T h a i T h a i: Si Satchanalai

Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo

Si Satchanalai Historical Park in Sukhothai Province is 55 km north of Sukhothai and 550 km away from Bangkok, with impressive sights in a tranquil setting. When we went there on a weekday afternoon, there were no other tourists around, even quieter than Sukhothai Historical Park. Just imagine the possibility of almost having a large park filled with ancient temple ruins to yourself!

We thought it was totally worth the hour-long 50-baht bus ride from Sukhothai — most of the temple ruins can be explored in half a day, although arriving earlier is a good way to avoid the afternoon heat and see the ruins at a more relaxed pace.

♘ Find out how to get there by bus! ♘

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How to get to Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai

To get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park, catch an air-conditioned bus to Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai Bus Terminal's Bus Stop #15 at 6:30 am, 9 am or 12:30 pm. If you don't want to take the bus, you can rent a motorbike for 200 baht and follow the map.

⇦ Si Satchanalai's Muang Kao bus stop

tourist map

The bus stop is 3 km away from Si Satchanalai Historical Park, a 12-minute bike ride. At the shop right behind the bus stop, you can rent a bicycle for 40 baht (or 20 baht at the shop across the street).

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How to get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park

wooden suspension bridge

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang

Enter through the gate next to the bus stop and ride across a wooden suspension bridge. Within 3 minutes, you'll arrive at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Chaliang, an impressive Khmer style temple complex constructed in 1237 (admission: 20 baht).

With the temple on your left, keep on riding for a couple of minutes (400 meters east) and you'll see signs for Wat Chom Cheun Archaeological Excavation Pit and Wat Chao Chan on your left (admission: 100 baht, 8 am- 5 pm).

Another 7 minutes riding down the same road will take you to Si Satchanalai Historical Park where most of the temple ruins are (admission: 100 baht, 8:30 am- 5 pm).

There are English signs directing you to the sights. It's very easy to cycle since the area has barely any traffic and is mostly flat, with the exception of some slopes. There are shops scattered around so you can buy food and drinks. Make sure you have enough water as it can be very hot.

ticket booth

informative pamphlet & tickets

clear signs in English

→ Sukhothai–Si Satchanalai bus | Si Satchanalai Historical Park | Elephant Parade | top ↑

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

Wat Chang Lom has 39 large broken elephant statues on each side of the chedi's base.

Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo contains 33 different-style chedis.

walk your bike up a slope to Wat Khao Suwan Khiri

hilltop Wat Khao Suwan Khiri

→ Sukhothai–Si Satchanalai bus | How to get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park | Elephant Parade | top ↑

Haat Siao Elephant Parade on April 7^th

Si Satchanalai Elephant Back Ordination Procession is a festival that involves elephant parades! It takes place every year on April 7^th in Haat Siao, 14 km past Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Locals sing & dance to live band processions ahead of the multicolored elephants. The sunglasses-donning guys on elephant-back dressed in equally colorful clothing are monks-to-be, with shaved heads under their fancy hats.

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