Sukhothai - Wat Phra Pai Luang

Surrounded by a moat Wat Phra Pai Luang is extensive and one of the oldest temples. It was probably one of the most important in this region and is thought to date from the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th c. Of the three laterite prangs decorated with stucco the north one is still standing. On the gable of the false door Buddha and his followers are represented. Beautiful stucco work adorns the steps of the chedi and the base of the dilapidated eastern chedi. The outside wall, the foundations and ruins of four rows of columns still remain from the wiharn. In the mondhop statues were found depicting Buddha in the four basic positions. The Wat Phra Pai Luang was presumably the main wat of the old town at the time of the Khmer before it was moved further south to its present position in the ruined city.