Wat Si Sawai Sukhothai
Ancient Hindu shrine turned Buddhist temple, Wat Si Sawai boasts unique Khmer-style prangs and a rich history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Wat Si Sawai Sukhothai
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Hindu shrine turned Buddhist temple, Wat Si Sawai boasts unique Khmer-style prangs and a rich history.
"One of the oldest temples, worth a visit for its unique Hindu origins and striking prangs."
🤫 Free Entry Hours
Visit before 6 AM or after 6 PM for free admission and a more tranquil experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main
Don't miss this unique Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple; it's worth a short visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Three Prangs
Central Courtyard
Three striking, well-preserved laterite pagodas showcasing Khmer architectural influence, representing the Hindu Trinity.
Hindu Origins
Temple Complex
Discover its history as an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu, later converted to Buddhism.
Laterite Walls and Moat
Temple Perimeter
Explore the ancient ramparts and moat that once protected this sacred site, adding to its historical mystique.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Main Sites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Free Entry Hours
Visit before 6 AM or after 6 PM for free admission and a more tranquil experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main
Don't miss this unique Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple; it's worth a short visit.
📸 Capture the Prangs
The three prangs are a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
📜 Understand the History
It's one of the oldest temples, originally Hindu, offering a unique historical layer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Free Entry Hours
Visit before 6 AM or after 6 PM for free admission and a more tranquil experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main
Don't miss this unique Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple; it's worth a short visit.
📸 Capture the Prangs
The three prangs are a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
📜 Understand the History
It's one of the oldest temples, originally Hindu, offering a unique historical layer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wat Si Sawai to be a worthwhile, albeit smaller, historical site within Sukhothai Historical Park. Its unique Hindu origins and well-preserved prangs are frequently praised, offering a distinct perspective from the predominantly Buddhist temples. Some note it's a ruin, but appreciate the sharp, beautiful sculptures and the opportunity for free entry during off-peak hours.
"It's ruins. It's a bit different from the others and some aculptures are still sharp and beautiful."
The MY World
"Great place.
You can enter for free before 6am or after 6pm."
YIAN ZENG
"One of the lesser known temples in Sukhothai Historical Park, it’s still worth a visit if only for a short while. For more of my travel adventures you are welcome to visit my travel blog called Two Passports Packed which can be found through a Google search."
CHARLES ARNESTAD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Si Sawai is located southwest of Wat Mahathat within the Sukhothai Historical Park. You can reach it by renting a bicycle, hiring a tuk-tuk, or driving your own vehicle within the park. The park itself is accessible from Sukhothai town.
Yes, Wat Si Sawai is included within the general admission ticket for the Sukhothai Historical Park.
Many visitors find renting a bicycle to be the most enjoyable and flexible way to explore the vast park, including Wat Si Sawai.
Yes, there are designated parking areas within the Sukhothai Historical Park, making it convenient to access various temples like Wat Si Sawai.
While possible, the Sukhothai Historical Park is quite spread out. Walking between Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Sawai is feasible, but for further exploration, cycling or a vehicle is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wat Si Sawai, like the rest of the Sukhothai Historical Park, is generally open from early morning until early evening. However, you can enter for free before 6 AM or after 6 PM.
There is an entrance fee for the Sukhothai Historical Park, which covers Wat Si Sawai. However, you can visit for free during the early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening (after 6 PM) hours.
No, Wat Si Sawai is part of the Sukhothai Historical Park, so a single park entrance ticket is required, or you can visit during the free entry times.
Yes, you can visit Wat Si Sawai after 6 PM for free, offering a unique and peaceful experience under the stars.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The free entry hours before 6 AM and after 6 PM are also typically less crowded.
📸 📸 Photography
The three prominent prangs are the main photographic draw. Try capturing them from different angles, especially during sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Drone regulations can vary. While some videos show aerial shots,
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ancient structures.
Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park, including Wat Si Sawai. However, always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
Yes, the intricate details of the sculptures and carvings are a highlight. Be sure to get close-up shots to capture their beauty.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest sites in Sukhothai, originally built as a Hindu temple in the late 12th or early 13th century, dedicated to Vishnu. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple.
The temple features a blend of architectural styles, with the lower parts showing Khmer influence and the upper parts being of Thai make, particularly evident in its three distinctive prangs.
The three prangs are striking for their preservation and represent the Hindu Trinity. They are a key feature that distinguishes Wat Si Sawai from other temples in the park.
No, it was originally a Hindu shrine. It was adapted to the Buddhist faith around the 14th century, with the addition of a vihara.
A 'prang' is a tall, tapering tower or spire, often found in Khmer and Thai temple architecture, serving as a prominent feature of the temple's structure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting bicycles to explore the park, which can be a fun adventure for kids. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities within the park can be limited. Visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, will make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, rent a bicycle to explore the park instead of hiring a tuk-tuk. Pack your own food and drinks, as on-site vendors can be pricier. This approach allows you to experience the historical grandeur without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Hindu Heritage
The temple complex is enclosed by a double rampart and a moat, hinting at its former significance. The most striking features are the three well-preserved laterite prangs, which represent the Hindu Trinity. These structures showcase a blend of architectural influences, with their lower sections exhibiting Khmer design and the upper parts reflecting Thai craftsmanship.
Around the 14th century, during the Sukhothai Kingdom's reign, the temple was adapted for Buddhist worship, with a vihara added to the south of the central prang. This transition from Hindu to Buddhist use is a key part of Wat Si Sawai's historical narrative and makes it a unique site for understanding the evolution of religious practices in ancient Thailand.
Architectural Marvels: The Three Prangs
Each prang is a testament to the skilled artisans of the era. They are not merely decorative but were designed with specific religious functions in mind. The lower portions clearly display the influence of Khmer architecture, a style prevalent in the region during that period. The upper sections, however, show a distinct Thai adaptation, demonstrating the evolving architectural landscape.
These prangs are often compared to those found in Khmer temples, highlighting the historical connections and cultural exchanges between different kingdoms. Their preservation allows visitors to appreciate the intricate details and the sheer scale of construction achieved centuries ago, making them a focal point for both historical interest and photographic appeal.
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