Historical Background

Sukhothai was the first Kingdom of the Thais in this Peninsula. Two Princes-Pho Khun Pha Muang of Muang Rat and Pho Khun Bang Klang Thao of Muang Bangyang-combined their forces and fought the Khmers who commanded an extensive empire throughout this part of the world.

They drove the Khmers out of Suhothai, a major frontier post of the Khmer Empire, and established it as their capital in 1238. Pho Khun Bang Klang Thao, urged by the people to be King, was enthroned with the royal title of Pho Khun Si Indrathit.

King Si Indrathit had two sons. Pho Khun Ban Muang and Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng. After this death, Pho Khun Ban Muang, succeeded him. His brother, Pho Khun Ramkhambaeng, ascended to throne in 1278 and reigned for forty years. He was Thailand's first great King.

One of Thailand's finest warriors, King Ramkhamhaeng made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom which included many parts of what are today neighboring countries. A number of ancient cities paid him tribute.

King Ramkhamhaeng opened direct political relations with China and made two trips to China-the first in 1282 to visit the Emperor Kublai Khan and the second in 1300 after Kublai Khan's death.

From the second visit he brought back Chinese artisans who taught the Thais the art of pottery. Today the old "Sangkhalok Potteries" are eagerly sought by collectors.

A major achievement of King Ramkhamhaeng was the revision of various forms of Khmer alphabets into a system suitable for the writing of Thai words. The alphabet that he invented in 1283 was essentially the same as that used today.

During his reign there was prosperity and happiness. There was water in the paddyfields and fish in the water. A stone inscription reads in part, "This Muang Suhothai" is good. In the water there are fish, in the field there is rice. The ruler does not levy a tax on the people who travel along the road together, leading their oxen on the way to trade and riding their horses on the way to sell. Whoever wants to trade in elephants, so trades, Whoever wants to trade in horses, so trades. Whoever wants to trade in silver and gold, so trades".

King Ramkhamhaeng also promoted religion and culture and through his efforts, Buddhism made headway among the people. In spirational faith gave birth to classic forms of Thai religious arts. Image of the Lord Buddha sculpture during the Sukhothai Era are cultural treasures which impart a feeling of peace and serenity.

A total of eight kings ruled Sukhothai. The gradual decline of Sukhothai occurred during the reigns of the last two kings. The end of this first Thai Kingdom occurred in 1365 when it became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a yound and rising power to the south. Ayutthaya became the capital of Thailand before Bangkok.

The Sukhothai Historical Park

The former greatness of Sukhothai has been preserved. Ruins of the royal palaces. Buddhist temples, the city, gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds. Canals, and the water dyke control system which was the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom are now preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department with the co-operation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand's national identity but of safeguarding a fine example of mankind's cultural heritage.

The park is open to the public every day from 8:30 - 16:30 hrs. The admission fee is 20 baht.

The walls of The Old City

The citywalls are located in the centre of the historical park in Tambon Muang Kao and surrounded by earthen ramparts. The north and the south walls are each 2000 meters long, whereas the east and the west walls are each 1600 metres long. The walls contain four main gates: Sanluang on the north, Namo on the south, Kamphaenghak on the east and Oar on the west. A stone inscription mentions that King Ramkhamhaeng set up a bell at one of the gates. If his subjects needed help they would ring the bell.

Tourists Service Centre

Situated near Wat Phra Phai Luang, the centre provides information and convenience for tourists. A model of the old city of Sukhothai with ruins of Wats and other buildings is also on exhibition there.

The Ramkhamhhaeng National Museum

The Ramkhamhaeng National Musuem was built in 1960 and opened on January 25, 1964. The museum collection include gifts from the ex-abbot of Wat Ratchathani and art objects unearthed in Sukhothai ane nearby provinces. It is open daily from 9:00 - 16:00 hrs. except on Mondays, Tuesdays and official holidays. Admission fee 10 baht.

The Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat

The royal palace lies in the centre of the town and covers an area o 160,000 square metre. This area is surrounded by a moat and contains two main compounds; the royal building and the sanctuary in the palace. In the royal compound exist the ruins of the royal building called Noen Phrasat, which might be Sala Phramat of Buddha Sala mentioned in a Sukhothai stone inscription.

Here are the famous stone inscription of King Ramkhamphaeng was found by King Mongkut in the 19th century togther with a piece of the stone throne called " Manangkhasila Asana" King Ramkhamhaeng set up the throne in the midst of a sugarpalm grove where, at his request, a monk preached on Buddhist Subbath days and the king conducted the affairs of state on other days. This throne was later installed in Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

A sanctuary lies to the west behind the Royal Place compound. It is Sukhothai's largest Wat and a customary main Chedi in lotus-bud shape, and a ruined Vihara. At base of Chedi stand Buddhist disciples in adoration, and on the pedestal seated Buddha images. In front of this reliquary in large Vihara formely containing a remarkable seated bronze Buddha image of Sukhothai style, which was cast and installed by King Lithai of Sukhothai in 1362. At the end of the 18the century, the image was removed to the Vihara Luang of Wat Suthai in Bangkok by the order of the King Rama 1 and has since been named Phra Si Sakaya Muni. In front of the large Vihara is another smaller Vihara which was probably built during the Ayutthaya period. Its main Buddha image (8 m high) was installed inside a separate building. In front of the southern image a piece of sculpture call "Khom Dam Din" (a Khamer who came by was of walking underground) was found, and is now kept in Phra Mae Ya Shrine near the Sukhothai City Hall. On the South stands a pedestal of a large Chedi built up in steps, the lowest platform is adorned with beautiful stucco figures of demons, elephants, lions with angels riding on their backs. Mural paintings adorn the crept to this Chedi.

