Saphan Hin Temple is a significant historical site located on a hill approximately 200 meters high within the West Zone of the Sukhothai Historical Park. The name of this temple translates to "The Stone Bridge Temple," which comes from its most unique feature: a long pathway made of large slate stones. These stones are arranged as a staircase leading from the base of the hill to the summit, covering a distance of over 300 meters. This ancient walkway remains in excellent condition and demonstrates the great effort of ancient craftsmen who built this path to reach the sacred site on the hilltop.

The spiritual heart of this temple is a massive Buddha image known as Phra Attharot. It is a stucco Buddha image in the standing posture of "Dispelling Fear" (Abhaya Mudra). The statue is enshrined within the remains of a large prayer hall, where only laterite pillars and some wall fragments survive today. This Buddha image stands impressively at a height_ of 12.5 meters. In the Sukhothai period, it was a popular religious tradition to build very large standing Buddha images. The face of the Buddha is turned toward the East, looking down at the ancient city of Sukhothai below, acting as a sacred guardian for the people.

According to historical evidence found in Stone Inscription No. 1, this temple was extremely important to the royal family of Sukhothai. During the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, the King would ride his white elephant, named "Rujakhiri," up the stone path to this temple every Buddhist Sabbath day. The King came here to perform merit-making ceremonies and pay respects to Phra Attharot along with the citizens. This tradition shows the close relationship between the King, the religion, and the people of Sukhothai. Near the main statue, visitors can also see the remains of a "Lotus Bud" style pagoda, which is the signature architectural style of authentic Sukhothai art.

In the present day, the Saphan Hin Temple is not only a historical site but also the best sunrise viewpoint in all of Sukhothai. Many tourists choose to hike up the hill in the early morning to wait for the first light of day. When the sun rises, the light shines directly onto the face of Phra Attharot and illuminates the entire plains of the old city ruins. The silence of the nature surrounding this temple creates a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and photography. The combination of ancient engineering, royal history, and beautiful landscapes makes this temple a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

Walking up the stone bridge pathway provides a feeling of traveling back in time to the "Dawn of Happiness" era. Every step on the slate stones connects modern visitors to the footsteps of ancient kings and monks. Even though the roof of the prayer hall has disappeared, the massive Buddha image still stands strong against the wind and sun, representing the eternal strength of faith. Visiting this temple provides both a great physical exercise from the hike and a deep spiritual experience from the historical atmosphere. It is a perfect place to understand how the people of Sukhothai integrated their religious beliefs into the natural geography of their kingdom.

• Bicycle: This is the most popular way to visit. You can ride a bicycle from the Central Zone in about 15-20 minutes. The road is flat and surrounded by beautiful nature.

• Private Car or Motorcycle: Drive out of the West Gate toward the small hills. There are clear signs along the way and a parking area at the base of the hill.

• Hiking to the Summit: Visitors must walk up the ancient slate stone pathway for about 300 meters. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes. The path is not very steep, but it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Best Time to Visit: It is highly recommended to arrive between 06:00 AM and 06:30 AM to watch the sunrise. The morning light provides the best conditions for taking photos of the Phra Attharot statue.

• Preparation: Since you need to hike up the hill, please bring a small bottle of water and ensure you are physically ready for a short climb.

• Regulations: Please do not climb on the ancient ruins and maintain a respectful manner as this is a sacred historical site.

Admission Fee:

• Thai Citizens: 20 THB

• Foreign Visitors: 100 THB

• This fee is for the entry to the West Zone of the park

Opening Hours:

• Open Daily: 06:30 AM – 05:30 PM