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Historical Park Sukhothai
In 1238, Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness) became the first truly
independent Thai kingdom. Historical artifacts have demonstrated that Thai culture,
most particularly the Thai alphabet and Thai language, originated in
Sukhothai.
The original capital of the first Thai kingdom was surrounded by three
concentric ramparts and two moats bridged by four gateways. Today the
remains of 21 historical sites and tour large ponds can be seen within the
old walls, with an additional 70 sites within a 5km radius. The Sukhothai
ruins are one of Thailand's World Heritage sites.
The ruins are divided into five zones - central, north, south, east and
west .
You can rent a bicycle by K-Shop (about 20B). The park's official hours are
from 6 am to 6 pm. Sukhothai temple architecture is most typified by the
classic lotus-bud stupa, which features a conical spire topping a
square-sided structure on a three-tiered base. Some sites also exhibit
other rich architectural forms introduced and modified during the period -
bell-shaped Singhalese and double-tiered Srivijaya stupas. The best way to
getting around in the Sukhothai HP is by bike.
If you hire a bike you will get a plan with all the details of the park. We
draw you attention to keep left if you come from the States or Europe and
pay your admission fee. The most interesting places in the park is the Wat
Mahathat with the Buddha statues and the huge Buddha at Wat Si Chum still
evokes a feeling of awe.
The Wat Chang Long with the Elephant Circled Monastery. A large bell-shaped
Chedi is supported by 36 elephants sculpted into its base.
In the same direction outside the city walls you see the Wat Phra Phai
Luang. This somewhat isolated Wat features three 12-century Khmer-style
prang, bigger than those at Wat Si Sawai more to the South.
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