Thailand Guide
The central plains
Wat Trapang Ngoen
Opening time: Daily 6am–6pm
Price: B100 includes entry to the rest of the central zone
Address: Central zone, Sukhothai Historical Park; 12km west of New Sukhothai
The particularly fine lotus-bud stupa of Wat Trapang Ngoen rises gracefully against the backdrop of distant hills. Aligned with the stupa on the symbolic east-west axis are the dilapidated assembly hall and, east of that, on an island in the middle of the "silver pond" after which the temple is named, the remains of the main sanctuary. Walk the connecting plank to the sanctuary to appreciate the setting from the water. North of the stupa, notice the fluid lines of the walking Buddha mounted onto a brick wall – a classic example of Sukhothai sculpture.