Sailing through Si Satchanalai, a World Heritage City, and savoring Khao Pib Yai, a unique ancient noodle dish.

Si Satchanalai, a World Heritage City, a secondary city that is second to none. Today, we will take you to explore the city of Si Satchanalai, an ancient city of Sukhothai. We will take our daughter to learn about the history of this beautiful ancient city and eat traditional ancient noodles, adding to her life experience outside the classroom. ^^

The ancient city of Si Satchanalai is located in the area of Phra Prang Village, Si Satchanalai District. It was originally named "Mueang Chaliang" and was later renamed "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of the Phra Ruang dynasty in Sukhothai.

The historical park boasts over 238 captivating ancient sites, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.

This trip involves cycling around an ancient city within the city walls. The loop is approximately 1 kilometer long. Those who prefer not to cycle can walk or take a tram service provided by a private company for around 100 baht per person. My daughter prefers cycling, finding it a novel experience.

Rent a bicycle to explore the ancient city, starting from 20 to 80 baht per bike. Choose according to your preference.

This three-person ride costs 80 baht.

Even in the hot month of April, the atmosphere is still cool and shady, thanks to the abundance of trees.

Let's go!

The first temple to visit is Wat Nang Phaya, which boasts exquisite stucco patterns adorning the northwestern wall of its seven-chambered viharn. The viharn's pillars are adorned with celestial nymphs and various motifs crafted from unglazed Sangkhalok ceramics.

The main structure is a Lanna-style stupa with a reliquary chamber, built of large laterite bricks and in excellent condition.

The seven-chambered viharn features gable ends adorned with stucco figures and intricate designs crafted from unglazed Sangkhalok ceramics. The carved and molded plasterwork on the walls of the viharn remains remarkably well-preserved.

Cycling through the city offers a nostalgic and peaceful experience.

The atmosphere is beautiful and peaceful.

Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan Yai is a large park that houses significant historical sites, including a spherical main stupa built from laterite. The bell-shaped structure has partially collapsed. A staircase leads from the rear porch of the vihara to the reliquary chamber, allowing visitors to pay respects to the Buddha statue.

Wat Chedi Chet Thaew is a significant historical site within the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The temple is situated in front of Wat Chang Lom.

The Architectural Splendor of Wat Chedi Chet Thaew

This temple boasts a remarkable collection of stupas, showcasing a unique blend of Srivijaya and Sukhothai artistic styles. The main stupa, resembling a lotus bud, stands majestically behind the viharn. Surrounding it are 33 smaller stupas and various structures, enclosed by a wall. Beyond the wall lie a chapel and a well. The diverse architectural influences on these stupas are evident, drawing inspiration from regions like Lanka and Pagan.

The Temple of the Encircling Elephants

Wat Chang Lom, a significant and well-preserved historical site, features a Lanka-style stupa situated on a square base. The base is encircled by life-size stucco elephants, giving the temple its name. A total of 39 elephants adorn the four sides of the base.

The stucco elephants at Wat Chang Lom in Si Satchanalai are unique compared to those found at other temples. They stand independently from the walls, their full bodies towering over real-life elephants.

The main stupa has a staircase leading to the circumambulation platform. Above the platform base, there are 20 niches with Buddha statues in the attitude of subduing Mara. However, only one statue remains, located on the north side.

A high-angle view from the top of the Elephant-Surrounded Pagoda, opposite Wat Suan Kaew Park.

After exploring the inner city of the ancient city within the city walls, return the bicycle to the park office and switch to a car to visit the temples in the outer zone, as the distance is quite far and driving is more convenient. However, if you enjoy cycling, you can take your time and cycle there, but be warned that it is quite a distance.

Rahu Temple is located approximately 150 meters west of Si Satchanalai city.

The main stupa is shaped like a lotus bud. The reason why the villagers call it the Rahu Temple is because they found a stucco molding of a face mask that was adorned on the lotus bud at the top of the stupa. The villagers therefore call the face mask Rahu swallowing the moon.

