Sri Thep Historical Park

📍 Location of Sri Thep Historical Park 🚘 Directions to Sri Thep Historical Park

About Sri Thep Historical Park

The Historical Park in Thailand is a sight to behold, with its old structures that are a testament to the country's rich history. Visitors often spend a considerable amount of time here, almost an hour, capturing the beauty of the place in photographs. The park is quite expansive, with a notable building situated at the other end, necessitating a drive to reach it.

However, not all experiences at the park have been positive. Some visitors have expressed disappointment after driving for over an hour from Petchabun to visit the park. The entrance fee of 100 bahr was deemed not worth the experience, as the park seemed to offer little more than scattered stones. The park does offer a bus service for visitors, but finding the driver can be a challenge. Some visitors have reported being dropped off at a location and then left to find their way back to their vehicles, adding to the overall dissatisfaction.

The Si Thep Historical Park, located en route from Khao Kho to Lopburi, has also received mixed feedback. While the entrance fee for foreigners is THB 100 and for Thai people is THB 20, some visitors felt that the park did not live up to their expectations. They were hoping to see impressive old temple ruins but were disappointed to find only two old structures of interest.

Despite these criticisms, the Historical Park has its charm. It is small but historically significant, offering a clean, quiet, and picturesque environment. While it may not compare to grand structures like Angkor or Borobudur, it holds interest for those who appreciate architecture and ancient history. The park is reminiscent of the Hindu ruins in the Dieng Plateau in Indonesia. Visitors can also gain first-hand knowledge from the helpful staff. One of the intriguing features of the park is the female skeleton that is 1.8 m long, dated 1-2 thousand years ago. The Khao Klang Nok, modelled along Borobudur lines, is another attraction, although much smaller.

Some visitors feel that the park is not worth the time, as there are only a few things to see. After paying the entrance fee, a golf car takes visitors to the first ruins, and then they have to walk to the last one. However, others find the park well-organised, with significant reliefs on the temples. The main area houses a Hindu, Buddhist, and Khmer temple, all older but better preserved than elsewhere. The park also features a small museum and an archaeological site where ancient skeletons, jewellery, and tools were found. There are more ruins further away, but not all visitors choose to visit them. The park offers an open tram with a knowledgeable driver to the main areas, and all attractions are well documented in Thai and English.

For those staying in Phetchabun for an extended period, the Historical Park can be a part of their itinerary. The area is rich in parks and monuments, offering plenty of sights to see. Despite its size, the park is a nice addition to the other historical parks in the area, offering a glimpse into Thailand's past.