Si Thep, an ancient town located about 340 km north of Bangkok in the Phetchabun province, is the newest addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand. The site has been listed as The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments.
With this new addition, Thailand now has seven World Heritage Sites.
The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments comprise of a twin-town site, featuring an Inner and Outer Town surrounded by moats, the impressive Khao Klang Nok ancient monument, and the Khao Thamorrat Cave ancient monument.
Si Thep is a place like no other. The beauty and charm of the ancient town is complemented by the region’s breathtaking beauty, cool climate, mist-covered mountains and a lot of options for adventure activities like outdoor camping and trekking.
origin of the town of Si Thep dates back to the Dvaravati period ( 6th to the 11th century CE). Back then, Si Thep was a bustling regional trading centre that led to the development of the unique regional culture and art.
of the most remarkable aspects of Si Thep is its well-preserved archaeological sites. The ancient ruins and their temples, and statues are all meticulously restored and maintained. It’s a great place to visit for those who are more inclined towards history. One can still see the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the temples. They are a testament to the skill and creativity of the ancient artisans.
Historically, Si Thep was one of the largest known city-states in central Thailand. It was later abandoned when cities like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya emerged as new and more influential cultural centres.
The town saw most of the developments during 8-10 century CE, a period when Buddhism was at its peak. It was also during this time that the relations with India strengthened in terms of Mahayana Buddhism art and culture.
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Khao Khlang Nai, an ancient Buddhist sanctuary at the site, is an integral part of the Si Thep’s cultural map. Khao Khlang Nai’s central stupa showcases Dvaravati architectural style, and dates back to around 6th–7th century CE. Khao Khlang Nok, one of the main features of The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments, is an ancient stupa that dates back to 8th–9th century CE. At present, it may only look like a large laterite mound, but at one point in history, it was a monument of great importance.
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Si Thep is easily accessible from major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Visitors can explore the historical park at their own pace, taking in the awe-inspiring sights and absorbing the rich history.
