Thai Wat - Wat Chedi Ched Thaeo - Si Satchanalai

The Thai Wat, Wat Chedi Ched Thaeo, is an important Thai Temple located within the walls of the ancient city of Si Satchanalai, close to its rather more illustrious neighbour Sukhothai.

Wat Chedi Ched Thaeo is an extremely large Temple which dates from the 15th Century, with 33 Chedis constructed in several different styles. The temple was given this name because the Chedis appear to be arranged in 7 rows. It has been suggested that this Thai Wat was in fact the Royal burial place of the Sukhothai dynasty.

The architecture of the Chedis can be placed in 3 distinct groups and include Khmer, Sri Lankan and Pagan:

Large square base with a lotus bud shaped Chedi on top, a design that is unique to Sukhothai. This is the design for the main Chedi of the Temple.
Round Chedi with a conical bell shaped Chedi. This design is probably copied from burial mounds in India.
Prasat style with a square shaped base and several Chedis built on top.