See Video of Wat Chetuphon and Wat Chedi Si Hong at bottom of page. See larger pictures of Wat Chetuphon, Wat Chedi Si Hong

Wat Chetuphon. Mandapa with Walking Buddha Image on the left.

 

Wat Chetuphon and Wat Chedi Si Hong, are located close together in the southern section of Sukhothai. We consider them the two most striking temple compounds in this section. They are easy to reach. You will pass and be able to visit numerous other temples while on the road. From the east (I guess all visitors to Sukhothai come from that direction), follow road 12, and turn left just before the entrance to the Sukhothai Historical Park. Just follow the road (passing the city wall) and go south. After about 2 kilometers you will reach Wat Chetuphon.

Wat Chetuphon is an important historical temple site south in the southern section of Sukhothai. According to old inscriptions is was founded by 1417.

The most striking structure is the brick and tall mandapa, which has stucco sculptures of Buddha Images at the four cardinal points. The were (are) images of a Walking, Reclining, Standing and Sitting Buddha present.

There is another smaller mandapa at Wat Chetuphon, with a Buddha Image referred to as Phra Sri Ariya (Maitreya), or Buddha of the future. There are also the remains of an ordination hall (ubosoth) and of an assembly hall (viharn).

Walking Buddha Image at Mandapa at Wat Chetuphon, Sukhothai.

 

Wat Chedi Si Hong was likely built in the late 14th or early 15th century.

There are the ruins of an assembly hall and of an ordination hall. The most interesting temple building is the large bell-shaped stupa. Along the base of the stupa are stucco reliefs, depicting animals and people. Some parts are still in good conditions, giving details of the garments and jewelry during the Sukhothai era. Parts of the stucco are also on display at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum in town.

Stucco relief at the base of the chedi at Wat Chedi Si Hong, Sukhothai.