Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park once was the most flourishing capital of Siam. In old days, it’s the center of administration, religion and economy. Sukhothai Historical Park has not only historical value, it also possesses the remains with exquisite architecture reflecting the civilization in the past. Thus, UNESCO declared it the World Heritage since 1991.
Sukhothai Historical Park covers an area of 70 square kilometers or covers the ruins of the ancient glorious Sukhothai Kingdom. the city plan of ancient Sukhothai Kingdom is in the rectangular shape (2 km. x 1.6 km.) surrounded by the wall with the 4 city gates. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and 26 temples. Now, the park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department with the help from UNESCO. On December 12, 1991, it was declared associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai.
The interesting sites of this historical park are both outside and within the city wall. Most of them are the remains of Lopburi period. The temple has Phra Prang(pagoda) as a principle part due to the influence of Khmer lying in the east.
THE HISTORICAL SITES WITHIN THE CITY WALL
Within the wall city, there are many historical sites to vitsit. You can start trip at Tourist Service Center on the north and then follow the way on the left hand side first by waling or riding bicycle.
Ramkhamheang National Museum
Located in the east near the ruined gate. The building was built in 1960 and open to public in 1963. It’s divides into 3 zones. The first is Lai Sue Thai building where multi vision slide is presented. Next is the building where artifacts are displayed. The last is the outdoor museum where there are the replicas of large artifacts. The tourists can get close to explore them in detail.
Phokhun Ramkhamheang Maharat Monument
Located by Charod Withithong road, to the north of Mahathat Temple. It’s built of brass mingled with copper in 1975. The statue of King Ramkhamheang sits on the throne teaching his people. At the side, there is an inscription depicting the King’s life.
Mahathat Temple
Located in the center of ancient town. The temple compound contains principle pagoda, Wihan, Monthop, and over 200 pagodas. The principle pagoda well presents Sukhothai architectural style. It’s surrounded by 8 pagodas in 8 directions. Four pagodas on the corner present Haripunchai style and the others present Sukhothai and Lankan art style.
According to the 1st stone inscription, Wihan once housed a golden Buddha image. Later, in early Rattanakosin era, the Buddha image was installed in Suthat Thepwararam Temple in Bangkok by King Rama I and then renamed “Phra Si Sakkayamunee” by King Rama II. Besides, there is another group of pagodas which is the second biggest to the principle pagoda.
Si Sawai Temple
Located to the south of Mahathat Temple. There are three Lopburi style prangs(pagoda) standing on the base decorated with stuccos. Besides the lintels, fragments of Hindu images and linga indicate that the temple once was a sanctuary of Hinduism.
Thaphang Ngoen Temple
Located to the west of Mahathat Temple. The compound contains the principle pagoda and Wihan with no parapet. The blocks in each side of pagoda houses the Buddha images in the walking and standing posture. Besides, in the east, there is an isle called “Thaphang Ngaen”.
Thaphang Thong Temple
Located on the isle in the middle of the pond, called “Thaphang Thong”. The bell-shaped pagoda is built of the brick and the base is built of the laterite, surrounded by other 8 pagodas. Besides, there is the trace of Buddha footprints of Sukhothai period. Originally, it’s housed in Khao Phrabat Yai and moved to this temple later.
Sra Si Temple
Located to the northwest of Mahathat Temple standing in the middle of the pond called “Thaphang Trakuan”. The interesting part of the temple is the bell-shaped pagoda which serves as the historical evidence of Singhalese Buddhism in ancient Sukhothai Kingdom. So, the pagoda in the shape of the bell is Lanka style.
Chana Songkhram Temple
Is next to the north of Mahathat Temple. Formerly, the temple was named Ratchaburana. The outstanding parts are the bell-shaped pagoda surrounded by other pagodas, Wihan and Bot.
Trakuan Temple
King Rama VI presumes that the name of the temple means “morning glory” in Khmer laguage. According to the legend dating back to 20 B.E., Phra Mahathera Thammatrilok visited Sukhothai governor’s cousin and stayed overnight at this temple. The temple compound contains the bell-shaped pagado and Ubosot where Sukhothai style Buddha image was found.
Ta Pha Daeng Shrine
Is nearly opposite to Sorasak Temple. The shrine made of laterite was built in Khmer style. After the archaeological dig, the fragments of god and goddess and other ornaments were found. They present Khmer art style of the late 17th B.E.
Sorasak Temple
Was named after Inthorn Sorasak who built this temple in honor of Sukhothai govenor. The interesting parts are the Lanka style pagoda with the surrounding elephant statues at the base. According to the religious belief, an elephant is an auspicious animal supporting Buddhism to exist forever.
