Thailand Guides - Sukhothai

Located in the lower part of northern Thailand, Sukhothai, which literally means the “Dawn of Happiness”, is really a peaceful town. Historically, this is the site of the first capital of Thailand.

Overview

Indeed Sukhothai is a kingdom. Founded in 1238, it thrived for approximately 200 years and left some of the most significant legacies to Thai people – one of whose is Thai alphabets. Nowadays, the town has magnificent city ruins that appeal to travellers who want to get a glimpse of the glorious past of the Thai kingdom.

Attractions

The Sukhothai Historical Park is the main attraction in town. The park, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site, covers the whole area of an old city including ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples with gorgeous Buddha statues on the pedestals, the city gates, moats, ponds and canals. Touring the park can be done on foot, by bicycle or tram.

Standing at the entrance of the park is the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Named after the most revered king of Sukhothai Kingdom, the museum contains an exhibition of archeological finds such as Buddha statues of various styles, inscription stones and ancient weapons.

There are several archeological ruins scattering outside the city wall. Wat Phra-Phai-Luang has a group of delicately adorned religious monuments that were built in different eras. At Wat Si-Chum, a big serene-looking sitting Buddha statue in a white roofless hall is the main draw of this temple.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park is a riverside town believed to be an important outpost of the kingdom before it was moved to Sukhothai. It was here also where Sukhothai’s famous celadon ceramic products were made and shipped to many countries in Asia during the 13^th century. More than 1,000 kilns are discovered around the city. In this historical park, numerous temple ruins and bell-shaped Buddhist shrines nestle under shady old trees. The stupa at Wat Chang Lom is surrounded by 39 elegant elephant stuccos, marking the centre of the temple.