Wat Si Sawai — Attraction in Sukhothai Province

Located within the historical park in the compact city of Sukhothai, this temple is but one of a number of well maintained and signed buildings date back to when this was the first capital of what is modern Thailand. It is possible to spend many hours visiting a the structures in the very photogenic park. Getting around on foot will be only for the dedicated walker but there is an hop on hop off bus service, bicycle rental as well as the very entertaining self drive electric tuk tuks. Even the security guards and tourist police are very friendly.

In addition to the temples there are modern monuments and a very nicely set up museum all within the park. The Ramkanhaeng Museum is both an air conditioned respite from the heat but also stocked with beautiful items going back centuries. Well worth spending time to...

Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai, the temple was founded in the late 12th or early 13th century as a Hindu shrine to Vishnu and the site of the Thiruppavai ceremony. The temple is enclosed by a double rampart and a moat. Striking are the three well-preserved laterite prangs representing the Hindu Trinity. The lower parts are of Khmer origin, while the upper part is of Thai make. Each prang contains a cella, possibly a stage for a lingam or statue, and a crypt. Around the 14th century the temple was adapted to the Buddhist faith: the vihara was added to the south of the...

A classic temple with Khmer influence. Originally it was built as a Hindu temple but was transformed into a Buudhist temple later. There are classic architectural styles of the Angkor periods with the maize lie prang (spire) adorned with The mythical nagas and celestial beings. Images of Buddha are carved into the niches on the prang reflecting the mingling of two religions. It's boundary wall is constructed out of laterite. The same material used in some Khmer temples around the Angkor areas in Siem Reap. Definitely a beautiful...