Wat Si Chum (Phra Achana) @Sukhothai

Wat Si Chum is an ancient religious site located outside the northern city wall of the Sukhothai Historical Park, in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai Province. This temple houses a large Buddha image in the Mara Vichaya posture named 'Phra Achana.' The Buddha image is enshrined in a mandapa, the top of which has now collapsed, leaving only the surrounding walls, making it an open-air Buddha image to this day. The structure of Wat Si Chum is unique compared to other temples in the Sukhothai Historical Park because it does not have a principal stupa but instead has a mandapa housing the Buddha image, located behind the main vihara. It is believed that this temple was built during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, around the 19th Buddhist century. Phra Achana is considered one of the most important tourist attractions and symbols of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Additionally, to the north of the mandapa, there is a large wild mango tree over 200 years old, standing more than 20 meters tall. This tree has been preserved and registered as a heritage tree by the Ministry of Culture.