Visit Sukhothai

Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 298 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphoes: Muang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.

The state that is still regarded by Thai historical tradition as the "first Thai kingdom" was Sukhothai. There were, in fact, contemporaneous Thai states such as Lanna and Phayao, both in present-day northern Thailand, but the Thai historical imagination has been most stirred by Sukhothai. Even today, the evocative ruins of Sukhothai and its twin city Si Satchanalai conjure up images of material prosperity, artistic greatness, and serene Buddhist piety. Indeed, Sukhothai is remembered as much for its art and architecture as for its political achievements. More...

The Sukhothai Historical Park - Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and a water dyke control system.

Wat Traphang Thong Lang - On the road to Sukhothai is the Wat Traphang Thong Lang with remarkable stucco relief on the side. The flat relief on the southern side is the best of its type in Sukhothai style; it shows Buddha, striding over steps, coming down from heaven Tavatimsa. Buddha, protected by two parasols, is accompanied by the Hindu goddesses Indra and Brahma together with worshippers. This is assumed to be the first (from the Sukhothai period) visual representation of the stepping Buddha. Another flat relief on the north side of the bot depicts, less artistically, Buddha taming the elephant Nalagiri, which his cousin Devadatta had set upon him. The relief on the west wall shows Buddha under a mango tree at the miracle of Sravasti. Painted interpretations of this kind are in Polonaruwa (Sri Lanka) and Pagan (Burma).

Ramkhamhaeng Museum - Opened in 1964 the Ramkhamhaeng Museum contains numerous finds (especially statues, stucco work and ceramics) from Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, the three capitals of the empire. It provides a good overview of the development of the Sukhothai style from its beginnings, where the Khmer influence was still dominant, to the final stage where the Ayutthaya style was prevalent. Particularly noteworthy are a stepping Buddha, the finest example of this type, a seated Buddha from the Wat Chang Lom in Si Satchanalai (both on the ground floor), and a seated bronze Buddha (upper floor). In the museum garden are other statues and a ceramic kiln. The admission fee includes a detailed brochure in English.

San Ta Pha Daeng - San Ta Pha Daeng, built late 12th or early 13th c., ranks among the most important Khmer ruins on Thai soil. The temple is on a 3-m (10-ft) high base and has four porticos. There are five wonderful stone fragments of male and female Hindu deities in Angkor Wat style.

Si Satchanalai National Park - There are many waterfalls and caves to explore here; Tad Dao Waterfall, Tad Duan Waterfall, Taravasan Cave, Kang Kao Cave (Bat Cave). Accommodation is available and can be booked through the Forest Department. Tents can also be rented.

Sukhothai handicrafts are much sought after and include cotton weaves, traditional Thai gold, Sangkalok pottery, and silverware.

Dvaravati Puttarakkit - Not a very easy name for a restaurant, right? ;-) This restaurant was situated next to the Lotus Village bungalows in New Sukhotai. The Thai food is absolutely delicious and the setting very romantic! This is a great place to eat! The service is excellent and extremely friendly!

Night market: Try the fish! - The food at the night market is excellent. Typical of this style of eatery, food very fresh and cooked in front of you. The spicy fish in chili is just to die for! Great spring rolls, and cold beer at the ready!

The Coffee Cup has internet access, simple delicious food and and artsy toilet with plants and fishes.