Family visit: the temples of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park

Thailand The North: Mountains and Traditions S And Satchanalai

Update

18/03/2026

By Romain

This day we went a little further north, towards the historical park of Si Satchanalai, about 50km from Sukhothai. The main part is slightly smaller but it is nevertheless worth the detour.

The walk can be done quietly in half a day. To start we headed towards the furthest temple (located on a piece of land where the river forms a loop around it), its name… Wat Mahatat, does this name mean anything to you? Normal it is the same name as the main temple of the Sukhothai park that we had just visited the day before… if the name is common, the architecture and the general appearance are very different. The entrance is paid…

The big one watches over the little Buddha.

Just as I was returning to the car I was about to get in when I saw this woman with her cute, smiling little man. Without further ado I took out the camera again and took this little series.

Next, going back to the main part of the park, Wat Chao Chan and another one right next door whose name I forgot (unless it's part of the same one, according to the map...) You have to take an alley (barely 100m) which seems to go into a village but in fact goes towards the temple and the river.

Here too, only the remains of Buddha can be seen.

Rather well preserved, this one has a whole standing part with its roof and its Buddha inside.

Despite this, the said Buddha lost his face...

A little further, 2 monkeys in a cage just opposite Wat Khok Sing Karam.

This also serves as a playground... apparently for the national sport of sepak takraw (a sort of volleyball with the feet, very impressive when it comes to competition in particular http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4a9l4_sepak-takraw-championnat-du-monde_news )

I don't know what it was, it covered a lot of the ground in the corner, it looked like cotton.

We are now at the main part of the Si Satchanalai park, here Wat Chang Lom, this is the only photo I took since I considered that I had taken enough last time, the same for the temple opposite, Wat Chedi Chet Theo.

Elephants were present for the Songkran festivities.

At the top of these steps is Wat Khao Phnom Pleung as well as Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, both located at the top of a small hill (Khao meaning hill in Thai) I don't have any photos either for the same reasons mentioned above.

Just near where I parked was also Wat Utthayan Noi, the park is relatively "visitable" on foot in a day, apart from the heat... because everything is grouped together, by bike would be ideal.

This one also has a good part still standing.

And still with his Buddha, but who has lost his head…

The kids were running around in circles.

Oh no, I actually have 2 photos of this temple.

"He passed this way, he will pass that way again"

On the little train, the express visit for lazy Thais who don't even get out of their chairs to visit the temples in more "depth".

It smells like Songkran is about to start!

While waiting for my parents to come back from their little tour on the hill, I'm going to visit the few temples that I haven't seen yet. While I'm at it, here I am behind Wat Chedi Chet Taew, namely Wat Nang Phaya.

The only wall still standing, rare enough to protect it a little with a roof.

Part of the surrounding wall partially surrounding the main park.

My parents came back from their little tour, telling me that I missed something because there are lots of birds... yes I know I've already been there, I'll even show you a place down below where you can see them, from here you can see the chedi of Wat Khao Phnom Pleung.

There are several dead birds lying around, this one in particular looks badly damaged.

After the birds, it's the elephants' turn (well, not to die).

Right on the same river as the temple when we arrived this morning.

Roman

When I discovered Thailand in 2006, I certainly didn't expect to settle down there 2 years later! Since then, I've been based in Bangkok and regularly travel throughout the country (especially in the north!). I share my stories, photos, and tips to help plan your trip to Thailand and other Asian countries. This blog is for anyone who wants to discover the land of smiles, who's looking for a bit of adventure, and those who dream of Asia.

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