Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 928

Around Sukhothai
Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park
Set amid rolling mountains 56km north of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Chaliang were a
later extension of the Sukhothai empire. The 13th- to 15th-century ruins in the historical
park are in the same basic style as those in Sukhothai Historical Park, but the setting is
more rural and covers a 720-hectare area.
The Si Satchanalai zone (admission 100B, plus car 50B; 8am-5pm) contains the vast majority
of ruins. An information centre ( 8.30am-5pm) distributes free park maps and has a small
historical exhibit. Bikes (30B) can be rented near the entrance gate. Wat Chedi Jet Thaew
has seven rows of stupas in classic Sukhothai style. Wat Chang Lom has a chedi surrounded
by Buddha statues set in niches and guarded by the fine remains of elephant buttresses.
Climb to the top of the hill supporting Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng for a view over the town
and river.
Head east along the riverside for 2km to Chaliang , where you'll find Wat Phra Si Ratana
Mahathat (admission 20B; 8am-4.30pm) , a very impressive temple with well-preserved
chedi and a variety of seated and standing Buddhas.
The third zone, which stretches 5km north of Si Satchanalai, is home to more than 200
kilns . Several of the old kilns have been carefully excavated and can be viewed along with
original pottery samples at the Si Satchanalai Centre for Study & Preservation of Sangkhalok
Kilns (admission 100B; 8.30am-5pm) .
The ruins can be visited as a day trip from Sukhothai.
Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park is off Rte 101 between Sawankhalok and Ban
Hat Siaw. From New Sukhothai, take a Si Satchanalai bus (46B, 1½ hours, 11am) or one
of three buses to Chiang Rai (46B) at 6.40am, 9am and 11.30am, and ask to get off at
'meuang gòw' (old city). The last bus back to New Sukhothai leaves at 4.30pm.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chiang Rai
053 / POP 67,000