The Ancient Town of Si Thep or Si Thep Historical Park and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments is a cultural heritage site in Thailand that reflects the history, art and religion of the Dvaravati civilization that flourished,. The site consists of three components: the twin-town of Si Thep, which has an Inner and Outer Town surrounded by moats and walls, the Khao Klang Nok stupa, which is a massive earthen mound with a brick core and a square base; and the Khao Tamor Rat Cave, which contains Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions.
The site demonstrates the influences from India, especially in the architecture, sculpture and iconography of Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as the local adaptation of these traditions that resulted in a distinctive artistic style known as the Si Thep School of Art. The site also shows the religious diversity and tolerance of the Dvaravati people, who coexisted with other faiths such as Brahmanism and Mahayana Buddhism. The site is an outstanding example of the cultural exchange and synthesis that occurred in Southeast Asia during the early historic period.
Si Thep Historical Park It is a new World Heritage Site of Thailand on September 19, 2023 at the 45th Ordinary Session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Si Thep Historical Park is an area where important evidence appears. which reflects human settlements since prehistoric times. Including traces of Dvaravati and Khmer culture about 2,000 years ago, it is an ancient ancient site. and is very important
Ancient sites and antiques in the ancient city of Si Thep
1. Krishna statue: Cannot be found in other cities. There is later speculation that Si Thep City may have been the first center. Or it may be the main center of what is called “Dvaravati”.
2. The largest archaeological site found in Si Thep is Khao Klang Nai, which was built in the 12th century in the Theravada style in the Dvaravati period, and Khao Klang Nok, which is contemporary.
3. Prang Si Thep, Khmer style art, which is next to Khao Khlang Nai. It is a brick castle set on a large laterite base. Around the 16th century
4. Prang Song Phi Nong Built with bricks and set on the same laterite base. Built around the 17th century, the top has now completely collapsed. In front of the prang there is also a statue of Suriya carved from sandstone. It is an important evidence that reflects the Hindu belief in reverence for the sun.
5. Khao Tamor Rat It is a mountain that occurs naturally. It has a pyramid-like base. Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Si Thep, archaeological traces have been found indicating attempts to transform the mountain area into a sacred area since prehistoric times.
***Khao Klang Nok, Khao Klang Nai, Prang Si Thep, and Prang Song Phi Nong. Or various important buildings all face west or face Khao Tamor Rat.
Si Thep Ancient City is open every day from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Admission is 20 baht for Thais and 100 baht for foreigners, There is a tram to tour around the park.
To get to Si Thep Historical Park from Bangkok, you have a few options
Located at 208 Village No. 13, Si Thep Subdistrict, Si Thep District, Phetchabun Province.
1. You can drive by car along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) passing Saraburi province. Then take Highway 21 passing Phetchabun province until you reach the 102 kilometer marker. Turn onto Highway 2211 for about 9 kilometers and you will see a sign indicating the entrance to the park on the right hand side. The total distance is about 350 kilometers and it may take around 5 hours depending on the traffic.
2. You can take a bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Phetchabun province. There are both regular and air-conditioned buses leaving several times a day. The fare is around 200-300 baht depending on the type of bus. The journey may take around 6 hours. You can get off at the market in Amphoe Si Thep (Ban Klang) and then take a taxi or a motorcycle taxi to the park, which is about 9 kilometers away.
3. You can also take a train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Ban Takhli Station in Nakhon Sawan province. There are several trains leaving daily, but only one express train (No. 111) that departs at 7:00 am and arrives at 11:40 am. The fare is around 100-200 baht depending on the class of seat. From Ban Takhli Station, you can take a bus or a taxi to Phetchabun province and then follow the same directions as above.
Once you arrive at Si Thep Historical Park, you can buy a ticket at the entrance.
