Sukhothai - TourismThailand.org - Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Wat Si Sawai������������� Situated 350 metres south of Wat Mahathat
is Wat Si Sawai. The highlight of this temple is the 3 Lop Buri-style
stupas. These corn-shaped stupas are quite slim with certain parts of its
stucco relief décor on a low base resembling the pattern on the bone
china from the Yuan Dynasty. There is evidence that this temple was
originally a Hindu shrine. During an excavation, a lintel showing the
reclining Vishnu, as well as, fragments of images of divinities and of a
Sivalinga were found. The shrine was later converted into a Buddhist
temple by adding a wihan in front.
Outside the City Wall
Sites in the North
Tourist Service Centre ��������������������������������������������
���������Situated in front of Wat Phra Phai Luang, this tourist centre in
traditional Thai architecture of the Sukhothai style provides information
for tourists visiting the Sukhothai Historical Park. A model of the old
city of Sukhothai is also on exhibition here. To get the overview picture
of this place, this is an ideal spot to start.
Ruins of the Old Celadon Factory (Thuriang Kilns) ������
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The Thuriang Kilns, which may have
been founded in the late 13 th century, are situated near the ‘Mae Chon’
city moat near Wat Phra Phai Luang. This is a site where Sukhothai
celadons were made. So far, 49 kilns have been discovered in 3 di�erent
areas: 37 lie north of the moat, 9 to the south, near the city wall, and 3
to the east. The vaulted brick kilns measure 1.5 – 2 metres wide and 4.5
metres long. The ceramic wares found here are generally large bowls
and jars; they have a matt yellowish grey glaze, and a design, usually
of a �ower, a �sh, or a whirling circle, painted in black.
Wat Phra Phai Luang ��������������� A large temple, Wat Phra
Phai Luang is the second most important temple in Sukhothai – next
to Wat Mahathat. Its rectangular plan is surrounded by 3-line moats,
with Khu Mae Chon forming the outermost enclosure. It is believed
that Wat Phra Phai Luang may have been the centre of the original city.
The most prominent feature here is the 3 main laterite prangs, which
are in the Bayon style of Khmer art dating back to the period of King
Jayavarman VII. A mondop in front contains stucco Buddha images in
4 postures: sitting, reclining, standing, and walking.