Arguably the most impressive site in Si Satchanalai, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is layered with Mon, Khmer and Thai religious artistry, and is today an active royal-grade Theravada Buddhist temple set at the end of an oxbow in the Yom River -- don’t let the slightly out-of-the-way location keep you from coming.
Also known as Wat Phra Borommathat Chaliang or Wat Phra Phrang, the temple is usually referred to simply as Wat Phra Si. The considerable presence of Khmer-style art hints that it could have been established as early as the 11th century, and it may have been a Dvaravati religious site even earlier. With the Yom flowing past to the east before looping back west, the land would have been seen as a suitable location for a sacred shrine or temple.
The main affair at Wat Phra Si. Photo: David Luekens
Delicate apsaras and other carvings join four striking faces representing the Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva Avolokitesvara on a small tower above the front gate. A much larger Khmer-style corncob-shaped prang stands just beyond the gate and is in fantastic condition.
A large Sukhothai-style Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture sits on the base of a wihaan that fronts the prang -- it was added around the 14th century when Sukhothai kings transformed a number of ancient Khmer-style sites into Thai Theravada temples. Elegant Sukhothai-style walking Buddha images are placed on either side of the wihaan’s laterite walls.
Offerings between the feet. Photo: David Luekens
The oddball of the complex is a Mon-style chedi with a massive base made of laterite bricks and a broken upper section -- it appears to be the great grandpa of Wat Phra Si’s many attributes. It sits alone surrounded by a lawn between the temple’s largest section around the prang and a second area out back with a few more ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
David Luekens.
Last updated on 18th June, 2016.
How to get there
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is located three kilometres east of Si Satchanalai Historical Park at the far eastern end of the riverside lane, in ancient Chaliang. It’s a separate attraction overseen by the active temple community. Admission is 20 baht.
Location map for Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
Popular attractions in Si Satchanalai
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Si Satchanalai.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Si Satchanalai.
Read up on where to eat on Si Satchanalai.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Si Satchanalai.
Read up on how to get to Si Satchanalai, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Si Satchanalai? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.