Wat Chang Lom, Buddhist temple ruins in Mueang Kao, Thailand.
Wat Chang Lom is a Buddhist temple ruin in Mueang Kao featuring a large bell-shaped chedi resting on a base decorated with 32 elephant sculptures. Many of these stone figures are now missing their heads, though the overall form of the chedi remains clearly visible to visitors.
The temple was built between 1285 and 1291 during King Ramkhamhaeng's reign and demonstrates the architectural advancement of the Sukhothai Kingdom during that era. This period marked an important phase in the artistic development of early Siam.
The name Chang Lom means Temple of the Elephants, and the stone elephants around the base represent a link between the earthly and spiritual worlds that visitors can see today. This symbolism remains visible in the carved figures that surround the main structure.
The site lies outside the three paid zones of Sukhothai Historical Park and is freely accessible daily. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the ruins are partially overgrown.
Excavations at the site have uncovered pottery fragments and everyday objects from the Sukhothai period. These archaeological finds offer visitors a direct window into the daily lives of the people who once inhabited this region.
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