“The site is distinguished by its Elephant-Encircled Chedi in late Sukhothai style, positioned on a high mound with 68 decorated elephants, making it a key ancient monument in Aranyik and part of the World Heritage Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns.”
Wat Chang Rob is one of the most prominent ancient monuments in the Aranyik area of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. It sits on a high laterite mound, offering a peaceful and open environment with panoramic views of the surroundings.
The architectural style reflects late Sukhothai art combined with the unique laterite construction of Kamphaeng Phet. The site is part of the World Heritage “Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns”.
Key Highlights: The main bell-shaped chedi is situated at the center of the courtyard on a base about 7 meters high, with a lower platform 31 meters wide, decorated with 68 half-elephant sculptures. Each elephant appears to support the chedi, with remnants of ornamental patterns of Bodhi leaves, mythical giants, and dancing figures visible. The original lion stair decorations remain partially eroded.
The upper terrace features a large octagonal Lanka-style chedi, about 20 meters wide, whose top has collapsed over time. In front of the chedi stands the main vihara, 17 meters wide and 34 meters long, with 4 rows of 7 pillars and one front room. Behind the vihara lies a large water reservoir, about 23 meters wide and 8 meters deep, carved from laterite, likely used for religious and community purposes.
Excavations revealed numerous ancient artifacts such as terracotta figures of dancers, giants, swans, human faces, and celestial beings from early Ayutthaya and late Sukhothai periods, many of which are displayed at the Kamphaeng Phet National Museum.
Landscape and Pathways:
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The mound is open with scattered trees.
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Walking paths are laterite mixed with soil, uneven in places; wear grip shoes.
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Watch out for slopes, stairs, and slippery areas near the reservoir.
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Panoramic views of the chedi and surrounding landscape are available from the upper terraces.
How to Get There
By Car:
- From Mueang Kamphaeng Phet, take Kamphaeng Phet–Phitsanulok Road (Highway 101).
- Head toward the Aranyik area of the Historical Park.
- Follow signs to Wat Chang Rob.
- The final section is a laterite road accessible to all vehicle types, with parking near the entrance.
By Public Transport / Van:
- From Mueang Kamphaeng Phet, take a songthaew or van toward Aranyik.
- Inform the driver to stop near Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park – Wat Chang Rob.
- Walk 10–15 minutes uphill to reach the temple.
By Bicycle / Walking:
- Visitors staying near Aranyik can cycle to the temple.
- The route is mostly flat with some slopes; bring shoes and water.
- Walking from the park entrance to the temple takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
Travel Tips
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Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
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Walk around the chedi to observe all 68 elephants.
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Recommended photo spots: chedi base, upper terrace, main vihara, water reservoir, uphill path.
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Morning and evening are ideal for photography and avoiding the sun.
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Best season: Winter (Nov–Feb) cool and pleasant; Summer (Mar–May) hot and sunny; Rainy season (Jun–Oct) roads can be slippery.
Admission Fee:
- Thai visitors: 20 THB
- Foreign visitors: 100 THB
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 08:30 – 16:30