Wat Chang Lom, Buddhist temple ruins in Si Satchanalai, Thailand
Wat Chang Lom is a temple ruin from the Sukhothai period within the Si Satchanalai historical park in northern Thailand. The central tower rises from a square base where life-sized elephant figures made of stucco and brick emerge all around.
The site was built in the 13th century under Sukhothai rule, when Buddhist monuments were constructed in the north of present-day Thailand. Over the centuries the sanctuary fell into decay until archaeological work secured the exposed structures.
The name comes from the Thai word for elephant, referring to the animal figures supporting the main structure. Today these sculptures show how animal reverence merged with religious teachings in the past.
The ruin sits in the open grounds of the historical park and can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Sturdy footwear helps on the paths between foundation remains and grassy areas.
The elephant figures appear in different states of preservation, some nearly complete while others show only rough outlines in the masonry. In certain spots you can see how the stucco layer was applied over the brick core.
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