An overview
Published/Last edited or updated: 18th June, 2016
The ruins of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang include a central historical park along with a couple of outlying archaeological sites and related attractions set near tranquil villages. While not quite as impressive as the ruins found in Sukhothai, Si Satch’s ruins can make for a more rewarding experience thanks to a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. Read on to make the most of them.
You can pay 220 baht for a combined ticket to the central historical park plus the archaeological site at Chaliang’s Wat Chom Chuen and the Thuriang kilns. Each of these cost 100 baht if paying separately, while Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat charges its own 20 baht entrance fee in Chaliang.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park The actual historical park mainly covers the ruins of Si Satchanalai, a name that was coined when the Sukhothai kingdom took over in the mid-1200s. Most of the sites found here, including Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Chang Lom and a pair of hilltop temples, were constructed during the Sukhothai period on land that was probably forest or farm when the Khmer were based at Chaliang. The park opened in 1988 and became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991.
Located within the confines of the ancient city walls, the park’s central section also has several smaller sites spread over a tree-lined area free of motorised traffic. Two hours is enough to see all of the highlights here, though you could easily lose half a day if you prefer to take it slowly. Less than a kilometre further west off Highway 1201, the park also oversees several minor sites, including Wat Phaya Dam, which are free ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 700 words.)
Please sign in to read the rest of this page. The full text is around 700 words.
Log in nowChoose from a free two-day pass right through to a lifetime membership.
Find out more Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.
Our top 8 other sights and activities in and around Si Satchanalai
Don’t miss it
Stunning statues
A glimpse of the distant past
Ancient ceramics centre
The elephant temple
Twin hilltop ruins
An outlying site
Echoes of the Bayon