Wat Chang Lom, nestled within the Si Satchanalai Historical Park in Thailand, is a captivating ancient temple featuring intricate architecture and a unique stupa resembling a giant elephant. This historical site attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Sukhothai era.
Wat Chang Lom is a remarkable temple located in the heart of Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Thailand. Known for its exceptional architectural design, this ancient site is a distinctive representation of the Sukhothai period, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
The name “Chang Lom” translates to “Elephant Encircled,” reflecting the unique feature of the temple: a stunning stupa supported by 39 life-sized elephant sculptures. These elephants, symbolizing strength and perseverance, enhance the temple’s grandeur and create a sense of enchantment for visitors who explore the premises. The impressive stupa stands tall, creating an air of majesty that beckons visitors to discover its secrets.
Constructed during the 13th to 14th centuries, Wat Chang Lom serves not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the time. The temple features a mix of Lanna and Sukhothai architectural styles, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist temple design in Thailand. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in the intricate carvings and embellishments that adorn the structure.
Visitors to Wat Chang Lom can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere that surrounds the temple. The peaceful ambiance is accentuated by the lush greenery of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park and the sound of birds chirping amid the ancient ruins. Exploring the site offers a profound sense of connection with Thailand’s rich history and culture, making it a must-visit location for anyone venturing into the region.
The journey to Wat Chang Lom is not just about witnessing its beauty; it also provides an opportunity to learn about the historical significance of Buddhist practices in Thailand. The temple played a vital role in the community and reflects the importance of religion in shaping the cultural landscape of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
For travelers looking to explore more than just the temple, Si Satchanalai Historical Park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing numerous other historical structures and remnants from the past. This delightful park offers a comprehensive glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient Thailand, with Wat Chang Lom as one of its focal points.
Whether you’re an avid historian, a nature lover, or simply seeking an inspiring getaway, Wat Chang Lom within Si Satchanalai Historical Park promises a memorable experience filled with awe and discovery. Don’t miss the chance to visit this historical treasure during your trip to Thailand, and let its timeless beauty resonate with you long after your departure.
วัดช้างล้อม (เมืองสุโขทัย, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Wat Chang Lom is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Si Satchanalai Historical Park, 64190, Thailand
The temple was located just behind my hotel (Legenda Sukhothai) and consists of an assembly hall in front of a round Chedi. The Chedi stands on a square base supported by elephants and the base and pillars of an assembly hall in front of the Chedi are still standing. A walking path surrounds the Chedi and was probably covered in the old days since the pillars which would have supported the roof are still visible.The temple is off the beaten path but is worth a visit if you are in the area but not a must see. Just to clear the confusion, there is a similar but much bigger temple with the same name in the Si Satchanalai historical park as well. This review is about the temple in Sukhothai.
I have read the reviews published by Trip advisor on the Wat Chang Lom. Some reviews refer to the temple located at the Si Satchanalai park and others to the temple located in the east side of the Sukhothai park and the information presented here could confuse the reader. The name of these two temples means shrine surrounded by elephants. I have visited both.Both temples are impressive. The Wat Chang Lom located at the Sukhothai Park has been restored and the elephants are really beautiful. They support the structure. It is the most impressive site in the East area of the Sukhothai park and very people few visit it. It is outside the Royal City and close to the Legend hotel. There is no entrance fee. The Wat Chang Lom located at the Si Satchanalai Park is more impressive. It is a much bigger structure and has three different tiers. The first one has the elephants located at the base of the chedi. The trumps were broken by the Burmese. The second tier has several seated Buddha. The third one supports the first Sri-Lankan-style chedi of the Sukhothai kingdom. It has a very nice frieze of walking Buddha below the ringer spire.The staircase to the second pier represents the journey from earth to heaven. To visit this temple you have to buy a ticket to visit the Si Satchanalai Historical Park (One hour by car from Sukhothai).Take a look at the photos published by trip advisor. The photos show the two temples and their differences. They are not the same. Although, both are beautiful and worth visiting.
Small temple with one big stupa and plenty of clay elephants around. Located Little bit outside, worth doing some detour due to extra animal features.
There is lots of shopping by this park as well as food and drinks. The place is huge, the bathroom costs 5 baght as do quite a few bathrooms but that way you get toilet paper. A trolley does part of the walking for you.
The ruins of the small temple Wat Chang Lom (located at the back of Legendha Resort) were interesting because it was the only temple of our 10 days trip that were not overwhelmed with Buddha statutes. It was dedicated to the Elephants. Four elephants on each corners of stupa are restored, the rest of them are in ruin stage.It’s a very small temple and it’s not something that ‘must see’, but if you are staying at Legendha or driving-by, it worth the visit.
One of the more spectacular temples in the underrrated Si Satchanalai Historical Park , found behind the Legendha Resort hotel, away from the main monuments.
Wat Chang Lom (means “surrounded by elephants”), is 1 Kilometer east of sukhothai historical park. It is Situated 100 meters off “Charot Withi Thong” road & to the north of “Mae Lam Phan” canal, this 14th century temple is regarded as a group of ancient monuments on a vast area (100 m x 157 m) enclosed by a ditch. Wat Chang Lom has a bell-shaped chedi which is supported by elephants. An inspiring frieze depicting 36 celestial elephants, runs around its square base. These figures represent the elephants which carry the world on their backs. The atmosphere of the temple is very calm, peaceful & interesting. It’s located just beside the Bike Route. You can access the temple very easily via “Sukhothai Bike Route” by a rental bike. Riding through “Sukhothai Bike Route” before 9 a.m. is the best gift in Sukhothai old city. And you can find many temples and monuments beside the Bike Route.
Meaning ‘elephant temple ‘ is not shy of the mark with 39-stucco pachyderm sculptures that surround the central bell-shaped Chedi base. Its the finest example that we have seen of the Celonese-style temple architecture. Beautiful ornamental terraces, columns and the wall that encircles the monument.
This is one of the smaller temples right near the LegendHa hotel where we stayed. One of the things that makes it very special is its dedication to elephants of which there are several carvings. It’s a very quiet and tranquil spot not as crowded as the other temples but then again not as spectacular
Wat Chang Lom was founded in the 14th century and is located in the central zone of the quiet, peaceful Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Wat Chang Lom means “temple surrounded by elephants”, as its main, Sinhalese style, bell-shaped stupa has its base surrounded by 39 large elephant sculptures, eight on the East side, nine on the other sides and one larger elephant at each of the four corners. Once covered with plaster adorned with elaborate carved decorations, most of them are in a state of disrepair. On its second (higher) tier, the stupa is surrounded by niches, each containing statues of a sitting Buddha.