Ta Pha Daeng Shrine - Image 1
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Ta Pha Daeng Shrine

4.4
·21 reviews·Mueang Kao, Thailand

A rare Khmer-influenced laterite shrine, Ta Pha Daeng is Sukhothai's oldest surviving religious monument, offering a peaceful historical escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
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Ta Pha Daeng Shrine - Image 1

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine

Best Time

Early mornings

Avoid midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rare Khmer-influenced laterite shrine, Ta Pha Daeng is Sukhothai's oldest surviving religious monument, offering a peaceful historical escape.

4.4
(21 reviews)

"This modest shrine is the oldest surviving religious monument in Sukhothai, offering a peaceful escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great spot for photos, especially with the reconstruction signpost. Capture the ancient Khmer influence.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

Visit before or after larger Sukhothai sites for a peaceful contrast.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Laterite Prang

The Laterite Prang

Central structure

The main laterite prang, a testament to Khmer architectural influence, stands on a raised base. Its modest size belies its historical importance.

Reconstruction Signpost

Reconstruction Signpost

Near the shrine

A signpost visually reconstructs the shrine's original appearance, offering a fascinating comparison to its current state.

Peaceful Surroundings

Peaceful Surroundings

Area around the shrine

The tranquil atmosphere surrounding the shrine provides a serene escape, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is a modest site, best visited during cooler hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a peaceful experience, avoiding the midday heat and potential crowds from nearby attractions. Consider visiting before or after exploring larger Sukhothai historical park sites.

Understanding Its Significance

This shrine is a rare Khmer-influenced structure in Sukhothai, dating back to the 13th century. It's considered the oldest surviving religious monument in the area, offering a glimpse into early Sukhothai's cultural connections. Appreciate the laterite prang and its historical context.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Avoid midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Peaceful ambiance
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

รีวิวที่พักวิวทะเลหมอก จูเลี๊ยะแคมป์ ดอยม่อนเงาะ อ.แม่แตง จ.เชียงใหม่ #fyp #fypシ #chiangmai #เที่ยวไทย #รีวิวที่พัก #ที่พักเชียงใหม่ #ดอยม่อนเงาะ #ทะเลหมอก #เชียงใหม่
@areyaiseverywhere
38.3K likes • 1.3M views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great spot for photos, especially with the reconstruction signpost. Capture the ancient Khmer influence. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

Visit before or after larger Sukhothai sites for a peaceful contrast. TikTokReddit

San Ta Pha Daeng ศาลตาผาแดง, សានតាផាឌែង BA#T64058 https://beyondangkor.org/index.php/San_Ta_Pha_Daeng Acknowledged to be the oldest intact shrine at Sukhothai, San Ta Pha Daeng is situated within the Sukhothai city walls, just to the northeast of the Wat Sa Si reservoir. The laterite shrine and porch, standing on a high base, is lacking its main tower but is otherwise a solid-looking, well-const...
beyondangkororg
6 likes • 0 views
ここは、スコータイに現存する最古の遺跡タ・ファ・デーン 正式には「San Ta Pha Daeng」”赤い布を着た祖父の神社”を意味する。名の由来は不明。 クメール統治時代13 世紀に建設され、当時アンコールで流行していた 12 世紀後半から13 世紀初頭のバイヨン様式とみてとれる。 しかし現在の姿はオリジナルのラテライトの骨組みだけであり、おそらくトウモロコシの穂のような形をした高い塔の上部構造があっただろうが、残念ながら完全に消滅してしまった。 ここで崇拝されていたヒンズー教の神々が描かれていたと考えられる東入口の上のペディメントも消失した。 登ってみて改めて感じたが、高さ3 メートルの高いラテライト基壇の上に建てられていたため、定期的な洪水からは守られた。 1959年美術局の発掘調査でアンコールワット様式の5つの石像が発見された。 アンコールワットの建設者スーリヤヴァルマ...
kurofuneman
0 likes • 0 views

🧐 Understand the History

Appreciate its significance as the oldest religious monument in Sukhothai. InstagramReddit

🧘‍♀️ Enjoy the Serenity

The surrounding area is very peaceful, ideal for lingering. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great spot for photos, especially with the reconstruction signpost. Capture the ancient Khmer influence. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond

Visit before or after larger Sukhothai sites for a peaceful contrast. TikTokReddit

🧐 Understand the History

Appreciate its significance as the oldest religious monument in Sukhothai. InstagramReddit

🧘‍♀️ Enjoy the Serenity

The surrounding area is very peaceful, ideal for lingering. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Ta Pha Daeng Shrine to be a peaceful and historically significant site, offering a unique glimpse into Khmer influence in Sukhothai. Its modest size and tranquil surroundings are appreciated, especially when combined with the informative reconstruction signpost.

"Just outside the historical park fence, this temple is one of the very few Khamer influenced structures in the area. Definitely visit. Not very large, but the surrounding area is very peaceful - good place to linger."

Gitano

"Have been there many times for photo opportunities. Ta Pha Daeng Shrine, (13th century), this modest shrine is the oldest surviving religious monument in Sukhothai."

Leif Alnes

"Quite beautiful, also liked the reconstruction signpost showing how it would have originally looked."

