Si Satchanalai-chaliang Historical Park Travel Guide
Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park is a quiet alternative to Sukothai Historical Park in Sukhothai Province. It's a surreal kind of place set within low-lying hills pockmarked with ancient ruins from the rich Sukothai period.
- What is It?
- Definitely, if you are into temple architecture and ancient Thailand.
- When to Go
- Year round but November through March for the pleasantest weather.
- Nearest Town
- Sawankhalok; a 30-minute bus ride south.
- Don't Miss
- exploring by bicycle and the park's viewpoint.
- Trivia
- Si Satchanalai was renamed during the Phra Ruang Dynasty.
It is located about 60kms north of Sukothai in the lower part of northern Thailand and boasts UNESCO World Heritage status, like its larger neighbor. More than 200 temples and monuments have been rediscovered within the park. Entrances fees are a lot less than Sukothai Historical Park and it is less busy, adding to its appeal.
A major attraction within Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, or Wat Phra Prang, which is a large historic royal temple complex a few kilometers outside the ancient city's walls.
The small road heading north from Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park features many kilns where all types of ceramics are churned out. There is also a small museum out this way complete with ancient kilns. Si Satchanalai National Park is another noteworthy attraction in the region.
Travel to Si Satchanalai-chaliang Historical Park - Getting There
Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park is a bit out of the way and best visited by hire car or motorbike. Simply follow Highway 101 north from Sukhothai, via Sawankhalok, and then follow the signs. Sukothai is less than an hour's flying time from Bangkok and is 1 hour by road from Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park. The nearest train station is in Phitsanulok to the east of Sukhothai.
