Wat Si Sawai
A centuries-old Khmer-style temple complex in Sukhothai Historical Park, blending Hindu origins with Buddhist heritage.
Tours that include Wat Si Sawai
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Wat Si Sawai.
This placeWat Si Sawai: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See prices
Day toursSukhothai temple & city day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See prices
EveningSukhothai night & food tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Wat Si Sawai stands as one of the most architecturally distinctive temples within the Sukhothai Historical Park, originally built as a Hindu shrine before being converted to Buddhist use. Its three Khmer-style prangs — corn-cob shaped towers characteristic of Cambodian temple architecture — set it apart from the more typically Thai structures found elsewhere in the park, offering visitors a glimpse into the layered religious history of the region.
The atmosphere is quietly contemplative, with the towers reflected in a surrounding moat that adds a sense of serenity to the site. The ornate stonework and partially weathered surfaces speak to the temple's great age, and the compact scale of the complex makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed. It sits comfortably within a broader visit to the historical park, pairing well with nearby Wat Mahathat and Wat Sa Si.
As Wat Si Sawai is an outdoor heritage site exposed to the elements, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is advisable to avoid the midday heat and to enjoy softer light for photography. Modest dress is expected, as with all temple sites in Thailand, so visitors should cover shoulders and knees. The temple falls within the Sukhothai Historical Park zone, so an entrance fee applies for foreign visitors. No website is currently listed, so checking locally or at the park entrance for the latest opening hours is recommended before visiting.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Si Sawai, round out your day in Sukhothai with contrasting stops nearby.
2P72+GWC, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 8 min walk of Wat Si Sawai.

Wat Traphang Ngoen
A serene lakeside temple ruin within Sukhothai Historical Park, reflecting beautifully on its surrounding pond.

Wat Mahathat
The centrepiece of Sukhothai's ruins, and the one set of ruins I'd give a full unhurried hour to.

Wat Chana Songkhram
A historic Buddhist temple in Sukhothai's old city zone, open around the clock for visitors.

Wat Sra Sri
A serene island temple set amid lotus ponds in the heart of Sukhothai Historical Park.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Major temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun are dramatically less crowded before 9 AM. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Si Sawai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Si Sawai worth visiting?
Wat Si Sawai holds a 4.7★ rating from 985 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Sukhothai.
When is the best time to visit Wat Si Sawai?
The best months to visit Sukhothai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Loy Krathong (November) — the festival's birthplace — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (extreme heat on exposed ruins).
Where is Wat Si Sawai located?
Wat Si Sawai is at 2P72+GWC, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand, in Sukhothai. Getting around Sukhothai: Bicycle — the classic way around the Historical Park (฿50/day at the gate); Songthaews between the new town and the park (30 min, ฿30).
Also popular in Sukhothai

Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort
Stay this close to the old city and you can be among the ruins before the tour buses wake up.

Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa
A calm, comfortable base for the ruins, with a pool to come back to when the heat wins.

Ramkhamhaeng National Park
A mountainous national park near Sukhothai combining jungle hiking, ancient ruins, and native flora.

Legendha Sukhothai Historical Park Resort
A refined boutique resort inside Sukhothai Historical Park, featuring Thai-style rooms and a saltwater pool.
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.