Mueng Sangkra Buri

Wat Tonot Lai sits within the old walls of Mueang Sankhaburi in Chainat province — a Dvaravati-era town once called Mueang Phraek, renamed and absorbed into the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1381 CE under King Boromma Maha Thammaracha I (Lithai), when it became a twin royal town alongside Chainat itself. Entry is free.

The main structure still standing is a bell-shaped chedi built in Sukhothai style, likely dating to the 14th or 15th century — a “song phum khao bin” form, named for its resemblance to a mound of offered rice. It stands within the same compound as the ruined Wat Song Phi Nong (Two Siblings Temple) next door, one of several temple ruins scattered across the old town alongside Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Kaew, and the abandoned Wat Tha Sao and Wat Sanam Chai.

This is a lightly documented site by Thai archaeological standards — there’s no visitor centre or extensive signage, and much of what’s known comes from the Fine Arts Department’s site surveys rather than an on-site exhibition. That makes it a stop for people specifically interested in Dvaravati-to-early-Ayutthaya transition sites rather than a polished heritage park.

Insider Tip: Combine this with the other Sankhaburi temple ruins in the same old town area — Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Kaew are a short drive away and give a fuller picture of the former Mueang Phraek/Sankhaburi city than any single site alone.

Watch out: The chedi and grounds are exposed with little shade, and the site sees very few visitors, so don’t expect facilities like a shop or restrooms — bring water and plan around a short visit.