Satchanalai historical park.
- Wat Chao Chan
A Bayon-style temple originally for Mahayana Buddhism, but with wihan and mondop added later, now also in ruins, reflecting elements of Theravada Buddhism influence.
- Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
The most important temple ruin in Chalieng, built over several periods, with elements of Sukhothai style, Khmer style and Ayutthaya style.
Location Map of Si Satchanalai-Chalieng Historical Park
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