If you’re planning a trip to Sukhothai, you must visit Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Sawai. Alternatively, you may want to take a look at Wat Phra Phai Luang. In Sukhothai, there are plenty of options for temples, from those of the royal family to the more popular temples of the city. Read on to find out which temples are worth a visit!
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat in Sukhothay is the largest and most impressive temple complex within the walled city. The temple complex is a must-see for any Sukhothai traveler. Built in the 13th century, it is famous for its huge Buddha image. It is surrounded by four walls, and a narrow passageway runs up the left wall to a carved opening near the Buddha’s head. Legend has it that the king once spoke to his soldiers through this small opening.
The complex was completed during the 13th century and was once the administrative and royal capital of Sukhothai Kingdom. Today, it is one of the largest ruins in Sukhothai Historical Park. The moat water is a reflection of the ruins behind, and was thought to be the outer wall of the universe. The temple complex consists of the Mai Chedi, a huge red brick stupa, and an ordination hall. There are also four large chedi in each corner of the complex.
The Wat Mahathat temple is surrounded by a moat and brick walls. Inside, you’ll find numerous chedis, viharns, and ubosot, all of which reflect various architectural styles. You’ll find information on the Sukhothai empire’s founding and development. Its location near a pair of small ponds makes it a convenient location for tourists.
Sukhothai is also known for the National Park. Sukhothai is a city of good people, and its name means the city of the good. A car is recommended for exploring the park, but bicycles can also be rented and enjoyed by visitors. Wat Mahathat is located within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and hotels. It’s also close to King Ramkhamhaeng Monument, which honors the illustrious king of the Sukhothai dynasty.
Another important feature
Another important feature of Wat Mahathat in Sukhothais is its stupa. This temple has 24 elephant niches and is the first stupa to have a Lanka style design. It also features a small vihara that features laterite pillars. The statue of the Buddha was found by archaeologists in the 1960s. Afterward, it was reconstructed and became the prototype for other temples in the city.
If you have time to spare, you should visit Wat Mahathat in Sukhotha, which is located in the Sukhothai Historical Park. It is a must-see in Sukhothai. The pagoda in this temple is shaped like a khao bin bud, and its architecture is a beautiful example of Sukhothai art. The temple is surrounded by eight pagodas, and has around 200 different chedis, wihans, and Buddha images. The temple used to house the largest bronze Buddha image in Thailand, but it has been moved to Wat Suthat.
The architecture of Sukhothai is highly unusual. The ruins of the city are framed by a mountain range. A large reservoir outside of the city is thought to have been built nearby. The water from this reservoir flowed through the Sao Ho canal into Sukhothai. Eventually, this reservoir is now used for irrigation. You can find a large Buddha footprint inside the temple.
Wat Si Sawai
Located 350 metres south of Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai is a temple that is decorated in a Khmer style. Three large prangs stand in the centre of the temple, representing the Hindu trinity. The temple’s interior is decorated with stucco depicting Hindu figures and garudas, guardians of the temple, and naga serpents. The sculptures are over 1,000 years old.
There is also a small temple called Wat Sa Si, situated in a lake. It is a few hundred meters northwest of Wat Mahathat. One of Sukhothai’s most beautiful temples, Wat Sa Si is home to a Stupa in the style of Lanka, an ordination hall, and a small island with a statue of the Buddha.
To reach the park’s historical sites, you’ll need to pay a 100 THB entrance fee, which includes free roaming in the park. The park contains several interesting points of interest, including a reconstructed Thai village, a temple, and a museum of local art. While visiting the historic park, make sure to bring insect repellent, because mosquitoes are extremely active at night.
The area surrounding the temple is very beautiful and reminiscent of Khmer architecture. There are several large temples and pagodas in the park, including Wat Phai Luang. The largest and most beautiful temple, Wat Si Sawai, is south of the Wat Mahathat. The temple is surrounded by green trees and has a small moat. There are also some caves within the temple grounds that are safe to explore by flashlight.
To get to the temple from the Old City
To get to the temple from the Old City, you can take a Song Taew, which is a vintage bus with a sign of Sukhothai’s Old City on the top. The journey takes about one hour and costs 30 THB per person. You can pay the driver when you get off the bus at the Sukhothai Historical Park. If you have a bicycle, you can rent it for about 50 THB in Sukhothai and take it to Wat Si Sawai.
The Sukhothai temple’s stupa is shaped like a closed lotus flower. The temple is built on a laterite base with five brick levels. The stupa contains a Buddha image in four niches, one in each of the four cardinal directions. The ordination hall, located on a small island in the middle of a lake, lies east of the main stupa. The ordination hall was separated from the rest of the temple, but is still visible today. The ruined walls show fragments of columns and foundation bricks. One of the Buddha images is seated and the ordination hall has dozens of smaller ones.
Nearby the Ramkhamhaeng Monument is Wat Chedi Si Hong. This temple was constructed in the late 14th century and is surrounded by an Ayutthaya-period building. It is 19 x 25 meters and has a small porch to the east. It is also adorned with Buddha statues. Wat Si Sawai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sukhothai.
Wat Phra Phai Luang
This temple dates back to the Khmer era and is located in Sukhothai Historical Park. It is the second most important temple in the city after Wat Mahathat. Built by King Jayavarman VII, this temple was once the spiritual center of Sukhothai. Its three laterite prangs, or spires, were carved in a unique style that combines Khmer and European architecture.
This monument is also home to a Buddha image in the posture of a Naga. This large stone carving represents the Buddha in a meditative position. The Buddha image is said to be in the posture of a Naga prok. The temple also contains the remains of a royal cremation. The Sukhothai royal family was devoted Buddhists and held Brahmin ceremonies in their court.
The massive outer moat surrounding Wat Phra Phai Luang dates from the 12th century. Its central zone features three Khmer-style towers and may have been the city’s center when it was ruled by the Khmers of Angkor. It is important to note that the original name of this temple is Wat Phra Phai Luang, though the current English spelling is more accurate.
The main grouping of buildings in the temple complex features a reclining Buddha at the eastern end. Next to the mondop is the main prayer hall. The mondop has four monumental Buddha images on each side. It is surrounded by three large Khmer style prangs, including one that is mostly intact and has intricate details. These ruins are a wonderful example of Sukhothai architecture.
The architecture of this temple
The architecture of this temple is equally stunning. The temple is a soaring, 15.6-meter-high structure with many smaller stupas surrounding it. A small pathway leads to the stairs and to the mandapa. Along the way, there are 500 slate inscriptions. They are now located in the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum in Sukhothai.
The Wat Si Sawai temple, which was founded in the late 12th century, is another impressive monument to visit in Sukhothai. This temple was the site of the Thiruppavai ceremony that preceded the Sukhothai kingdom’s foundation and Lawo’s liberation. It has three well-preserverite prangs, a cella, and a podium for the lingam.
The historical park also contains Wat Traphang Thong, the largest temple in Sukhothai. The only active monastic community in Sukhothai is here. It is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Its ruins are the ideal location for a romantic walk. In addition, the Wat Traphang Thong temple is located on an island in the Traphang-Trakuan Lake, just east of Wat Mahathat.
Before the 13th century, the city was ruled by the Tai kingdom. Theravada Buddhism was the predominant religion, and Sukhothai ascended to power through its own kings. In 1298, the Thai king, Ramkhamhaeng, was succeeded by his son Loe Thai. In 1321, the Mon state broke away from Sukhothai and was absorbed by the Lanna kingdom. The Thai people, however, continued to live in Sukhothai.
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