Overview:

The Wat Si Sawai is located in Sukhothai, Thailand. The temple complex consists of three ancient Khmer-style Hindu temples, built around the 12th century. The three temples are said to have served as shrines of the Khmer gods of Shiva and Vishnu respectively. The three towers are surrounded by a wall of laterite. One of the towers is a two-tiered temple, the other two are single-tiered. The two-tiered temple features detailed carvings of Hindu deities, while the single ones were more likely used as shrines for pilgrims. It is believed that Wat Si Sawai was established by the Khmers in the 13th century, and that this was their first settlement in Thailand. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Thailand
Prominent Features:

1. Three Lopburi-style Buddha images: Wat Si Sawai is known for its iconic Lopburi-style Buddha images which were created during the height of the Sukhothai Empire. They are placed at the entrance of the temple and they form a smiling line. 2. Ancient stone carvings: The temple complex features large stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana epic. These carvings are believed to date back to the time of the Sukhothai Kingdom. 3. Chedi: Wat Si Sawai also features a chedi or pagoda-like structure which was built to honor the Lord Buddha. The chedi is said to be over 600 years old. 4. Antique relics: Along with the ancient stone carvings, Wat Si Sawai also has several ancient artifacts such as pottery and old furniture. 5. Small museum: Wat Si Sawai also has a small museum which houses archaeological artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from the Sukhothai period. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Wat Si Sawai is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the historical Sukhothai Province in Thailand. The temple dates back to the 13th century when it was believed to have been built by two Buddhist Kings of the Sukhothai Kingdom, King Ramkhamhaeng and King Loethai. Wat Si Sawai is known for being the oldest temple in the Sukhothai region. The temple was originally constructed with a cruciform (cross-shaped) design, making it one of the earliest examples of the Siamese style of temple architecture. The stupa in the centre of the temple is believed to originally have a flame statue of the Buddha Amithaba on top. This was changed at the end of the Ayutthaya period to a Buddha image in the style of the Lopburi Age. The single large prang at Wat Si Sawai is 25m tall, making it a distinctive feature of the temple. In 1934, the Fine Arts Department restored the prang and added a small chapel. It is said that the temple was modelled on the grand Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, though no direct link is proven. The temple complex also includes a bell-shaped pagoda and the last remaining Buddha images of Sukhothai, known as Luang Pho To and Phra Sanphet Saawai, or "The Three Buddha Images of Wat Si Sawai". Today, Wat Si Sawai is a popular tourist destination and is part of the Sukhothai Historical Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest and most important temple ruins in the old Sukhothai historical park complex in Thailand. 2. Wat Si Sawai is believed to be built in the 13th century, and it is one of the most majestic temples in the park. 3. The temple features two large-standing Buddha statues, two medium-sized Buddha statues, and numerous smaller images of Buddha, Hindu deities, and figures from Hindu mythology. 4. Wat Si Sawai is famous for its ancient Lopburi-style architecture, characterized by the 8 pointed Khmer-influenced prangs and elaborate gilded ornamentation. 5. The tiny cave temple, deep inside the temple walls, is renowned for its 3D painted murals which are believed to be the finest and most beautiful in the park. 6. Wat Si Sawai is the only temple in the Sukhothai historical park that has an attached prayer hall. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.