Note: The UNESCO park of Si Satchanalai lies about 14 km from the town of Si Satchanalai.
About Si Satchanalai
Si Satchanalai, literally 'city of good people', is a district in the north of Sukhothai province and, together with Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological park surrounds an old town on the Yom River and is quieter than Sukhothai. Well known is Wat Chang Lom, where a large chedi is carried by a row of elephants, and Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo with its rows of towers. On the hill stands Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng with views over the park. In the surroundings Sawankhalok ceramics were once fired. You can best explore the park by bicycle. Si Satchanalai suits anyone wanting a quiet day among ruins, or a side trip from Sukhothai. The park lies roughly an hour's drive north of Sukhothai, and you can see the main ruins in half a day, even if you include the hill with the view.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: cool and dry, with chilly mornings in the hills. From February to April smoke and haze from agricultural burning can limit visibility; June to October is the rainy season, green and quiet. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Sukhothai by bus or songthaew (about 1 hour, roughly 55 km); bicycles or a tuk-tuk are handy in the park. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Si Satchanalai
- Wat Chang Lom A large chedi with a row of elephants around its base.
- Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo A temple with rows of chedis from the Sukhothai period.
- Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng A hilltop temple with views over the park.
- Sawankhalok ceramics Famous ceramics were once fired in the surroundings.
Si Satchanalai on the map
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