UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Northern Thailand in 3 Days – day 3
Si Satchanalai Historical Park, which literally means “City of Good People”, contains the ruins of the ancient town of Si Satchanalai, an important town in the Sukhothai Kingdom. It was built during the 13th to 17th centuries by the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya empires. Along with Sukhothai Historical Park and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Thailand. So next morning, when the same motorbike taxi driver came to take me to the park. I asked him to take me around the ruins of Si Satchanalai Historical Park followed by drop at the Sawankhalok bus station from where I will take my bus back home in Phitsanulok.
Highlights of the Day
- Wats of Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
The park opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm.
Each zone charges an admission fee of 100 ฿.
The two important zones are:
- Central Zone: Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng and other temples
- Chaliang Zone: Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang, Wat Chom Chuen, Wat Chao Chan
There are few more ruins in the North and South zones that you could miss.
Temples of the Park
Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo: The name means “Temple with Seven Rows of Chedis.” I found this temple very attractive with many monuments differently styled.
Wat Nang Phaya: The name of this particular Wat means “Monastery of the Queen.” It has a principal Singhalese style chedi standing on an elevated platform, though its striking feature is the well preserved Ayutthaya style plastered reliefs on a section of the viharn’s wall.
Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng: The name of the temple means “Holy Fire Mountain Temple.” I was really tired crossing so many stairs, 150 to be precise, to check the temple at the top.
Wat Chang Lom: This is a 14th century temple meaning “Temple Surrounded by Elephants,” very similar to Wat Sorasak of Sukhothai Historical Park and Wat Chang Rob of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
I climbed up the stairs to enjoy the great view of the park from the second tier.
Temples of Chaliang Zone
The temples of Chaliang zone – I have heard – are very beautiful and are dated back Khmer era. They are very important temples of the park that I have missed visiting in the park due to lack of time (I had to go back to my home at Phitsanulok by noon – sorry!), so I would add their details next time I visit the park.
Let’s Wrap It Up
After the beautiful ride in and around the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, the motorbike taxi driver dropped me at Sawankhalok bus station. It is not exactly a bus station but just a spot from where buses to Phitsanulok depart. A bus ticket costs around 130 ฿. I grabbed some food for breakfast and got in the bus that left at 10 AM from Sawankhalok. It stopped at Sukhothai bus station at around 10.45 AM and finally reached Phitsanulok before noon. I took a taxi ride back home.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 3 in Thailand – Si Satchanalai.
- Si Satchanalai to Phitsanulok: 50
- Getting around: 40
- Entrance fee to the park: 200
- Motorbike Taxi in the park: 250
- Food: 185
- Miscellaneous: 25
Total expense (roughly): 750 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Northern Thailand in 3 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
I’m always mesmerised by temples and Buddhist statues ?
I love ’em too!
A distinctive set of temples in a beautiful woodland setting. Most Thailand posts tend to focus on the coastal scenery, and with good reason of course. But it has been refreshing to read up on this all the same 🙂
I am glad you liked it. I try to showcase the other side of Thailand too to my readers.
I visited quite a few Buddha parks and temple ruins through my time in South East Asia, some were mesmeric with the giant stone statues and intimidating ruins but I don’t think I got up to this one. Reading through this post I’ve made note to make sure I visit it next time I go to Thailand. I can imagine walking up those 150 steps can really take it toll on your legs haha.
Hahahahhaa you can do it totally!
these temples looks stunning…and thailand is so cheap…thsi reakdown of cost always help in chosing the place…have bookmarked this post for our next visit to Thailand..Great photos between..
Yes they are not so expensive. Thanks.
These temples look fantastic! I love exploring temples too, especially the historical ones and these ones seem centuries old! I love how you always share the cost of visiting the places you talk about, it gives a lot of clarity on what to expect if one visits. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, these are ruins actually. So pretty!
It’s wonderful to read about how many temples there are in Thailand! I love all the intricate details on the temples, and the names are so poignant too.
I am in love with the architecture of the temples here.
I’ve never been to Thailand – but I know that it’s a really beautiful country. Several of my friends have been there and all say it’s amazing, these photos are definitely testament to that x
I agree.
150 steps shouldn’t be so bad but I mean that is a lot of walking plus the humidity in Asia sure doesn’t help!
It’s fine, actually.
How much time would you recommend for this historical park? It looks like there are heaps of different areas to visit and observe, so not something to rush through. Would love to see those monuments. And I’d totally head up the 150 steps!
4 hours to explore nicely!
I would love to explore these temples in Thailand. It would be interesting to see the different styles.
Yes, indeed.
I’ve never been to Thailand but I love visiting UNESCO sites. I hope to get there one day. These temples look so pretty!
You must visit Thailand, Sara.
It’s always fascinating visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Good job on climbing all those stairs to see the Holy Fire Mountain Temple. I’ve never been to this area of Thailand and would like to make the visit someday.
This is a very interesting place of Thailand.
You always seem to find authentic experiences where traditional tourists don’t seem to find. I love that. Thanks for highlighting these beautiful temples and how best to experience them.
Glad to know that you liked it, Nicole.
Si Satchanalai is one of my favorite parks in Thailand but I never got enough time to write about it. I think you covered all important aspects of visiting this UNESCO heritage sight.
Great to know that, Daniel.
When I travel and visit some landmark or temple , I like to know what I am seeing and you just managed to make a quick overview of the different temples. Great indeed! I also liked your breakdown of costs – I find it really useful and goes to show how affordable seeing Thailand is.
Thanks Adele.
I visited Ayutthaya back in 2013. That was my first visit to Thailand. Today, Thailand is the county I’ve visited the most outside of North America!
Oh, nice to know.
Wow, that’s a lot of temples concentrated in an area. I quite like the architecture of Buddhist temples and the one with the elephants around it looks really nice. You’ve done such an extensive visit in Thailand, I love how detailed and informative your posts are.
Thanks Medha for appreciating always.