See Video of Wat Phra Phai Luang at bottom of page. See larger pictures of Wat Phra Phai Luang

One of the original three Khmer-style prangs at Wat Phra Phai Luang, Sukhothai.

 

Wat Phra Phai Luang is a large and important temple in the northern section of Sukhothai. A moat surrounds the temple complex, and you'll have to cover some distance to get to the entrance at the western side.

As Wat Si Sawai, its origins date back to the pre-Sukhothai Kingdom period. The temple was likely constructed during the reign of the Khmer King Jayavarman VII (1181-around 1219). Three Khmer-style prangs testify to its origin, though only one of them is still mostly intact at present.

In the Sukhothai period the Khmer Mahayana Buddhist temple was converted into a Theravada Buddhist one.

Seated Buddha Image (meditation posture) with disciples below - Pediment on the prang, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Sukhothai.

 

Wat Phra Phai Luang is a vast and interesting complex, it mostly lies in ruins. The most impressive structure is the one (out of 3 original) remaining Khmer-style prang on the western end. Only the base remains of the 2 other prangs. However, the remaining prang still has some splendid stucco decorations (most have been repaired). The pediment on the west face of the prang depicts the Buddha in the posture of Subduing Mara, with rows of kneeling worshippers below.

Walking eastwards from the prang you will pass the remains of an assembly hall (pillars), and a brick stupa. Around the base of the stupa you will notice parts of numerous Buddha Images.

Standing Buddha Image and the remains of the Mandapa, Wat Phra Phai Luang.

 

In the eastern part of the temple complex are the remains of a Mandapa (square temple building). The remains of one large walking and one large standing Buddha Image (of the 4 original Images) are on the outside of the Mandapa. The Mandapa was build during the 14-15th century (Sukhothai period).

Wat Phra Phai Luang is like a giant historical park on its own, pleasant to walk around in. Some local people use the grounds for herding their cattle (lots of grass around).
The famous Buddha Image at Wat Si Chum is very closeby, so you can visit both temples one morning or afternoon.

The base of the prang at Wat Phra Phai Luang, Sukhothai.