sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park
(Ancient Sukhothai)

Over 700 years ago,the land called Sukhothai,which means "the Dawn of Happiness" ,reigned as the first capital of Thailand. Historical artifacts and evidence have shown that the culture of the Thai people originated in Sukhothai.Sukhothai was the center for countless branches of knowledge and technology,particularly linguistically with its own languahe and alphabet. The present prosperity of the Thai culture has its beginning in Sukhothai and forms an indispensabke part of the Kingdom of Thailand

Sukhothai Historical Park(Ancient Sukhothai) Situated in Muang Kao Sub-district, 12 kms from Sukhoothai City on highway No. 12 to Tak Province. The most digmificant place in history,archacology art and culture,be registered with the United Nation Education Science and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) as the world's heritage,having attracteve and interesting places

Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest

Tourist Information Center

Situated in the north outside city wall,front of Wat Phra Phai Luang the Information Center presents information service,Model of Old Sukhothai City. Toueiste are suggested to start visiting the park from this point as 800 years Sukhothai period vivid scences can be imagined here.

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument

The monument is on Charodwithithong Road,north of Wat Mahathat.The bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great sits on a throne Called Phra Thaen Manangkhasila Asana.The right hand holds a scripture while the left hand is in a teaching gestureto the people.on the left side of the throne.a dagger is placedupon a tray. The statue is approximately twice the size of His Majesty King Ramkhamhaeng.The frature of the statue'sface is like that of Buddha images of the early Sukhothai period and clearly expresses King Ramkhamhaeng 's benevolence,love of justice and decissiveness.The base relief ricords the activities of King Ramkhamhaeng as stated in the Jaruk Sukhothai

Wat Mahathat

This is the largest wat (temple) in Sukhothai and also the most important.It is revered as a wat that has always been with the city. Religious buildings inside the compoujd reflect Sukhothai's splendid archetecture. The Phra Rattana Chedi (pagoda ),which is in the shape of a lotus,is the main chedi of the wat. Surrounding the chedi are 4 smaller laterite stupas and 4 pagodas in the Sri Vichai-Lanka style.At the lower base of the chedi there are plaster Budhist disciples praying while walking

Wat Phra Phae Luang

A large ancient site,it is the second most important wat of the province.The wat is encircled by a moat. The most prominent feature of the wat is the 3 main stupas made of laterite in the Lop Buri style.On the northern side of the stupas,plaster reliefs can still be seen.The front of the stupas is lined with ancient chedi ruins. There are numerous plaster Buddha images in the area in various postures such as sitting,standing,walking,and reclining.most of which are damaged.They are placed at chedis and other buildings in the wat.

Wat Si Sawai

Wat Si Sawai is 300 meters to the southwest of Wat Mahathat amidst a lovely surrounding.A highlight of the wat is the 3 Lop Buri-style stupas.In the front of the stupas,there are 2 chapel bases which are surrounded by a laterite wall.

Excavations and restorations in the wat's area have uncovered a lintel and many religious objects made of alloys, as wellas Lop Buri -style Buddha images.

Wat Sa Sri

Situated on an island in a large pond called Trapang Traguan in the center of the city ,Wat Sa Sri has a main chedi in the Lankh style.In the front of the chedi, there is a huge chapel which houses plaster Buddha images in the Marn Vichai posture.Also directly in front of this chapel i sanother chapel on a small island.To the south of the chedi lies a small but beautiful chedi in the Kanka-Si Wichai style.

Wat Saphan Hin

Wat Saphan hin is in a forest area 2,930 meters from Wat Mahathat ans is situated on a hill 200 meters above the ground.A slate road leads to a chapel made of thick brick.ABuddha image 12.50 meters high in the Prathan Aphai posture stands elegantly in the compound facing to the east.This awesome image is called Phra Attarot.On the way up the hill,one can see on the left-hand side a petite lotus-shaped chedi.A panoramic view of ancient Sukhothai and its luscious forest can be enjoned from the wat.

Wat Si Chum

This wat is 1,500 meters form Wat Mahathat to the northeast outside the city wall.The wat's most interesting attraction is a big nuilding housing a plaster Buddha image 11.30 meters wide.Charuk Sukhothai calls it Phra Achana.The left wall of the building includes a tunnel-like passageway leading up to the upper part of the building. The ceiling of the passageway has more than 50 slate reliefs recounting a Buddhist saga.

Loy Krathong Festival (Light Festival)

This is a porvincial Festival celebrated on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, and is particularly picturesque amid the ruin of Sukhothai Historical Park.The Festival Presented in Khatong ( small Banana leaf boats ) floating,candle and firework festival,light and sound show,traditional dance troupe, traditional " Nang Noppamart" beauty contest,procession.