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Wat Si Sawai Sukhothai

4.6
·846 reviews·Mueang Kao, Thailand

Ancient Hindu shrine turned Buddhist temple, Wat Si Sawai boasts unique Khmer-style prangs and a rich history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning / Late Afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Beautiful place

Wat Si Sawai Sukhothai

Best Time

Early Morning / Late Afternoon

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient Hindu shrine turned Buddhist temple, Wat Si Sawai boasts unique Khmer-style prangs and a rich history.

4.6
(846 reviews)

"One of the oldest temples, worth a visit for its unique Hindu origins and striking prangs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 846 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Prangs

The Three Prangs

Central Courtyard

Three striking, well-preserved laterite pagodas showcasing Khmer architectural influence, representing the Hindu Trinity.

Hindu Origins

Hindu Origins

Temple Complex

Discover its history as an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Vishnu, later converted to Buddhism.

Instagram
Laterite Walls and Moat

Laterite Walls and Moat

Temple Perimeter

Explore the ancient ramparts and moat that once protected this sacred site, adding to its historical mystique.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the heat and crowds by visiting Wat Si Sawai early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Many travelers suggest enjoying the serene atmosphere before the main tourist rush, especially during the hotter months. Instagram

Beyond the Main Sites

While Wat Mahathat is the star, don't skip Wat Si Sawai. Its unique Hindu origins and Khmer architecture offer a different historical perspective within the Sukhothai Historical Park. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Early Morning / Late Afternoon
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Before 6 AM / After 6 PM
Why
Free entry, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏛️ Step back in time to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, where history and serenity unite ✨ Have you explored the wonders of Sukhothai? Let us know your favorite spot! 🌅 📍Wat Si Sawai, Sukhothai 🎥 Credit: @777benh #ThailandWander #WatSiSawai #Sukhothai #HiddenGemsThailand #CulturalDiscovery #AncientThailand
thailand.wander
1 likes • 112 views

🤫 Free Entry Hours

Visit before 6 AM or after 6 PM for free admission and a more tranquil experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main

Don't miss this unique Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple; it's worth a short visit. Reddit

SUKHOTHAI TEMPIO DA BRIVIDI WAT SI SAWAI #thailand #sukhothai #travelphotography #viaggiare #travel #natura #temple #park #luoghidavisitare #imperdible #acientcity #foto #videomaker #peace
travel.story_alanghelfi
391 likes • 1.1K views
Taken by 📸 @wolf_travelpics Wat Si Sawai in Sukhothai, Thailand 🇹🇭 😊💯🙏📸 Situated among magnificent scenery southwest of Wat Mahathat is Wat Si Sawai. Three prangs (pagodas) are surrounded by a laterite wall. The main highlights of the historic site of Wat Si Sawai are the tree prangs (pagodas) that feature the Lopburi architectural style with an influence from Hindu belief, adjacent to an ordina...
drone.pics.only
71 likes • 414 views

📸 Capture the Prangs

The three prangs are a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour. Instagram

📜 Understand the History

It's one of the oldest temples, originally Hindu, offering a unique historical layer. InstagramReddit

Here’s some info about this magnificent temple for you: Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest and most significant temples in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Originally built as a Hindu temple in the late 12th century, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple during the Sukhothai Kingdom’s reign. The temple is known for its distinctive three prangs (Khmer-style towers), which are heavily influenc...
coskhun.deniz
42 likes • 826 views

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Main

Don't miss this unique Hindu-turned-Buddhist temple; it's worth a short visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Prangs

The three prangs are a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour. Instagram

📜 Understand the History

It's one of the oldest temples, originally Hindu, offering a unique historical layer. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(846 reviews)

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

Unique Hindu history
Well-preserved prangs
Free entry hours

What People Dislike

It's ruins

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. Instagram

Yes, Wat Si Sawai is included within the general admission ticket for the Sukhothai Historical Park. Reddit

Many visitors find renting a bicycle to be the most enjoyable and flexible way to explore the vast park, including Wat Si Sawai. Instagram

Yes, there are designated parking areas within the Sukhothai Historical Park, making it convenient to access various temples like Wat Si Sawai. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Wat Si Sawai after 6 PM for free, offering a unique and peaceful experience under the stars. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The three prominent prangs are the main photographic draw. Try capturing them from different angles, especially during sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. Instagram

Drone regulations can vary. While some videos show aerial shots,Instagram it's advisable to check current park rules regarding drone usage to avoid any issues.

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ancient structures. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed throughout the park, including Wat Si Sawai. However, always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors. Instagram

Yes, the intricate details of the sculptures and carvings are a highlight. Be sure to get close-up shots to capture their beauty. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

No, it was originally a Hindu shrine. It was adapted to the Buddhist faith around the 14th century, with the addition of a vihara. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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