Si Satchanalai Historical Park

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The next day I hired a motorbike and rode for an hour through the Thai countryside of lush corn fields, rice paddies and banana plantations to Si Satchanalai Historical Park (SSHP). It was a very relaxing ride and a great break from the bustling town of Mae Sot.

SSHP is located in Si Satchanalai district, about one hour north of Sukhothai by car. It is also listed as a World Heritage site and considered the sister city to Sukhothai. SSHP is less visited then Sukhothai Historical Park but is just as beautiful, if not more tranquil because of its forest and remote location. It offers similar Sukhothai era temples and monuments located inside and outside the city walls. Structures inside the walls include:
•Wat Chang Lom - located in the centre of SSHP. The most important historic building at this temple is the main chedi in Sri Lankan Style. The base of the temple consists of sculptures of elephants, 39 elephants surround the temple.
•Wat Chedi Jet Thaew - located opposite Wat Chang Lom, contains 7 rows of chedis reflecting various art styles, including Sri Lankan, Pagan ad Srivijaya styles.
•Wat Nang Phaya - Sri Lankan style

Those outside the walls include:
•Wat Phra Si Ratanamanhathat
•Wat Chao Chan

I liked this Park more than Sukhothai Historical Park, perhaps because it is less visited and more tranquil. The ride to Satchanalai is also relaxing and gives you a better insight into rural Thailand.

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Photos

Looking out on the view from Wat Khao Suwan Khin
Mum this is what I was climbing when you rang!