Five must-see temples at the Sukhothai World Heritage Site
As a former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, the ruins and relics that remain from that period are wonderful sights to behold. While much of Sukhothai's historical areas have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is the temples in particular that stand out. With so many temples to appreciate, it is perhaps easiest to start off with this top five list of temples in Sukhothai and see where they lead you.
Wat Mahathat
Translating to "great relic", Wat Mahathat is Sukhothai's biggest temple, and perhaps its most famous, located inside the UNESCO designated Sukhothai Historical Park. Situated inside the massive Royal Palace grounds, Wat Mahathat is surrounded by a moat and comprised of beautiful pagodas, lotus bud towers, and large Buddha statues. Wat Mahathat is believed to have been established in the 13th century, and was likely the most important religious monument in Sukhothai, due to the number of monuments in and around the temple. The artwork found in parts of Wat Mahathat indicate Singalese and Burmese influences.
Wat Sa Si
While all of the temples are certainly picturesque, the location of Wat Sa Si in the middle of a pond makes for a uniquely stunning view. Also in Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Sa Si is delicately balanced on a small island in the middle of Traphang Trakuan pond, and can be accessed by a small bridge. One of the most interesting statues at Wat Sa Si is that of the Walking Buddha, a typical image from the Sukhothai era.
Wat Chang Lom
One of the most unique looking temples, Wat Chang Lom literally translates to "temple surrounded by elephants", appropriate, considering it is held up by 36 elephantine buttresses. Wat Chang Lom is not in the Sukhothai Historical Park, but is only a few hundred meters outside the Sukhothai city walls, so it is easily accessible and certainly worth a visit.
Wat Saphan Hin
Situated at the top of a hill, Wat Saphan Hin offers some marvelous views of Sukhothai, and is widely considered to possess one of the most beautiful Buddha images: the Phra Attharot Buddha. A small stone pathway leads visitors to this beautiful temple and 12.5m high Buddha, a natural attraction for visitors. Wat Saphan Hin is situated a short distance west of Sukhothai city.
Wat Si Chum
Although Wat Si Chum is located about a kilometre and a half from Sukhothai Historical Park, it is absolutely worthwhile visiting. Wat Si Chum temple is home to a very large seated Buddha ( measuring 15m high!). You definitely do not want to miss an opportunity to have this massive Buddha staring down at you. Translating to "temple of the bodhi tree", Wat Si Chum is surrounded by a moat, and its giant Buddha is surrounded by a square brick Mandala building. There is also a passageway filled with ornate engraved slabs that leads to a hidden stairway that takes you to the roof of the structure.
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