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Si Satchanalai Historical Park
The Park is located on the bank of Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai.
The ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chailang," was named "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang Dynasty when new administrative center was established to replace Chaliang.
Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the parks.
Chanasongkhram City Gate at the southern
Si Satchanalai, the other historical site, is only 55 kilometers from the town of Sukhothai.
The location of an ancient community and covering over 2,000 rai of land, Si Satchanalai had the
status of "Muang Luk Luang", as it was ruled by the son of a king. In 20th century, when Sukhothai
was ruled by Ayutthaya,
Si Satchanalai assumed the lower status of "Muang Phaya Mahanakorn" and was known as "Muang Sawankaloke".
Wat Suan Kaew Utayan Yai
Within the town walls of the old Si Satchanalai were Royal palaces and residences of court officials,
as well temples, while the townspeople built their homes outside the walls, specifically along the eastern wall
which curved along the bank of the Yom River. Moats surrounded the laterite walls and the forts, and altogether
there were seven entrances into the enclosed town.
Just inside the northern wall were Phanom Plerng Mountain and Suwankiri Mountain, which is noted
for a large Sri Lankan-style pagoda on its top. At the center of the town were four significant temples :
Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Ched Thaew, Wat Suan Kaew Utayan Yai, and
Wat Nag Phraya.
Si Satchanalai architecture reflects a combination of Khmer, Sri Lankan and Thai styles. Historical
records show that King Lithai was deeply interested in Buddhism. When he toop up residence in
Si Satchanalai in 1345, he wrote "Trai Phum Phraruang," a book of Buddhist philosophy. Thus, the
Sri Lankan and Thai architecture of that period.
A journey to the old town of Si Satchanalai does not give only the pleasure of seeing old magnificent
ruins. The art, the values, and the religious convictions of our ancestors have made themselves felt in everything
that is left at the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. They are ancient records of the past that have a lot to tell about
the glory of the Sukhothai Kingdod.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily between 8.30-16.30 hrs. Travelling to the park is by taking Highway No.101 to Km.64, turn left and crossing the bridge over the River Yom, then turn right for another 2 kms.
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Si Satchanalai National Park
Originally called Pa Kha (a cogon field), the park covers a very vast stretch of cogon field with various natural attractions such as Namtok Tat Duan, Namtok Tat Dao, Namtok Sai Khao, Namtok Thara Wa san, Pong Duat (a boiling spring), and Tham Khang Khao (bots). It is situated 45 kms. from Amphoe Si Satchanalai on Highway No.1201 to Ban Nong O, turn right to Ban Sarachit then take Ban Kaeng-Ban Pak Kayang-Ban Pa Kha route till reaching the park's office.
Accommodations within the park available at National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. 5790529, 5794842.
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