Si Thep Historical Park

It consists of an ancient settlement that dates back over a thousand years. This was before Buddhism was established in Southeast Asia, so the temple ruins show signs of Hindu worship.

The fact that these ruins pre-date those at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai is of great significance, and the park has already won an award from the Bureau of Thai Tourism. Now under the management of the Royal Department of Fine Arts, there are plans to request status for it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a good idea to stop by the visitor center before exploring the area to see some of the artifacts recovered from the site, as well as the nearby Archaeological Excavation Center, which displays skeletons of humans and an elephant found at the site.

The park is spread out over an area of five square kilometers, containing an inner and an outer city, though the difference betrween them is difficult to discern today. Most of the ruins are of Khmer-style prangs or towers, such as Prang Song Phi Nong and Prang Si Thep, but don’t miss the Khao Klang Nai Ancient Monument, where there are some delicate stucco carvings.