Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Ruins of one of Sukhothai’s vassal towns
Si Satchanalai Historical Park contains the ruins of the ancient town of Si Satchanalai, an important town in the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th century. The 45 km2 little visited park on the Yom river is set in a natural, forested area. Dozens of sites inside and outside of the old city walls have been excavated. A number of temples have been restored to their original glory.
Si Satchanalai was a vassal town of Sukhothai, the capital of the empire located about 85 kilometers to the South.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Si Satchanalai, together with the Historical Parks of its sister cities Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Remains of the Khmer era
Before the founding of the Sukhothai empire the area was a Western outpost of the Khmer empire. The earthen ramparts and laterite walls of the Chaliang area and the Khmer style Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple remain of this period.
Royal Palace and temples
The park contains the remains of dozens of temples spread across four sites including Khmer temples in the Chaliang area that predate the Sukhothai era. Nothing remains of the Royal Palace buildings, that were probably built of wood.
Sangkhalok glazed ceramics
Si Satchanalai produced glazed ceramics known as Sangkhalok wares which were exported to other Asian countries. Large quantities must have been produced, as hundreds of kilns have been excavated so far. The ceramic products derived its name from Sawankhalok, the name Si Satchanalai was known as during the Ayutthaya era. A few kilometers North of Si Satchanalai in the village of Ban Ko Noi is the Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center. Visitors can view excavated kilns as well as many examples of ceramic wares. The museum opens daily from 9 am until 4 pm. Admission is 40 Thai Baht per person.
Sawanworanayok National Museum
The Sawanworanayok National Museum is found in the town of Sawankhalok on the West bank of the Yom river, almost 40 kilometers North of modern Sukhothai town. The museum exhibits artifacts found during excavation works and restorations in the Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai Historical Parks, as well as a collection donated by Phra Sawanworanayok, the previous abbot of the Wat Sawankharam temple, located next to the museum.
Among the items on display are Sangkhalok ceramic items from the Sukhothai era, porcelain items found in ships that sunk in the Gulf of Thailand and very old Buddha images from several eras, including bronze and stone statues from the 12th to 15th centuries. The museum opens Wednesday through Sunday except public holidays from 8.30 am until 4 pm. Admission is 50 Baht per person.
How to get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located on the West bank of the Yom river in Si Satchanalai town, about 75 kilometers North of Sukhothai. There are several ways to get there.
Air
The nearest airport is Sukhothai, about 30 kilometers South of the park. The only airline currently serving the airport is Bangkok Airways that offers direct flights from Bangkok. Flights take 1 hour and 15 minutes, prices start at 2,290 Thai Baht one way.
Car
The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai town is by car. The trip takes around one hour. A car with driver can be hired for around 2,000 Baht per day, depending on duration of the trip and your bargaining skills. Book one through Sukhothai hotel.
Bus
Alternatively, a bus from Sukhothai town to Si Satchanalai takes a little over an hour. Buses leave from the Sukhothai Bus Terminal in the North West part of town, the fare is 60 Baht. The bus stop in Si Satchanalai is about 1½ kilometer from the park entrance. Bicycles can be rented here for the ride to the park. Be sure to check the departure time for the last bus back to Sukhothai (around 3 pm).
Getting around in the park
The central area that houses some of the main temples as the Wat Chang Lom and the Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo is small, the area can easily be explored on foot. Alternatively, rent a bicycle at the information center for 30 to 50 Baht per day. To get around between the four areas of the park, hire a car with driver.
Admission & opening hours
Si Satchanalai Historical Park opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Each zone charges an admission fee of 100 Thai Baht. A map of the park and brochures in English are available at the information center.
Si Satchanalai temples
- Wat Chang Lom
- Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
- Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo
- Wat Nang Phaya
- Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng
- Wat Chom Chuen
- Wat Chao Chan