Si Satchanalai is a town in Sukhothai Province, some 65km (41mi) north of the town of Sukhothai. During the Sukhothai period, Si Satchanalai was the second most important Thai city, after the capital, Sukhothai. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered in the park. The city plan was laid out along fixed cosmological lines. Temple complexes lay at its heart, surrounded by city walls, rivers and forest. It is considered by many historians to be the apogee of Thai city planning. Because of its relation to the Sukhothai Kingdom, it was selected to be on the Wolrd Heritage List in 1990. The annual Songkran Festival is held in April within the historical park itself and throughout the province. Si Satchanalai encompasses just over 7sq km and is surrounded by a 12m-wide moat. Most of these beautiful ruins are located on the banks of the Yom River, which eventually merges further south with several other rivers to become the Chao Phraya River – Thailand’s principal waterway running through Bangkok emptying into the Gulf of Thailand. Some sites at Si Satchanalai date back to the 11th century; however, most were constructed between the 13th - 15th centuries. The site was strongly fortified with a 10 m moat, and walls surround this venerable city. Si Satchanalai was linked to Sukhothai by a 50 km long road on the Phra Ruang highway.  Si Satchanalai is also known for the ceramics produced in the villages of Ban Ha Yang and Ban Ko-Noi to the north. Sangkhalok ceramics (pale blue or white porcelain, with a decorative pattern of floral, foliage or fish motifs) are said to be the finest of Thailand's first export products.  Within Si Satchanalai Historical Park, the peaceful environment invites visitors to wander around the ruins and explore the monuments. The main attractions include ancient temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Chedi Chet Yot, Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng and Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, and the archaeological site of the Ko Noi Kilns. The ruins at Si Satchanalai are in many ways, more charming than Sukhothai’s. Fewer visitors come to the area, affording you an almost private experience. Some of the ruins are larger than those at Sukhothai and less restored. Many of the sites are surrounded by trees, making a relaxing picnic the perfect way to further enjoy any visit. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, also called Wat Phra Borommathat Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang, is situated 3 kilometers to the south of ancient Si Satchanalai's wall. An immense laterite prang on a square base marks the center of the temple. A steep staircase in front of the huge prang leads to a room where a reliquary is enshrined. One of the many impressive sites, also named Wat Chang Lom, was completed in 1291. A huge bell-shaped central chedi supported by 39 elephants, with 4 of them at cardinal points and elaborately decorated, marks the center of the temple. Above the base of the chedi, there are niches enshrining images of the Buddha subduing Mara. "Buat Chang" is an annual event held annually during April 7-8 at Ban Hat Sieo, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. It features a spectacular procession of Buddhist ordination candidates in colorful costumes on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants. The park is open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Admission fee is 20 baht. Area Map Top HOME I LOCATION I ROOMS I FACILITIES I RESERVATIONS I CONTACT I LINKS I COPYRIGHT SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK I SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK I LOI KRATHONG FESTIVAL I ARTS & CRAFTS