Sukhothai

SUKHOTHAI is a small city in lower Northern Thailand and the capital of the province with this name, most famous for the ruins of the ancient city Sukhothai.
It is located a bit more than 400 km north of Bangkok, resp. approx. 350 km south of Chiang Mai and on the banks of the River Yom, a tributary of the Chao Phraya River. The population is approx. 40000. The new town is 12 km east from the historic city of Sukhothai. The name translates as "the dawn of happiness". An UNESCO World Heritage City, Sukhothai houses a vast number of historical sites and temple ruins. As the first capital of Siam, the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1438) was
the cradle of Thai civilization, the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language. The kingdom did enjoy an extended period of peace and prosperity until it was annexed by the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Due to its location, Sukhothai sees a smaller number of visitors than its more popular counterpart Ayutthaya. Sukhothai’s historical sites, however, are by no means less splendid. Most historically significant temple ruins are housed inside the Sukhothai Historical Park and at nearby Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Apart from visiting the historical sites, Sukhothai itself is a quiet rural city where you can still relish the charms of Thailand’s rustic lifestyle. The provincial seal shows King Ramkhanghaeng the Great sitting on the Managkhasila Asana throne. The provincial flower is the Lotus.

HISTORY. The Sukhothai Kingdom was an early kingdom in the center of lower Northern Thailand. The kingdom existed from 1238 until 1438 and has been commonly described as "the first Thai kingdom" in 20th-century Thai historiography. The ruins of the old capital located 12 km outside new Sukhothai City are preserved as Sukhothai Historical Park and designated A World Heritage Site. Sukhothai was a town founded in the 13th century on the fringe of the Khmer Empire. Founded by Phokhun Si Intharathit, it was the first truly independent Siamese (Thai) Kingdom after defeating the Khmers. Sukhothai enjoyed a golden age under their third king, King Ramkhamhaeng, who was credited with creating the Khmer derived Thai alphabet, which is essentially the same as that in use today. He also laid the foundation for politics, the monarchy and religion, as well as expanding its circle of influence. Sukhothai was later ruled by many kings. The province is still most known for the historic city of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Not far from Sukhothai are the Si Satchanalai HistoricaL Park and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. Both were cities in the former Sukhothai Kingdom and at the same time period. Finally in 1438 the Sukhothai Kingdom was merged into Ayutthaya Kingdom. The province was at first known as Sawankhalok. It was renamed to Sukhothai in 1939.

GETTING THERE. Sukhothai Airport is in Sawankhalok District about 30 kilometres from downtown. Bangkok Airways, which is also the owner of the airport, operates daily flights between Sukhothai and Bangkok.
As Sukhothai is located just 80 km west of Phitsanulok, some people prefer to travel by train from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok and then take the bus or taxi for the ride to Sukhothai, which takes a bit more than one hour.
Buses run regularly from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Bangkok and Chiang Mai (takes 5,5 hours to/from both destinations) and do stop at other major towns on route.
As well to all surrounding provinces like Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phrae, Lampang etc. daily bus services are offered.
Tuk-tuks and motorbike-taxis are popular for short journeys within the new town, but also between the new town and the old town (historical park)

ATTRACTIONS. Arriving in Sukhothai is like taking a journey back in time, since the history does dominate this area. 12 km west of the new city, the Sukhothai Historical Park houses all the historical ruins dating back to the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. It is divided into 5 zones and contains close to 200 ruins, all spread across the 70 sqkm area. Most tourists just visit the central zone, which is the site of the collapsed royal palace and Wat Mahathat, the spiritual center. You can rent a bicycle to explore the park. Another sight of interest is Rakhaemhaeng National Museum. The museum offers exhibitions of precious artifacts excavated from the Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park. If time does allow, then Si Satchanalai Historical Park located about 60 km north of Sukhothai Historical Park is also worth a visit. Here find more beautiful temples dotted around a green open space. Also here It is possible to rent bicycles for exploring historical sites, such as Wat Chang Lom and Wat Nang Phaya. Si Satchanalai is the origin of glazed ceramic ware called Sangkhalok, a predecessor of celadon. Festivals. Loy Krathong Festival in November is celebrated all over Thailand, but Sukhothai is definitely one of the best places to be and the Light & Sound Show at the Historical Park is a highlight.