Sukhothai - TourismThailand.org - Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Wat Chang Rop ������������ Situated 2.4 kilometres west of Pratu
O, a city gate, the most prominent feature is the circular stupa in
the Ceylonese bell shape, from whose square-base the heads of 24
elephants protrude. The ordination hall lies in front of the main stupa,
both are surrounded by 5 other smaller stupas.
Wat Saphan Hin ������������� This is situated on a hill 200 metres
high, where a 300-metre pathway of slate slabs leads to the sanctuary
yard. A Buddha image called Phra Attharot, 12.5 metres high, in the
Granting Pardons posture stands elegantly in the compound.
Wat Si Chum ����������� Situated 800 metres west of Wat Phra Phai
Luang is Wat Si Chum. A wihan in the form of a square mondop, which
is the main sanctuary, houses a large monumental stucco Buddha
image in the attitude of subduing Mara called “Phra Atchana”, which
is 11.3 metres in width. “Achana” means a person who is not anxious
but strong. The roof has already disintegrated, exposing just 4 walls of
stuccoed bricks. There is a narrow passageway in the south wall with
steps leading up to the side of the Buddha image and onto the top
part of the wall. On the wall of the passageway features 700-year-old
fainted paintings while on the ceiling are more than 50 engraved
slate slabs illustrating Jataka scenes. A spectacular panoramic view
of the Sukhothai Ancient City is visible on the rooftop accessible by
the passageway.
To boost morale of the ancient soldiers was the main reason for such
mystery in Wat Si Chum. The kings of the Phra Ruang Dynasty were
famous for that. One could go through the hidden passageway and
address the people through a hole, making them believe the voice
they were hearing was actually the Buddha’s. There are no windows
here. It is believed that a vaulted roof probably covered the wihan.
Sites in the West
Saritphong Dam or Thamnop Phra Ruang�����
������������� Situated in the old city, Saritphong Dam, now restored by
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the Irrigation Department, comprises earthenworks that stretched
between Khao Phra Bat Yai and Khao Kio Ai Ma. There was a spillway
and pipes to carry water across canals towards the city gates to be
further reserved at the Traphang Ngoen and Traphang Thong Ponds.
Water from these reservoirs was used in the old city and the palace of
Sukhothai. The ancient word for a source of water is Sok or stream. In
this connection, various water sources from Khao Prathak include Sok
Phra Ruang Long Phra Khan, Sok Phra Ruang Lap Phra Khan, Sok Phama
Fon Hok, and Sok Chomphu where King Rama VI once paid a royal visit.