Twin Buddha Footprints

Twin Buddha Footprints at the Sa Morakot Ancient Site in Prachin Buri Province are among Thailand’s most important religious and archaeological traces. These sacred marks are a pair of Buddha footprints carved directly into natural laterite—the oldest known pair in the country. Based on archaeological assessments, they likely date to the 11th–13th Buddhist centuries (approx. 1,300–1,500 years ago). Beyond being a revered religious symbol, the site evidences the spread of Buddhism and the development of art and culture in Thailand’s eastern region with remarkable clarity.

 

The Sa Morakot Ancient Site lies in Khok Thai Subdistrict, Si Mahosot District, Prachin Buri. It forms part of the ancient city of Si Mahosot, which dates back more than 1,500 years. This ancient city once served as a thriving regional center where Dvaravati culture blended with later Khmer influences. Remains such as building foundations, gallery walls, and temple bases reflect its former prosperity. The discovery of the twin footprints here confirms Si Mahosot’s role as a major religious hub in the eastern region of Thailand.

 

The twin Buddha footprints were first discovered in 1986 (BE 2529) during a Fine Arts Department survey. They are finely carved into the natural laterite surface. The soles resemble human footprints: five toes aligned but not perfectly even. At the center of each sole is a carved Dharmachakra, symbolizing the turning of the Buddha’s teachings. Cross-shaped grooves and small circular holes are also present—likely sockets for poles or ceremonial umbrellas used in religious rites. These features reveal the maker’s intent to convey layered symbolism and the interweaving of local beliefs with ideas from abroad.

 

In front of the twin footprints is a sacred well drilled into the laterite layer—a circular shaft roughly 120 centimeters in diameter and about 10 meters deep. Excavations retrieved various artifacts, from architectural fragments and eave tiles to a seated Buddha image. Such finds indicate the area once formed part of a major monastic complex and that the well likely served ritual purposes as a source of sacred water.

 

The significance of the Sa Morakot twin footprints lies in their role as a “symbolic consumable stupa” (boriphok chedi sommot) in the Lankan Buddhist tradition. Although the Buddha did not literally visit this spot, the carved footprints symbolically mark his presence, creating a focal point for veneration by later devotees. The choice to render them as a pair—unlike the single footprints common elsewhere—makes this place especially distinctive and sacred in the eyes of locals and travelers alike.

 

Artistically and archaeologically, the twin footprints reflect Dvaravati and Amaravati influences that spread into mainland Southeast Asia, later blending with Khmer art prominent in Thailand’s East. The restrained yet meaningful carving—Dharmachakra and cross grooves centered in the soles—aligns with early Buddhist practice of using symbols to represent the Buddha.

 

Local devotion is most visible during the annual “Makha Pūrimi Sri Prachin” celebration around Makha Bucha Day, when people gather to circumambulate and pay homage to the twin footprints for blessings and to uphold the Buddhist faith. The festival unites the community while also drawing Thai and international visitors.

 

Compared with other footprint sites in Thailand—such as the famed single footprint at Saraburi, or footprints in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai—differences emerge in construction and symbolism. Saraburi’s footprint is singular and has long been enshrined under a mondop. Chiang Mai and Sukhothai display traits of their own periods. What sets Prachin Buri apart is the rare pair of footprints, affirmed as among the oldest in the country. This rarity elevates the Sa Morakot pair as evidence of exceptional value—archaeologically, artistically, and spiritually.

 

As a travel destination, the twin footprints are within easy reach of Bangkok—about 2.5 to 3 hours by car. The most straightforward route follows Highway 304 through Chachoengsao into Prachin Buri, then to Si Mahosot District, and onward to Khok Thai Subdistrict. Roughly three kilometers before the district center, a turnoff leads to Wat Sa Morakot, where the footprints are located. The surroundings remain tranquil, shaded by large trees and fields—a calm setting suited to reflection.

 

Facilities include walkways to the site, a pavilion for quiet contemplation, and interpretive signs. Though some panels could delve deeper, they are enough for basic understanding. Visitors should wear suitable footwear, especially in the rainy season when paths can be slippery.

 

Beyond tourism and worship, preserving the site poses challenges since the carvings lie outdoors and weathered laterite is vulnerable. The Fine Arts Department has undertaken conservation measures, including partial restoration, to slow deterioration. Public outreach helps local residents and youth appreciate the site’s value, encouraging shared stewardship of this cultural treasure.

 

In sum, the twin Buddha footprints at the Sa Morakot Ancient Site in Prachin Buri embody multi-dimensional value: as some of the oldest archaeological evidence of their kind in Thailand; as a religious symbol reflecting layered belief systems and cross-cultural art; and as a compelling cultural-heritage destination. Visitors come away not only with a sense of serenity and reverence but also with deeper insight into the historical roots of Thai religion and culture.

 

 

Archaeologists estimate the 11th–13th Buddhist centuries, roughly 1,300–1,500 years old.

 

Because two soles were carved side by side into the laterite surface—a rare pairing in Thailand.

 

It is a circular laterite shaft about 10 meters deep, believed to serve ritual purposes and to have yielded many artifacts.

 

From Bangkok, take Highway 304 through Chachoengsao into Prachin Buri, then proceed to Si Mahosot District and Khok Thai Subdistrict to reach the Sa Morakot site.

 

Yes. “Makha Pūrimi Sri Prachin” is held around Makha Bucha Day, featuring candlelit circumambulation and homage to the twin footprints.

 

Saraburi enshrines a single footprint under a mondop, whereas Prachin Buri preserves a rare pair—among the oldest known in Thailand.