Si Thep Historical Park - Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site - Khmer or Dvaravati or Both?

Si Thep Historical Park อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ศรีเทพ is an archaeological site in Thailand's Phetchabun province.

During his administrative visit in Phetchabun Province, Prince Damrong Rajanubhab came across the name of Si Thep town in the list of sub-towns. He then started a journey and discovered a great ancient site known among the villagers as “Aphai Sali Town.” The evidence from these ancient remains and objects brought about the assumption that the town's architecture style had been influenced by Khmer and Dharavati art and that it was prospering during the 11th – 18th Buddhist Century.

Si Thep Historical Park contains the ruins of ancient Phetchabun, encompassing Si Thep Ancient Town, originally called Mueang AphaiSali. It is believed to have been built during the boom years of the ancient Khmer empire, no less than 1,000 years old. The historic town is surrounded by a moat and a mound; inside, ponds and swamps dot the compound.

Si Thep attractions include the Information Centers (there are two: old and new), which have displays of ancient remains and rotating exhibits on the history and archaeology of the Si Thep Historical Park. Prang Song Phi Nong spire, one of several Khmer-style spires on site, is also noteworthy, built during the 11th or 12th century in the Baphuon style of Khmer art during the Angkor Wat period.

KhaoKlang Nai Ancient Monument - lying in the center of town, was constructed even earlier, between the 6th or 7th century. Stucco sculptures of humans and animals decorate its base, made in the Dvaravati style. A worshipping ceremony is held annually at a highly revered shrine in the west, Chaopho Si Thep Shrine.

Si Thep Prang – This Buddhist place of worship sees a main prang in Khmer style with its upper part made of brick. Its base meanwhile was made of laterite with thick square pattern decoration which lifted the structure above the ground. Facing the west, what remains of the prang is the cross pathway, with stone Wheel of Dhamma sculpture located on the rear part of the prang's sideway.

Song Phi Nong Prang – The place is a place of worship in Hinduism. The main prang, which was covered in cement, was constructed in Khmer style and located on a big laterite foundation. A small castle was later added on the same foundation, giving the whole structure the name of Song Phi Nong Prang. At the front of the prang there are paths and laterite buildings for performing rites, with the cross-like walkway at its furthest front.

Archaeological excavation found the sculpture of the God of the Sun, and fresco depicting the image of “Parvati Mahesuan” which is now placed at the small castle. With its similarity to Angkor Wat, there is an assumption that the place may have been built to serve as a religious site in Hinduism. It was later turned into a Buddhist site.

Si Thep Historical Park is open daily from 8.00 am-4.30 pm. The entrance fee is 100 baht.

The park is is a registered historical site in Thailand and on the tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Its mostly unknown to Thais and Tourists alike but still well worth a visit.

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