King Ramkhamhaeng Monument

Situated on the north of Wat Mahathat is the King Ramkhamhaeng Monument. The bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng sites on a throne named Phra Thaen Manangkhasila Asana with a base relief recording this life.

Wat Chang Rop

This is situated in Aranyik area. A Chedi is decorated with an elephant emerging from the base. A Vihara base and laterite columns are in front of the Chedi.

Wat Chang Lom

Is located to the north of Chotwithithong Road with a bell shaped Chedi of Ceylonese influence standing as the centre. The Chedi is situated on a 3-tiered square base on which a platform decorated with a row of elephants send by their front halves supporting the round Chedi.

This type of elephant-decorated Chedi is to be seen in many ancient towns of Sukhothai period for example Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.

Sawankha Woranayok National Museum

38kms from Sukhothai with a 2 kms left turn, the museum puts on exhibition sculptures of different periods. Also on exhibition are ceramic wares of Sukhothai period and ceramic wares from shipwreck in the Gulf of Thailand. Open daily except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays, from 9:00 - 16:00 hrs.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

Is located on the bank of Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. The ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chailang," was named "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang Dynasty when new administrative centre was established to replace Chailang. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the parks, the main attractions are

Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

Also called Wat Phra Borommathat Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang, is situated 3 kilometres to the south of the ancient Si Satchanalai's wall. An immense laterite Prang on a square base marks the centre of the Wat. A steep staircase in front of the huge Prang leads to a room where a reliquary is enshrined.

Chang Lom

Is an important monument within the old town of Si Satchanalai. A huge bell-shaped Chedi supported by 39 elephants with 4 of them at 4 cardinal points elaborately decorated, marks the centre of the Wat. Above the Chedi's base, there are niches enshrining images of the Buddha subduing Mara.

Chedi Chet Thaeo

Is one of the most beautiful temples in Sukhothai Province. Chedis of different artistic styles and influence were built within the area of this Wat. Mural paintings, seriously damages, are still to be seen in some Chedis.

Nang Phaya

Is famous for its delicate stucco reliefs on the remains of the northwestern wall of the 7-room "Vihara" or "image" hall. The pillars of this Vihara are decorated with unglazed ceramic designs. The central laterite Chedi is surrounded by lampposts and accessible by a set of narrow stairs.

Khao Suwan Khiri

Is also a hilltop temple situated 200 meters sway from Phanom Phloeng Hill. A huge bell-shaped Chedi on 5-tiered base marks the centre of the Wat. Ruins of Vihara and Chedi and fragments of huge stucco ligures lie scattered on the ground. The similarity between some figures here and those at Wat Chang Lom in the old town of Sukhothai leads to the belief that it was King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai Kingdom who had this temple constructed.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily between 8:30 - 16:30 hrs. Admission is 20 baht. Traveling to the park is by taking Highway No. 101 to Km 64, turn left and crossing the bridge over the River Yom, then turn right for another 2 kms.

Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Centre

Is located at Ban Ko Noi, some 5 kilometres to the north of Si Satchanalai. More than 500 kilns have been excavated up to now. Numerous celadon wares in perfect condition as well as potsherds have been discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof and is 7-8 metres wide.

The centre consists of 2 buildings situated on the kilns site area with 2 kilns: Nos, 42 and 61. There are also exhibitions on artifacts and one the evolution of ancient ceramic wares. The centre is open daily during 9:00-12:00 and 13:00- 16:00 hrs. Admission is 20 baht.

To get there, drive for some 5 kilometres to the north of Si Satchanalai Historical Park to Ban Ko Noi where the remains of ancient kilns are seen scattered around. The centre is also accessible by the provincial Highway No. 1201 from Amphoe Si Satchanalai, a distance of 7 kilometres with the buildings located on the left.

Si Satchanalai National Park

Originally called Pha Kha (a cogon field), the park covers a very vast stretch of cogon field with various natural attractions such as Namtok Tak Duan, Namtok Tat Dao, Namtok Sai Khao, Tham Khang Khao. It is situated 45 kms. from Amphoe Si Satchanalai on Highway No. 1201 to Ban Nong O, turn right to Ban Sarachit then take Ban Kaeng - Ban Pak Kayang-Ban Pa Kha route till reaching the park's office. Accommodations within the park available at National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department. Tel: 579-0529, 579-4842.

Loi Krathong and Candle Festival