Sanam Chai Temple is an ancient temple of great historical significance to Suphan Buri. Its ancient stupa is regarded as one of the symbolic landmarks of the city. The temple is located outside the ancient city walls on the eastern bank of the Suphan Buri River, also known as the Tha Chin River. In the past, this area was likely an important settlement zone, as it was close to a major waterway used for transportation, trade, and long-established human habitation.

At the heart of the temple stands a large principal stupa with a sixteen-sided base, a form that is rarely found in Thai religious architecture. Today, the upper part of the stupa has collapsed over time, leaving only the lower base, which still conveys the monument’s former grandeur. Archaeologists believe that this stupa may represent an early prototype of U Thong or Suphan Buri-style art, which later evolved into the more common octagonal stupa form. Inside the stupa is a hollow chamber with a square layout, demonstrating the advanced construction techniques and architectural knowledge of craftsmen in that period.

During archaeological excavations conducted by the Fine Arts Department in 1961–1962, a large quantity of bone fragments mixed with ashes was discovered inside the eastern side of the stupa. Based on historical evidence and the context of the site, these remains are believed to belong to soldiers who died in battles against Burmese forces during the Ayutthaya period. This discovery reflects the role of Suphan Buri as a strategically important frontier city involved in frequent warfare.

Sanam Chai Temple is an abandoned temple with no clear evidence indicating its exact date of construction. However, references found in the Northern Chronicles mention the temple, stating that in 1706 CE, King Katae, who had lineage from Hongsawadee, came to rule in the city of Phanthum Buri. During his reign, he ordered the construction of Sanam Chai Temple, assigning Mon nobles of his lineage to oversee the project, along with the restoration of several other important temples. This account suggests that Sanam Chai Temple was closely linked to political authority, religious devotion, and urban development at the time.

Based on all available evidence, it is believed that during the period when Suphan Buri flourished, Sanam Chai Temple was one of the city’s important temples. After the second fall of Ayutthaya to Burma in 1767 CE, Suphan Buri was abandoned, and Wat Sanam Chai subsequently fell into ruin as well. Later excavations carried out by the 2nd Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department in Suphan Buri during 2004–2005 revealed additional information. The findings suggest that the principal stupa was constructed around the 20th Buddhist century, on land that had been densely settled since the 19th Buddhist century. The temple complex originally featured a cloister surrounding the main stupa, with an ordination hall located outside the cloister on the western side, indicating a well-planned and significant religious site in the past.

Private Car:

• Located on the main Suphan Buri-Chainat road (Highway 340), approximately 2-3 km northeast of the city center.

Public Transport:

• Accessible via buses passing through Highway 340 or by hiring a tuk-tuk from the city market.

Best Time to Visit:

• Late afternoon (04:00 - 05:30 PM). The atmosphere is pleasant for exercise, and the golden sunlight provides the best lighting for photographing the ancient ruins.

Preparation:

• As it is a park area with many trees, insect repellent is recommended for evening visits.

Recommended Activity:

• Besides historical exploration, visitors can jog along the tracks or take children to the playground on-site.

Planning:

• This site can easily be combined with visits to Wat Pa Lelai and the City Pillar Shrine as they are located within the same general area.

Admission Fee

• Thai Visitors: Free

• Foreign Visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Daily from 06:00 AM – 07:30 PM (Ruins are accessible all day; evening illumination is provided)