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Two Chedis, Kanchanaburi is an important archaeological monument located in Don Chedi Subdistrict, Phanom Thuan District, Kanchanaburi Province. This site is considered significant historical and archaeological evidence reflecting changes in Thai society during the late Ayutthaya period, in terms of architecture, belief systems, and the impacts of war between Siam and Burma around the time of Ayutthaya’s second fall. The surrounding area still preserves a traditional rural landscape, allowing the Two Chedis to retain the atmosphere of an authentic monument that has not been absorbed into commercial tourism.

 

From a geographical perspective, Phanom Thuan District lies in the lower Mae Klong River basin, an area that has long been fertile and suitable for settlement since ancient times. Waterways and land routes in this region once played a key role in trade and troop movements during times of conflict. It is therefore unsurprising that many ancient sites appear here, particularly temples and chedis connected to historical events in the late Ayutthaya period.

 

The architectural characteristics of the Two Chedis have drawn strong interest from archaeologists and local historians because both chedis are built in a 12-sided form, also described as a 12-recessed-corner plan. This form was popular in the late Ayutthaya period, especially for constructions carrying commemorative meaning. Such a design requires skilled craftsmanship to control angles, distribute weight, and lay bricks precisely, ensuring long-term structural stability.

 

The bricks used are red laterite-like bricks with a coarse, strong texture and good durability in a hot and humid climate. The use of the same type of red brick found at the Don Chedi Elephant Duel Chedi and at Wat Khongkha, located about 200 meters west of the Two Chedis, helps confirm a meaningful connection in construction period and the group of craftsmen involved. Many archaeologists agree that the choice of bricks and construction techniques reflects the craftsmanship standards of the late Ayutthaya period clearly.

 

From an archaeological viewpoint, the Two Chedis were likely built around the time of Ayutthaya’s second fall in 2310 BE (1767 CE), when the kingdom faced continuous warfare. Historical records note that after the capital fell, Burmese forces roamed various towns and settlements to loot valuables, often targeting temples as repositories of wealth and gold. The area of Don Chedi Subdistrict and Phanom Thuan District would have been inevitably affected by these events.

 

Oral accounts passed down in the community describe the destruction and looting of several important temples in the area, such as Wat Khongkha, Wat Nong Rong, Wat Khao Cham Sin, and Wat Nang Chi. These incidents led local Thai troops and villagers to unite in defense of their communities. The fighting caused losses on both sides, and it is believed that some soldiers died in this vicinity. The construction of the Two Chedis may therefore carry meaning as a memorial monument to those who perished in these conflicts.

 

Another local tradition speaks of a troop dressed in green garments who carried out the construction of the two chedis after the war ended. Building them as a pair may reflect ideas of balance, shared hardship, and the dedication of merit to the deceased in traditional Thai belief. Creating a memorial in the form of chedis thus served not only as remembrance, but also as a symbolic connection between the living and the dead in a Buddhist worldview.

 

Today, the Two Chedis is not an active temple complex with resident monks or regular religious ceremonies. However, it continues to be cared for at the community level. Local residents still show respect for the site as an archaeological monument and a symbol of local history. The quiet surroundings give visitors space to learn and reflect on the monument’s meaning in depth, without the disturbance of heavy tourist crowds.

 

Getting There The Two Chedis can be reached conveniently by private car or public transport. From Kanchanaburi town, the distance is approximately 19 kilometers via the Kanchanaburi–Phanom Thuan route. For public transport, you can take local bus route 411 (Kanchanaburi–U Thong) or route 9918 (Bangkok–Three Pagodas Pass), then connect to local transport into Don Chedi Subdistrict.

 

 

A: It is believed they were built in the late Ayutthaya period, around the time of Ayutthaya’s second fall.

 

A: No. It is an archaeological monument built as a historical memorial rather than an active temple.

 

A: Currently, the site is open to visitors free of charge.

 

A: It preserves late Ayutthaya architectural features and reflects the war context in the lower Mae Klong basin area.

 

A: Around 30–60 minutes is typically sufficient to walk around and observe the site.