Wat Hua Khon: A Monumental Ancient Site

Wat Hua Khon stands as a monumental ancient site, perched atop a hill and facing east. Its defining feature is a three-sided, solid-walled ghanda (a type of tower) connected to a vihara (a hall or monastery) constructed from laterite. Within the vihara, a large standing Buddha image occupies the central position, serving as the primary object of veneration.

Nine-Spires Pagoda Temple is an ancient Sukhothai-era temple located outside the western wall of Si Satchanalai city on the ridge of the Khao Luang mountain range, which extends from Khao Phanon Phleng. The temple is built on natural rock.

The main ancient monument consists of a principal stupa with nine spires on top. The central chamber of the reliquary houses a seated Buddha statue as the main image.

The Leaning Pagoda Temple is located behind the Seven-Spires Pagoda, on the same mountain range. The temple's significant structures include the main round pagoda and the viharn, both constructed from large laterite blocks.

The side view reveals a slightly tilted pagoda.

The Temple of the Black Serpent

The name "Wat Phaya Dam" (วัดพญาดำ) translates to "Temple of the Black Serpent." This name originates from the discovery of numerous black-colored Nāga Buddha images during an attempted theft. The temple features a main pavilion constructed from laterite bricks and covered with stucco.

The Kok Singkharam Temple

After driving along the Yom River, you will encounter the Kok Singkharam Temple, situated adjacent to the city wall at the junction of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang. The temple features a round stupa constructed from laterite, resting on a single base, similar to the Sri Sanphet Temple in Ayutthaya.

Wat Chao Chan is an ancient religious site dating back to before the Sukhothai period, estimated to be around the 18th Buddhist century, coinciding with the Bayon style of Khmer art. The significant elements within the temple include: the main Khmer-style prang built with large laterite blocks and decorated with stucco; the lowest base layer featuring a set of inverted and upright lotus petals; the niches on all four sides of the reliquary chamber; and the front chamber housing religious statues. The Fine Arts Department excavated a metal Buddha image adorned in royal attire and, at a deeper level, unearthed artifacts from the Dvaravati period, including Hariphunchai ceramics, glass beads, and human skeletal remains. Evidence suggests that King Rama VI visited Wat Chao Chan.

The Temple of Chomchuen: A Historical Gem

Nestled along the banks of the Yom River, approximately 400 meters east of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chelieng, lies the intriguing Wat Chomchuen. This ancient temple holds within its grounds a captivating discovery: the skeletal remains of 15 individuals, estimated to date back to the 9th century CE.

These unearthed bones offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, prompting us to delve deeper into their history and way of life. What stories do these skeletal fragments whisper? What secrets do they hold about the people who once walked this land?

Further exploration of Wat Chomchuen promises to unveil a treasure trove of knowledge, shedding light on the lives of those who came before us and enriching our understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage.

The archaeological excavation pit building of Wat Chomchuen is located on the banks of the Yom River.

Admission fee

Archaeological Evidence

The archaeological evidence discovered includes:

• Remains of ancient structures: This suggests the presence of a significant settlement or religious site.
• Prang: This refers to a type of Khmer tower-like structure, indicating potential religious or administrative significance.
• Pottery shards: These fragments provide clues about the daily lives and cultural practices of the people who lived there.
• Beads: These ornaments suggest the presence of personal adornment and possibly trade.
• Celadon ceramics: This type of glazed stoneware indicates connections with other regions and cultural influences.
• Human skeletons: The discovery of 15 skeletons, including women, men, and children, offers valuable insights into the demographics and burial practices of the community.
• Depth of skeletons: The skeletons were found at a depth of 7-8 meters, suggesting a long history of occupation at the site.
• Skeleton position: The skeletons were found lying on their sides, which may provide information about burial rituals or the cause of death.

The ancient skeleton is relatively complete.

Iron bridge on the banks of the Yom River

The two banks of the Yom River are truly beautiful.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Ratchawaramahawihan is a significant temple in the city of Cheliang. Currently, it is a first-class royal monastery, classified as a Ratchawaramahawihan.

There is no definitive evidence of when this temple was built, but archaeological evidence suggests that it dates back at least 800 years to the Khmer Empire.

