Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park is a prominent archeological site in Thailand's Sa Kaeo Province. It is well known for having well-preserved Khmer temple remains from the height of the Khmer Empire, in the 11th and 12th centuries. 

Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park is a major tourist destination and a location for historical and archeological study in addition to being a monument to the artistic and cultural accomplishments of the Khmer Empire. It gives guests an overview of Thailand's illustrious past and its ties to the larger Southeast Asian community.

Let’s explore this impressive historical site with Asia King Travel!

History of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The history of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park begins in the eleventh century, when King Suryavarman I's thriving Khmer Empire ruled the region. Sadok Kok Thom probably had an important role as an administrative and religious center in the eastern regions of the empire, having been a member of its vast network.

History of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The Shiva temple complex is a prime example of Khmer Empire artistic and architectural mastery and is devoted to the Hindu god. Its elaborate carvings and tall towers showcase the empire's grandeur and cultural refinement in addition to its devotion to the gods.

However, locations like Sadok Kok Thom were eventually neglected and abandoned as the Khmer Empire dealt with internal strife and external pressures like invasions and dwindling central authority.

History of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

Only in the 20th century did archaeologists find Sadok Kok Thom again, buried behind thick jungle growth. In order to enable visitors to recognize the site's historical and cultural value, sincere efforts have been made to investigate, conserve, and restore it.

History of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The Khmer Empire's heritage is preserved today in Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park, which provides an overview of its administrative, religious, and architectural accomplishments. It serves as a reminder of Southeast Asia's rich history and draws both visitors and academics who are keen to discover the region's historical marvels and secrets.

Architecture of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, constructed in the style of Khmer architecture, comprises significant structures like the Main Prasat and two Banalai, surrounded by a cloister and defensive wall. Built with sandstone and laterite, adorned with engraved patterns, it depicts stories of Brahmanism-Hinduism and floral motifs reminiscent of Ancient Khmer Culture, blending Klang and Baphuon styles. Dating back to the late 16th century, it was dedicated to Shaivism, a sect of Brahmanism.

Architecture of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The Main Prasat, overgrown with reeds, faces east and houses "Shiva lingam Base" and "Yoni Base," suggesting rituals in Hindu belief, possibly constructed in the 15th century. Its layout follows traditional Khmer art, with a large Baray upfront, pathways adorned with "Sao Nang Rieng" pillars, "Gopura" arch doors, and sandstone-laterite buildings encircling the inner Prasat.

Architecture of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

Two stone inscriptions, engraved with Ancient Khmer Alphabet, provide crucial evidence of the site's age and purpose. The second inscription mentions Khmer Kings from Phra Nakhon Town to King Uthai Thitayavarman II, shedding light on its historical significance.

Traveling cost of Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

Opening hours: Sdok Kok Thom is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm.

Admission charged at the ticket booth is (Thai Baht): 50 Baht for both adult and child

Best time to visit Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The months of November through February are usually the coolest and driest times of year to visit Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park. With cooler temperatures and less precipitation, this is the ideal time of year to explore the park. When you visit in the colder months, you can fully enjoy the park's splendor without having to worry about intense heat or rain. You can also count on more agreeable weather during these visits.

Best time to visit Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

If you would rather escape the crowds, you could choose to visit in the shoulder seasons of September to October or March to May, when less people are coming and the weather is still generally nice.

How to get to Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park

The general directions to Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park are as follows:

• From Bangkok: There are several ways to get there if you're coming from Bangkok. The park can be reached by bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Sa Kaeo Province. As an alternative, you may drive to the park; depending on traffic and road conditions, this trip will take three to four hours.
• From Sa Kaeo Province: To get to Sadok Kok Thom Historical Park, take a cab or rent a car once you've arrived in Sa Kaeo Province. The town of Sa Kaeo is 60 kilometers northeast of it.

Read more: Thailand Tours 20 days