Besides the historical sites mentioned here, there are others worthy of visit such as city pillar shrine, Phra Ruang castle remain and ancient city wall which has been restored many times.
THE HISTORICAL SITES TO THE NORTH OF THE CITY WALL
Tourist sites in this area are located near Tourist Service Center of Sukhothai Historical Park. You can visit Tourist Service Center and tourist sites outside the city wall before the others within the city wall.
Phra Pai Luang Temple
Is the most important temple next to Mahathat Temple. The temple in plan is in rectangular shape surrounded by the moats. There are 3 prangs as the principle part of the temple. Theses prangs made of laterite were built in Bayon style, Khmer art. At the front of the temple, there is a building housing 4 Buddha images in 4 different postures.
Si Chum Temple
The interesting part is Monthop housing Phra Achana image, the Buddha image in the gesture of Subduing Mara. Besides, at the side of Monthop, the 2nd stone inscription telling about the establishment of Sukhothai Dynasty was found.
Besides, beyond these two historical sites, there is an archaeological site where Sukhothai pottery or “Turiang Kilns” were found. Mae Jone temple and Nong Prue temple are adjacent.
THE HISTORICAL SITES TO THE SOUTH OF THE CITY WALL
In this part, there are three interesting places to visit. You can start at the south city gate.
Chetuphon Temple
The most outstanding part is Monthop housing 4 grand Buddha images which can be seen in the distance. In the west, there is another Monthop decorated with beautiful patterns of flowers.
Chedi Si Hong Temple
Has Wihan and the main pagoda with the surrounding pagodas. The base of the main pagoda was decorated with the stuccos. The pictures on the stuccos are elephants, lions, men and women in the beautiful clothes holding the jar called “Puranakata” which means the jar of fertility.
Asokaram Temple or Salad Dai Temple
According to the atone inscription found here, the temple was built by Phra Mahathephi Si Chulalak, the Queen of Phramaha Thammarachatirat ll who of the son of King Litai. The has Wihan, Monthop and surrounding pagodas.
Other interesting sites are Pichit Kitkanyaram Temple, Wihan Thong Temple, Phrong Men Temple and Mum Lanka Temple.
THE HISTORICAL SITES TO THE EAST OF THE CITY WALL
There are no many tourist sites in this area. By the way, they have historical value. You can start the ancient city trip at here if you travel from Sukhothai downtown.
Chang Lom Temple
Located on Mae Lamphan riverbank on the north side. The outstanding part is the bell-shaped pagoda with the 32 elephant statues surrounding at the base. Besides, there are Bot (hall) in the middle of the pond and the other pagodas surrounding the main pagodas.
Traphang Thong Lang Temple
Has no main pagoda but has Monthop and Wihan. Monthop houses a grand Buddha image. The wall in the north, the south and the west was decorated with the stuccos telling the life of Buddha. The pictures on the stuccos present Sukhothai art of golden age or around 20 B.E.
Chedi Sung Temple
Was named after the bell-shaped pagoda standing on the high base. Because of the high base together with the pagoda feature, it’s believed that the temple was built in the late Sukhothai era.
THE HISTORICAL SITES TO THE WEST OF THE CITY WALL
Pratak mountain range forms a dramatic backdrop to this historical area. Thus, you can explore the remains and admire the beauty of the nature at the same time.
Si Tol Temple
The interesting part is Monthop where the ruined Buddha image once was housed. Singhalese Buddhist monk once stayed here for Lent. He praised Phra Maha Thamma Racha Litai for his ordination in 1905 B.E. by carving the praise on the 4th stone inscription.
Tuek Temple
Lies to the west of Si Tol Temple. On the Monthop wall has the stucco telling the life of Buddha when Lord Buddha came to the earth from the heaven. Dating back for 90 years, the stucco was in perfect condition. You can see it in detail from the old pictures.
Tewalai Mahakaset Hall
According to the stone inscription, Phra Maha Thamma Racha Litai installed the images of Siva and Vishnu at this hall, so that the people could come here to pay respect. The hall was built of brick towards the east.
Saphan Hin Temple
Located to the very west of the ancient area outside the city wall. The temple was named after the rock walking path from the foot of the hill to the temple ground. The only remain of the temple is Wihan which was built of brick and supported by the laterite pillars. Inside houses a grang Buddha image named “Phra Atsadarot”.
There are a number of historical sites to visit. Most of them are the ancient temple like Pa Mamuang Temple, Chang Rob Temple, Chedi Ngam Temple, etc. They are located on the same road, so you can easily visit all of them.
