I can honestly say that Wat Si Chum was by far my favorite temple that I visited while in Sukhothai. Around 2.4 kilometers from the main Sukhothai Historical Park, I made Wat Si Chum my first stop on the one day that I had to explore Sukhothai.
I arrived early, just after the temple opened for visitors at 7:30AM, and explored the site for around 90 minutes. Even though the site is small relative to the much larger Sukhothai Historical Site, with only two Buddha statues, it is well worth planning for a longer visit to this amazing temple.
After paying the entry fee of 50 baht, make your way towards the temple. Slowly the large Buddha statue appears through the narrow entryway to the temple and you are left with an awe-inspiring view as the morning shadow fades from his face. Soon the Buddha statue will be bathed in the full morning sun and your photos will be even lovelier than when you arrived.
Take time to reflect on the splendor of the statue, its immense size and how long it has been since the Buddha statue was built. Think of the many thousands of people who, over many years, have been fortunate to visit this beautiful statue. If you are lucky to be alone around the Buddha statue, you will have the chance to take some wonderful photos, especially if you are lucky with the weather like I was on the day that I visited.
Take the chance to wander around the temple area, into the garden, and find the smaller Buddha statue close the 200-year mango tree that stands nearby. If you choose, you can squeeze through the narrow entrance and be closer to the statue, leaving offerings if this is what you choose to do.
After a time of reflection and the chance to experience the most amazing temple in Sukhothai, head over to Sukhothai Historical Park from where you can continue your journey into Thai history.
Wat Si Chum, also called Wat Sri Chum at the temple and online, may be found on Google Maps by clicking here. There is plenty of parking just outside the ticket office so this will not be a problem.
I stayed in Sukhothai twice on my trip to north-west Thailand, once on my way to Chiang Mai and once on my way back to Hua Hin. On my first trip I stayed at the lovely Legendha Sukhothai Resort which can be found on booking.com here. On my way back to Hua Hin I stayed at the quaint and peaceful Baan Suk Sukhothai which can be found on booking.com here. Otherwise consider one of the accommodation options in Sukhothai by clicking in the box below with booking.com or with Agoda here.
Booking.comOur other posts on Thailand may be found here. Another fascinating article about the temples of Thailand, by ‘this human tribe’, may be found here.
(Visited June 2024)