See Video of Wat Saphan at bottom of this page.

Standing Buddha Image, Wat Saphan Hin. The Buddha stands with the posture of 'dispelling fears'.

 

It will take a bit of an effort to get to Wat Saphan Hin. By bicycle, when coming from the east (Sukhothai historical city) follow road 12 for about 3 kilometers, turn left into a secundary road when you see a sign pointing to the temple. When entering the road, there is a booth where you can pay the entrance, basically for Wat Saphan and for all the temples in the western section of town. Following this road and later on turning counterclockwise into the direction of the old city, you will pass about 10 old ruins. Wat Saphan is likely the most interesting (and possibly only interesting) temple to visit. But anyway, once you are in this part of Sukhothai's old ruins, you may as well have a look at the other wats around.

The way up to Wat Saphan Hin, Sukhothai.

 

Besides a possible bicycle ride, to reach Wat Saphan, you will need to exercise yourself just a bit. The temple is located up the hill east of the road, like a few of the other temples in the area. We estimate you have to climb up a bit more than 100 meters, along a path covered with slates. It is not too difficult, but you will need to catch your breath a few times. Most other climbs to other destinations in the area are not that long.

You can see the standing Buddha Image from the main road. On the way there also is a small brick lotus-bud stupa.

The standing Buddha Image is called Phra Attharot. It measures 12.5 meters in height and stands with the posture of 'dispelling fear' (right hand raised with palm facing outwards).
The name Phra Attharot refers to the presumed height of the Buddha of 18 cubits (about 9 meters). It seems to be a common name for standing, tall Buddha Images.
In front of the Buddha, there are some pillars and remains of an assembly hall.

A sitting Buddha Image in front the tall standing Buddha Image, Wat Saphan Hin, Sukhothai.