 The Si Satchanalai
Historical Park
This is located on the bank of the Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe
Si Satchanalai. The ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chaliang" was
named "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new
administrative center was established to replace chaliang.
Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park:
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.
Wat Khao
Phanom Phloeng
This is a hilltop temple within the old town of Si Satchanalai. A
laterite chedi in the center, a large viham or image hall in front, and
a small sanctuary behind all lie in ruins Some laterite pillars and a
damaged Buddha image constructed of laterite slabs and coated with
mortar are still to be seen.
Wat
Khao Suwan Khiri
This is also a hilltop temple situated 200 meters away from Phanom
Phloeng Hill. A huge bell-shaped chedi on a 5-tiered base marks the
center of the temple. Ruins of a viham and chedi, and fragments of huge
stucco figures lie scattered on the ground. The similarity between some
figures here and those at Wat Chang Lorn 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.
Wat
Chang Lom
This 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 center of the temple.
Above the chedis base, there are niches enshrining images of the Buddha
subduing Mara.
Wat
Chedi Chet Thaeo
This 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.
Wat
Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai
This 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.
Wat
Nang Phaya
This is famous for its delicate stucco relief on the remains of the
northwestern wall of the 7 roomed "viham" or "image hall". The pillars
of this viham are decorated with unglazed ceramic designs. The central
laterite chedi is surrounded by lampposts and accessible by a set of
narrow stairs.
Wat
Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi
This 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.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily between 08.30-16.30 hrs.
Admission is 20 Baht.
The
Celadon
Klin Site Study and Conservation Center
This is located at Ban Ko Noi, some 4 kilometers to the north of Si
Satchanalai. More than 500 kilns have been excavated up to now. Numerous
celadon wares in perfect condition as well as potsherds have been
discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof and is 7-8
meters wide.
The center consists of 2 buildings situated on the kiln site area with 2
kilns Nos. 42 and 6l exhibited on site. There are also exhibitions on
artifacts and on the evolution of ancient ceramic wares.
The center is open daily during 9.00-12.00 and 13.00-l6.00 hrs.
Admission is 20 Baht.
To get there, drive for approximately 5 kilometers to the north of Si
Satchanalai Historical Park to Ban Ko Noi where the remains of ancient
kilns can be seen scattered around. The center is also accessible by the
provincial highway No.1201 from Amphoe Si Satchanalai, a distance of 7
kilometers with the buildings located on the left.
The
Si Satchanalai National Park
This has a total area of 213 square kilometers. It covers areas in
Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province. It
was
 proclaimed a national park on 8 May, 1981.
The Park's geography is mainly high, undulating mountains covered by a
tropical jungle. Interesting tourist spots in the park include Tat Dao
and Tat Duan Waterfalls, about 3 kilometers and 500 meters from the park
headquarters, respectively. The park also has a hot spring, Khangkhao
Cave, and Thara Wasan Cave.
The Si Satchanalai National Park can be reached by car. From Amphoe Si
Satchanalai, take the Si Satchanalai-Ban Kaeng-Huai Yuak route for 41
kilometers. Then 5 kilometers before the intersection to Ban Yuak, there
is right-hand road which you take for another 2 kilometers to the park
headquarters.
The park has accommodation for tourists. For reservations, please
contact the National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department at Tel:
579-5734, 579-7223
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Attractions
in 
This exquisite national park with a combined natural and historical
background covers an area of 341 square kilometers, and was declared to
be a national park on 27 October.1980.
