Si Satchanalai Historical Park – a beautiful and peaceful historical place to visit- It is very similar to Sukhothai Historical Park and just an hour by car to drive from there, but with much less visitors.
The Park is UNESCO listet as World Heritage Sites and maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand in association with UNESCO. This location is recognised for their importance as part of the original Thai kingdom and for their lasting legacy to Thai architecture and the arts.
Si Satchanalai was built as a satellite city from Sukothai because of its strategic location. The two cities were linked by one road known as Thanon Phra Ruang which is considered by some Thai historians to be the first highway in Thailand. Founded in 1250, Si Satchanalai was built on the banks of the Yom River and protected by two hills which provided lookout points to scout for enemies.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park Image Gallery
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According to early stone inscriptions, local legends, and historic chronicles, Si Satchanalai was exclusively governed by the crown prince of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Phaya Li Thai (1347-1369 AD), known as a great ruler and scholar, was also the crown prince ruling Si Satchanalai before ascending the throne at Sukhothai. As the city grew, stone walls and a moat were added to provide further protection and princes from Sukhothai were sent to Si Satchanalai to rule this important city in the Sukhothai kingdom.
You can see some Khmer-style ruins which pre-date to the Sukhothai period. And after the Sukhothai kingdom fell, Si Satchanalai remained an important strategic location with the rival Ayutthaya and Lanna kingdoms battling on various occasions for control of the city.
A nice place to explore is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang. This large historic temple complex is one of the most impressive sites in the area. The decorative stucco bearing the Bayon art style of ancient Khmer found at the main entrance of the temple as well as archeological evidence excavated here points out clearly that this temple was originally founded before the Sukhothai period. Its architectural characteristics as seen in the present indicate that it could date back to the Ayutthaya period though some evidence suggests that the shrine might have been built to cover an earlier structure.
It´s a joy to walk or cycle around the park and relax at the peaceful not crowded green spotted setting full of ancient tempels, shrines and Buddha statues.
There are signs in English and Thai for the main sites explaining their history and significance.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park Facts
Address: Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai 64130 Thailand
Phone: + 66 5561 62289
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: 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.
Tram Rides: There is a tram service that runs within the Park.