Si Mahosot Ancient Town A Timeless Dvaravati Heritage in Prachinburi. Hidden within the plains of Prachinburi lies one of the most remarkable ancient towns in Thailand’s eastern region, known as Si Mahosot. This archaeological site is not just a silent remnant of a lost civilization, but a living testimony to the Dvaravati culture that flourished more than a thousand years ago. Located in Khok Pip Subdistrict, Si Mahosot District, about twenty kilometers from Prachinburi city, the site covers over 700 rai of land, encircled by moats, earth walls, and scattered with religious ruins, sacred ponds, and artifacts that invite visitors to imagine the life of a thriving settlement long ago.

 

Stepping into Si Mahosot feels like passing through a time portal. The town is believed to date back to around the 6th–12th centuries CE (Buddhist centuries 11–18). Archaeological evidence such as lingams, Hindu deities, and pottery fragments indicates that the town was deeply influenced by Indian religions, particularly Hinduism, before Buddhism eventually took root. Its oval or rounded-rectangle town plan, surrounded by defensive moats and walls, reveals advanced urban engineering and water management techniques that were remarkable for their time.

 

Walking along the remains of the ramparts and moats, one can sense the care with which the town was designed. The presence of an inner canal known as “Khu Luk Son” further highlights the importance of water management and transportation inside the city. Within the ancient town, more than one hundred archaeological sites remain, including mounds, ponds, and religious ruins, each whispering the memory of past rituals and daily life.

 

At the heart of the town stands a cluster of brick and laterite shrines, collectively known as the central sanctuary group. These structures, dating from around the 12th century, were once vibrant places of worship, dedicated to Hindu deities that symbolized power and divine protection. Close by rises Phu Khao Thong, a stupa shaped like an inverted alms bowl. Its simple but graceful form is one of the best-preserved examples of Dvaravati religious architecture, standing as a reminder of the town’s spiritual heart.

 

Another significant ruin is Monument No. 25, a rectangular laterite shrine constructed around the 6th–7th centuries CE. This site gives visitors a glimpse of early religious architecture that blended sacred symbolism with durable materials. A short distance outside the southwestern corner of the town lies Sa Kaeo, the most enchanting monument of Si Mahosot. This ancient pond, carved directly into the laterite bedrock, measures about eighteen meters across. Its walls are adorned with exquisite bas-relief carvings of animals: elephants, lions, makaras, kinnari, and serpents coiling around pillars. These creatures, drawn from Hindu cosmology, embody royal power and cosmic protection. Sa Kaeo is believed to have been a sacred pond used in royal rituals, its waters symbolizing purity and divine legitimacy.

 

The discovery of numerous artifacts further enriches the story of Si Mahosot. Lingams, deity statues, and fragments of ceramics spanning from the Dvaravati to the Lopburi, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin periods all point to continuous use of the site across centuries. Rather than being abandoned, Si Mahosot remained a place where communities returned, built upon, and redefined the sacred landscape.

 

When compared to other Dvaravati towns such as U Thong in Suphanburi, Khu Bua in Ratchaburi, or Chansen in Nakhon Sawan, Si Mahosot emerges as the key eastern stronghold of the network. Its location near the Bang Pakong River and the Gulf of Thailand enabled it to serve as a hub for trade, religion, and cultural exchange between inland communities and coastal ports.

 

Today, the Fine Arts Department oversees excavation and preservation work at Si Mahosot. Visitors can walk through the ancient grounds safely, guided by informative signs and shaded by large trees that add a sense of tranquility. The site remains peaceful, almost contemplative, making it a rare cultural escape from the bustle of modern life.

 

Travelers typically spend two to three hours exploring the main highlights of the town. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the details of the carvings. Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a hat are highly recommended, as some areas lack paved paths. Having a local guide adds great value, as they can share oral histories and interpretations that bring the ruins to life.

 

Visiting Si Mahosot is not only an encounter with ancient stones but also a chance to reflect on the resilience of culture and the timelessness of human creativity. Here, the silence of the earthworks, the dignity of the shrines, and the mystery of Sa Kaeo converge to offer an experience that is both educational and deeply moving.