Wat Si Chum
A massive seated Buddha seen through a narrow brick slit, fingers alone the height of a person.
Wat Si Chum is 3km north of Sukhothai's central zone and holds a 15-metre seated Buddha visible through a slit in its enclosure wall. Entry is 100 baht and 30 to 45 minutes is enough. Go early for the light.
Open Wat Si Chum in Google Maps17.0280, 99.6880
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A massive seated Buddha seen through a narrow brick slit, fingers alone the height of a person.
The temple was built in the 13th century and the Buddha — called Phra Achana — is brick and stucco, seated in the 'subduing Mara' posture with one hand touching the earth. The mondop around it was built so that only the face and shoulders of the image are visible through the narrow opening, which is why the effect is so striking. The ceiling once held over 100 carved stone slabs telling the Jataka stories.
It is the single most striking image in Sukhothai, and the small chapel makes the scale feel impossible. Go early when the light comes through the opening.
What you’ll actually see
- The Buddha seen through the wall slit, fingers pointing down in the earth-touching gesture
- The stone inscription slabs in the side chamber, carved with Jataka scenes
- The narrow passage behind the image, used by pilgrims
- The view from the top of the mondop stairs, if they are open
How to visit it well
- It sits outside the central zone, 2km north — cycle there.
- Morning light hits the face best.
- Combine with Wat Phra Phai Luang nearby.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Coming between 11am and 2pm, when the face is in shadow
- Skipping it because it looks small from outside — the interior is the point
- Rushing it as part of a coach tour that allows 15 minutes
Is it worth it?
Worth 30 minutes and one of the most atmospheric images in Thailand. Early morning light comes through the slit and lands on the face. Combine it with the northern zone of the park and Si Satchanalai.
Common questions
About 3km north, a 15-minute bicycle ride. It is in the northern zone and has its own 100 baht ticket.
Early morning, 7am to 9am, when sunlight comes through the slit onto the Buddha's face.
You can enter the mondop and walk around the image, but climbing on it is prohibited.
No — the central zone ticket does not cover the northern zone. Each zone is 100 baht.
Tours that include Wat Si Chum
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Kanya Pongsak