Wat Sorasak

Wat Sorasak is a restored Buddhist temple ruin located within the walled central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai Province. Built in the early 15th century during the Sukhothai Kingdom, it is notable for its bell-shaped chedi encircled by 24 stucco elephants emerging from the base. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park, it exemplifies classic Sukhothai architecture and elephant-supported chedi design.

Visitors can expect a compact, open-air temple compound within the flat, park-like central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. The main feature is a brick bell-shaped chedi on a square base surrounded by 24 stucco elephants, with remains of a vihara, columns and Buddha image bases in front. The site is surrounded by lawns, trees and pathways, explored on foot or by bicycle, with interpretive signs and views of other nearby ruins.

Wat Sorasak was built in 1412 during the reign of King Sai Lue Thai (Maha Thammaracha IV) of the Sukhothai Kingdom. An inscription indicates it was founded by a person named Nai Inthara Sorasak. The temple represents the late Sukhothai period and features a classic bell-shaped chedi on an elephant-supported base, a style influenced by Sri Lankan architecture and characteristic of Sukhothai art.

As a Buddhist temple within the Sukhothai Historical Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wat Sorasak reflects Theravada Buddhist architecture and the cultural symbolism of elephants as protectors of the Buddha's relic enshrined in the chedi. It is an important example of Sukhothai religious art and urban temple planning.