Aranyik area

The Aranyik area of Kamphaeng Phet is situated outside the town wall in the north of Chakangrao. It is an area of many forest monasteries used by the Forest Dwelling Sect. Most of the ruins date back to the 14th - 16th centuries CE. The many ruins at Aranyik show the sect's popularity during that era. The site has been restored and landscaped with the assistance of UNESCO.

The Aranyik area, covers 1,611 Rai on a mound. The group of ancient monuments in this area consists of 40 large and small temples. The significant temples include Wat Phra Non, Wat Phra Si Iriyabot, Wat Singha, Wat Khong Chai, Wat Nak Jet Sian, Wat Kamphaeng Ngam, Wat Chang Rop and Wat Avasa Yai.

The group of ancient monuments in the Aranyik area is considered a striking feature of Kamphaeng Phet. Densely located on a single piece of land on a small hill, these ancient monuments were artistically constructed and are regarded as indigenous architecture, which reflects the craftsmanship and beliefs of the original inhabitants of Kamphaeng Phet during that time. Amid the well-preserved forest, this group of ancient monuments breaths an atmosphere of the forest temples in the olden days.

Ayutthaya Historical Research