Si Satchanalai and its Historical Park

This ancient town is always mentioned as Sukhothai's twin city situated about 50 km north of the modern town of Sukhothai on the east bank of the Yom River. Established in the 13th century, the town was formally called "Muang Chaliang". In the reign of Phra Ruang Dynasty, a new administration was founded to replace Muang Chaliang and renamed this town as "Si Satchanalai".

Along with Sukhothai, UNESCO has declared Si Satchanalai a World Heritage Site. 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. Besides giving visitors a pleasure to roam in the town's wooded complex and being surprised by wats and monuments, Si Satchanalai has a fame on the ceramics produced in the nearby villages of Ban Ha Yang and Ban Ko-Noi to the north. These Sangkhalok ceramics (pale blue or off-white porcelain, its decorative patterns such as floral, foliage or fish motifs reveal the Chinese influence) are said to be the finest among Thailand's first export products. Now, it is still possible to buy genuine antique Sangkhalok ceramics in the area, however, most are copies.

Within Si Satchanalai Historical Park, there has been a discovery of 134 ruins of monuments that evidence the primitive expression of the Thai independent spirit. 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 an archaeological site Ko Noi Kilns. For one who prefers to have leisure in the modern town, he can simply head to the north for 10 km from the historical area.

The park is open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Admission fee is 20 baht.

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