🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Sankhaburi old town is easier to explore than you'd expect. Nearly all the important temples sit within Phraek Si Racha sub-district, about 20–25 km from Chai Nat town, just a few minutes apart by car. What draws people from far away are the stupas and prangs that genuinely survived from the ancient city — not modern reconstructions. If you're into history and craftsmanship, this place delivers the real thing, quietly, with no tour crowds.
Why trace Mueang Phraek
Phraek Si Racha is an ancient riverside city on the Chao Phraya basin where people settled as far back as the Dvaravati period, then on through Lopburi, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. In the reign of King Maha Thammaracha I, Ayutthaya marched in, took the city and renamed Phraek as Mueang Sankh, making it a royal twin city to Chai Nat. Because it passed through so many eras, the temples here blend several schools of craftsmanship in one place — from octagonal Hariphunchai-style stupas and Lopburi-style prangs to Sukhothai-style lotus-bud (phum khao bin) stupas.
- Wat Phra Kaew — an octagonal stupa on a square base that many texts call the "queen of stupas" for having the finest proportions in its group.
- Wat Mahathat — the signature temple of Mueang Phraek, with three carambola-petal prangs in Lopburi style, built before the Ayutthaya era.
- Wat Song Phi Nong — a historic site where you can see Sukhothai and Ayutthaya styles blended in a single structure.
- Wat Tanot Lai — a main stupa in the Sukhothai lotus-bud form, dating to roughly the 20th Buddhist century.
Before you set off
These abandoned temples are open-air historic sites — no tickets, no fixed opening hours. But the sun is brutal from late morning into the afternoon, so go early before 10 a.m. or late afternoon after 3 p.m., when walking is easier and the photos look better. Bring a hat, water, and shoes you don't mind walking across grass in.
Book the activities in your Chai Nat trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — A full day in Sankhaburi old town
Tracing the ancient temples of Mueang Phraek
About accommodation
Sankhaburi district has few places to stay. Most people base themselves in Chai Nat town and drive back and forth — it's close, under half an hour, and works out better than forcing a stay in the district.
Day 2 — Chai Nat's signature temples and the Chao Phraya
On day two you move away from Mueang Phraek to take in Chai Nat town's important temples and the riverside temples that Thai travelers visit to pay respects all year round. You finish at a museum that keeps real artifacts from the ancient cities around here. If you're curious about the backstory of yesterday's ruined temples, this place helps connect the pieces.
Famous riverside temples + the museum
Which day to visit the museum
Chai Nat Muni National Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. If you plan a weekend trip, the timing works out fine, but if your trip lands early in the week, swap the museum to a day it's open, or skip it for now.
Getting around and driving
- A private car is by far the easiest way — the ruined temples are scattered across Phraek Si Racha sub-district, and public transport doesn't reach every spot.
- From Bangkok — drive north on the Asia Highway (Route 32), about 2.5–3 hours to Chai Nat, then continue into Sankhaburi district.
- Within the Mueang Phraek area — most temples are only a few minutes apart, with easy parking and plenty of space.
- Motorbike — if you rent one it's a fun way to get around, but watch out for the sun and bring proper sun protection.
Food along the way
Sankhaburi isn't a town packed with famous restaurants, but the local food is tasty and easy on the wallet. Stick to the shops in the market and the ones where locals actually sit down to eat.
Pa Sim Made-to-Order Noodles
A Sankhaburi shop known for its homemade fermented-tofu dipping sauce — rich, not too sweet, and easy on the wallet.
Made-to-order shops around Sankhaburi market
Rice-and-curry and made-to-order shops near the market, open morning to evening — handy for a lunch break between temples.
De Best Café, Sankhaburi
A relaxed riverside café, good for a coffee break to close out the day before heading back to your hotel.
Making the most of Sankhaburi old town
- Start with Wat Phra Kaew while the sun is still mild, since it's the spot where you'll walk around and take photos the longest.
- Read the Fine Arts Department boards posted at each temple — they help you tell which era each stupa belongs to and make the visit much more interesting.
- Dress respectfully, since several of these are still active temples with monks and worshippers.
- Leave time to spare — there's no need to rush through every temple in one day. Pick the ones you really want to see and study them properly rather than just walking past.
Want the big picture for the whole of Chai Nat? Check out the full guide.
See the Chai Nat travel guide →