Orfeas Kallintzis

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Historical significance
Khmer influence

What People Dislike

Modest size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is located just outside the main Sukhothai Historical Park fence, to the northeast of Wat Sa Si reservoir. You can easily walk or cycle to it from the main park area. Many visitors combine it with a visit to nearby temples. Reddit

Yes, the shrine is accessible by car. There is parking available nearby, making it convenient for those traveling by vehicle. Reddit

From Sukhothai city, you can hire a taxi or a songthaew (shared taxi) to take you to the Sukhothai Historical Park. From there, it's a short distance to Ta Pha Daeng Shrine. Reddit

Absolutely! Renting a bicycle is a popular and enjoyable way to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park and its surrounding areas, including Ta Pha Daeng Shrine. TikTok

No, Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is quite close to the main historical park. It's often visited in conjunction with temples like Wat Sa Si, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is located just outside the main Sukhothai Historical Park fence. While the park itself requires an entrance fee, this shrine is often considered accessible without a separate ticket, though it's always good to confirm on-site. Reddit

As it's an ancient site, Ta Pha Daeng Shrine generally does not have strict opening or closing hours. It's typically accessible during daylight hours. Reddit

Typically, there is no separate entrance fee for Ta Pha Daeng Shrine as it's located outside the main ticketed area of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Reddit

It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the site fully. Early mornings and late afternoons are recommended to avoid the heat. Reddit

No, Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is situated just outside the park's perimeter fence. While it's a significant historical site, it's usually not included in the main park ticket. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can see the main laterite prang, a reconstruction signpost showing its original appearance, and the peaceful surrounding area. It's a modest but historically significant site. InstagramReddit

The shrine is described as the oldest surviving religious monument in Sukhothai and is acknowledged as intact. However, its original tower is missing. InstagramReddit

It's a rare Khmer-influenced structure from the 13th century, representing early Sukhothai's cultural connections. It's considered the oldest religious monument in the area. InstagramReddit

Information on specific facilities is limited, but typically, ancient sites like this may have basic amenities like restrooms nearby. It's advisable to bring water. Reddit

Generally, Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is not as crowded as the main attractions within the Sukhothai Historical Park, offering a more tranquil experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main laterite prang itself is a key subject. The reconstruction signpost offers a unique perspective for comparison shots. The peaceful surroundings also lend themselves to atmospheric photography. Reddit

The peaceful ambiance and the ancient structure can make for beautiful sunrise or sunset photos, especially if you capture the golden light on the laterite. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone photography in historical sites before flying. TikTok

A standard camera or even a smartphone is sufficient. The key is to capture the historical details and the serene atmosphere. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the site and any local customs or rules. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine offers a quieter, more manageable historical experience for families. Its modest size means less ground to cover, and the reconstruction signpost can be a fun way to engage children's imaginations about what ancient sites looked like. The peaceful surroundings provide a good spot for a brief rest or a picnic away from the main tourist paths. Reddit

While there aren't specific play areas, the open space around the shrine allows children some freedom to explore respectfully. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to ancient history and different cultural influences in a less overwhelming setting than some of the larger temples. Remember to bring water and snacks, as facilities might be limited. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Ta Pha Daeng Shrine presents a unique opportunity to capture the subtle beauty of Khmer-influenced architecture in a serene setting. The laterite structure, especially when bathed in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon, offers compelling compositions. The reconstruction signpost is a particularly interesting element, allowing for creative shots that juxtapose the past and present. Reddit

Beyond the main structure, the peaceful atmosphere and surrounding natural elements can be incorporated into your shots, adding depth and context. The lack of overwhelming crowds often found at other Sukhothai sites means you'll have more freedom to find the perfect angle and capture the essence of this ancient monument without constant interruption. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Context and Khmer Influence

Ta Pha Daeng Shrine is a significant archaeological site, distinguished by its Khmer architectural influence, a rarity within the predominantly Thai Sukhothai Historical Park. Dating back to the 13th century, it predates much of the Sukhothai Kingdom's golden age, offering a crucial glimpse into the region's cultural landscape before its full establishment. The shrine is constructed from laterite, a common building material in Khmer architecture, and its design reflects the Bayon period (1177-1230) of the Khmer Empire. This connection highlights the extensive reach and influence of Khmer civilization in Southeast Asia during that era.

Excavations at the site have uncovered evidence of its past grandeur. While the main tower is no longer intact, the laterite prang and its elevated base, decorated with lotus buds, still stand. The Fine Arts Department's restoration efforts revealed Khmer-style stone statues of deities and goddesses, which are now preserved at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. These findings underscore the shrine's importance as a religious center and a testament to the cultural exchange that occurred in the region. The presence of such a structure provides valuable insights into the complex historical tapestry of early Sukhothai. InstagramReddit

Visiting Ta Pha Daeng Shrine: A Traveler's Perspective

Travelers often describe Ta Pha Daeng Shrine as a modest yet significant site, offering a peaceful respite from the more crowded main attractions of Sukhothai Historical Park. Its location just outside the park's fence makes it an easily accessible addition to any itinerary. Many visitors appreciate the reconstruction signpost, which vividly illustrates how the shrine would have originally appeared, providing a fascinating visual aid for understanding its past. This comparative element enhances the visitor's appreciation for the enduring structure. Reddit

The serene surroundings are frequently mentioned as a highlight, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and photography. The shrine's historical importance as the oldest surviving religious monument in the area is a key draw for history enthusiasts. While it may not possess the grandeur of other Sukhothai temples, its unique Khmer influence and historical depth offer a distinct and valuable experience. It's a place where one can truly feel the weight of centuries and appreciate the layers of history that have shaped the region. InstagramReddit

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