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Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located on the
bank of the Yom River. It is open daily between 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission is 40 baht. The ancient town, formerly called Muang Chaliang,
was named Si Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new
administrative centre was established to replace Chaliang. Ruins of 134
monuments have been discovered within the park:
Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Temple also called Phra Borommathat Muang ChaliangTemple or Phra Prang Temple,
is situated 3 kilometres to the south of ancient Si Satchanalais wall.
An immense laterite prang on a square base marks the centre of the
temple. A steep staircase in front of the huge prang leads to a room
where a reliquary is enshrined.
Khao Phanom Phloeng Temple
is a hilltop temple within the old town of Si Satchanalai. A laterite
chedi in the centre, a large viharn or image hall in front, and a small
sanctuary behind all lie in ruins. Some laterite pillars and a damaged
Buddhas' image constructed of laterite slabs and coated with mortar are
seen.
Khao Suwan Khiri Temple
is also a hilltop temple situated 200 metres away from Phanom Phloeng
Hill. A huge bell-shaped chedi on a 5-tiered base marks the centre of
the temple. Ruins of a viharn and chedi, and fragments of huge stucco
figures lie scattered on the ground. The similarity between some
figures here and those at Wat Chang Lom in the old town of Sukhothai
leads to the belief that it was King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the
Sukhothai Kingdom who had this temple constructed.
Chang Lom Temple
is an important monument within the old town of Si Satchanalai. A huge
bell-shaped chedi supported by 39 elephants, with 4 of them at 4
cardinal points elaborately decorated, marks the centre of the temple.
Above the chedis base, there are niches enshrining images of the Buddha
subduing Mara.
Chedi Chet Thaeo Temple
is one of the most beautiful temples in Sukhothai Province. Chedis of
different artistic styles and influence were built within the area of
this temple. Mural paintings, seriously damaged, are still to be seen
in some chedis.
Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai Temple
is located near Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo with only a dirt road in between.
A large image hall lies in remains within this temple. The monastery is
also called Wat Kao Hong or the 9 roomed temple.
Nang Phaya Temple
is famous for its delicate stucco reliefs on the remains of the
northwestern wall of the 7 roomed viharn or image hall. The pillars of
this viharn are decorated with unglazed ceramic designs. The central
laterite chedi is surrounded by lampposts and accessible by a set of
narrow stairs.
Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi Temple
is the only temple within the old town of Si Satchanalai with a brick
building in front. The ruins of this temple consist of a whole laterite
image hall with a laterite roof.
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