The inscription on the first stone pillar provides clear evidence of this temple's existence. During the Thonburi period, King Taksin the Great visited the temple after suppressing a rebellion in Suang Kburi and paid homage to the sacred relics of Cheliang. Historically, this temple has served as the site for the ritual bathing of new monarchs before their ascension to the throne.

The Twin Chapels are located to the left of the Phra Attharasa Chapel and are constructed from laterite. Inside, two stucco Buddha statues in the attitude of subduing Mara sit on a pedestal. These statues are beautiful examples of Sukhothai art. According to local legend, the head of the smaller statue, or the one in front, was removed by the Fine Arts Department and replaced with a replica. In recent years, vandals have damaged the statue by breaking off one of its fingers.

The temple wall is made of large, round laterite stones arranged in a rectangular shape.

The main prang of the temple is built of laterite, plastered and painted with red lacquer. The architectural style is classified as early Ayutthaya period, estimated by art historians to be around 1474 AD. Inside the prang, there is a small, unopened lotus-shaped stupa, which appears to have been built over something. It is believed to contain important objects for worship. The locals call it "the heart of the Buddha".

The front of the building features a steep staircase leading to the ordination hall. Below the stairs, a relief depicts a goddess seated within a frame. The lower niche showcases a dancing apsara figure.

A high-angle view from the top of the prang.

Despite its height, the cat can still climb up and sleep on its back.

Historically, the interior housed valuables such as Buddha statues, gems, rings, silver, and gold, all of which have since been lost or stolen. A secret passage leads from the top of the pagoda to the ground below, constructed to allow the king to escape enemy threats.

The chapel is located in front of the viharn. The temple has recently renovated the entire building, building over the original chapel. The laterite foundation behind the chapel is still visible. The pair of slate sema stones around the boundary wall are also considered to be ancient. The boundary wall of this chapel is believed to have been brought from the old Sukhothai city because it is similar to the patterns found in abundance in Sukhothai. In addition, Si Satchanalai city does not have slate sources of this type.

Inside the church.

Luang Pho Dhammakak, an ancient Buddha statue in the posture of bestowing blessings, is believed to have been created before the Sukhothai period. It is widely believed to be sacred in the matter of oaths, with sworn oaths often coming to fruition. Behind Luang Pho is a large Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, an ancient Buddha statue that has been restored with plaster, molded, and gilded, resulting in a radiant golden hue.

After exploring the ancient city to your heart's content, why not indulge in some traditional noodles? Head to Khao Phip Yai Krung Restaurant, the original establishment. Don't miss it when you're in Sukhothai! Located approximately 69 kilometers from the Historical Park in Ban Na Ton Chan, Tambon Ban Tuek, Si Satchanalai District, immerse yourself in the atmosphere and flavors.

The grandmother's traditional Thai house is very beautiful. It has giants in front, which are very beautiful.

Grandma Krueng, the inventor of the original "Kway Teow Phra Ruang" or "Khao Phip", is a delicious local dish. Grandma was the first to use this name for the noodles about 40 years ago. She is now over 70 years old. Grandma is still strong, bright, and has a very sweet voice.

Nestled amidst towering banana trees, the restaurant offers a shaded and tranquil dining experience.

Khao Phip is a type of noodle dish with a preparation method similar to Khao Kriab Pak Mor. A thin cotton cloth is stretched over a clay pot filled with boiling water. Rice flour batter is then poured onto the cloth, and the steam from the boiling water cooks the batter quickly. The noodles and vegetables are wrapped together in the style of Khao Kriab Pak Mor ("phip" in the northern Thai language means "fold"). Boiled eggs, roasted pork, and broth are added to the noodles.

The "gwai tiao ba" was delicious. It resembled "gwai tiao haeng" (dry noodles), but the noodles were steamed instead of boiled. I understand that this was done in the past to preserve the noodles for longer. It came with ground peanuts, pickled vegetables, crispy pork, and bean sprouts. A squeeze of lime added a refreshing touch. My daughter loved it so much that two plates were barely enough.

Mi-phan, a snack.

Full and satisfied, let's end the trip here and go to explore the city again, okay?^^

Please follow our small travel page Fun Trip ^^