SUKHOTHAI The first independent Thai Kingdom, Sukhothai or the Dawn of Happiness, shows the prosperity in the past through its architectures. Located on the lower edge of the Northern Region, the province covers an area of 6,596 square kilometres. Visitors can visualise the glory and be absorbed in the atmospheres of this city that was once the nation’s capital as the superb temples and monuments of the Sukhothai Historical Park has been extensively restored and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The provincial capital, sometimes called New Sukhothai, is a small town lying on the Yom River whose main business is serving tourists who visit the nearby Sukhothai Historical Park. A fine warrior, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom, which included many parts of what are today neighbouring countries. Sukhothai, which declared its independence in 1238, saw the Thais’ gradual expansion throughout the entire Chao Phraya River basin, the establishment of Theravada Buddhism as the dominant religion, the creation of the Thai alphabet, and the emergence of true Thai art forms; including, painting, music, architecture, and literature. Sukhothai’s Historical Treasures Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai was the first truly independent Thai kingdom. Abandoned and overgrown for many centuries, the superb temples and monuments of this splendid city have been restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are invited to discover the historical treasures of Thailand through numerous attractions that illustrate the long history and exquisite culture of Sukhothai or the Dawn of Happiness. A must-see for all travellers, Sukhothai is one of the most important historical sites in Southeast Asia. The kingdom of Sukhothai during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great is noted for prosperity and happiness, as recorded in a stone inscription well known to Thais. Sukhothai Si Satchanalai Historical Park Historical Park Ban Thung Luang Sangkhalok Museum Sukhothai Historical Park Lying over an extensive area, ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, walls, moats, dams, ponds, and canals, Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the finest examples that show Thailand’s national identity and mankind’s cultural heritage. The Park comprises of two main areas, inside the city wall and outside the city wall. Visitors can trace the stories of Thai people in the past by cycling or taking a tram around the ruins of the ancient temples and palaces that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opening Hours: Everyday from 6.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m. How to get there: From Sukhothai town, take Highway No. 12 and drive for 14 kilometres to the park. Contact: For more information and layout of the Park, please contact the Park’s Tourist Service Centre at 0 5569 7310. Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival Held on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month at the Sukhothai Historical Park, the Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival is celebrated in grand fashion. This site is believed to be the origin of this festival and the Loi Kratong Festival is now celebrated throughout the kingdom. The ruins of the palaces and temples within the Historical Park make for an enchanting atmosphere for the festival and take you back to the past, with people in traditional Thai costumes floating the krathongs on the water. Krathong, the lotus-blossom-shaped vessels made of banana leaves and containing a candle, incense sticks, flowers and coins, are floated on the rivers, lakes or canals as a payment of respect to the goddess of water in gratitude for providing water to the people, as well as an appeal for forgiveness for polluting the water. It is believed that krathongs that float on the water carry happiness and prosperity, as well as taking away misery. Remark: For the exact date of the event, please contact TAT Call Centre at 1672, TAT Sukhothai Office at 0 5561 6228-30 or visit www.loikrathong.net and www.tourismthailand.org. Si Satchanalai Historical Park Located on the bank of the Yom River, Si Satchanalai Historical Park contains the remains of Sukhothai-era structures. The ancient site, formally called Mueang Chaliang, was the kingdom’s second city as well as the residence of the crown prince. The 13th to 15th century ruins of 134 structures have been discovered and it enjoyed great importance, as demonstrated by the size of its remains, which are mostly temples. Si Satchanalai or Sawankhalok as called by Ayutthaya, was an important producer of Sangkhalok ceramics. Visitors can hire a bike or get on an elephant ride to tour around the compound and explore some of the following interesting ancient sites. Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. How to get there: From Sukhothai town, take Highway No. 101 then turn left between 18-km. and 19km. markers, crossing Yom River Bridge. Turn right at the junction for another 1.5 kilometres to get to the park. Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebration Locally called Buat Chang Hat Siao, the Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebration is held annually during 7-8 April at Ban Hat Siao of Amphoe Si Satchanalai. Arranged by the local Tai Phuan tribal people, this colourful celebration is a traditional ceremony dates back some 150 years ago. The main event takes place on the 7th when the ordination candidates (young men about to become Buddhist monks) participate in activities; including, head shaving, bathing, and dressing up in colourful costumes. These ordination candidates are then taken around the villages on the backs of beautifully decorated elephants to Wat Hat Siao for some Buddhist ritual. The actual ordination ceremony then takes place at Wat Hat Siao on the next day. Interesting temples in Si Satchanalai Historical Park Wat Chang Lom: located to the right of the park’s entrance, is a must-visit temple that features a huge bell-shaped chedi supported by 39 elephants, with four at the cardinal points to mark the centre of the temple. Above the chedi’s base are the niches enshrining Buddha images in the Subduing Mara posture. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo: situated opposite to Wat Chang Lom, is one of the most beautiful temples in Sukhothai with stupa of different artistic styles and exhibiting remnants of old mural paintings. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat: is one of the most important temples here with the immense laterite prang marking the centre of the temple. Wat Nang Phaya: another highlight of this historical park, this temple is famous for its delicate stucco reliefs on the remains of the northwestern wall of the seven-roomed wihan while the pillars are decorated with unglazed ceramic designs. The central laterite stupa is surrounded by lampposts and accessible by a set of narrow stairs. Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai: also known as Wat Khao Hong which means the Nine-Roomed Temple, has the ruins of a large image hall, whereas the temple’s ruins of Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi consist of a frontal wihan housing a Buddha image and complete with a laterite roof. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Ban Thung Luang Situated in Amphoe Khiri Mat, Ban Thung Luang is famous for producing unique pottery; such as, the Thung Luang terra cotta. Ban Thung Luang is a handicraft community for over a century, with over 200 families residing at this village producing pottery using the ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations. Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Location: From Sukhothai town centre, take Highway No. 101 for around 17 kilometres and turn left at the intersection, which is situated around 5 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Khiri Mat. Visitors can learn about the local’s way of life while exploring the local wisdom performed by the young and old locals in their household who produce unglazed earthenware that is renowned for its unique beauty, durability and quality. Examples of products visitors can find at Ban Thung Luang include vases, water jars, flower pots and lamps, with perforated decorations of animal figures; such as, dogs, pigs, birds, and frogs. Sangkhalok Museum Sangkhalok Museum is a comprehensive museum that introduces visitors to the most famous products of Sukhothai, which is Sangkhalok ceramics. Sangkhalok or Sawankhalok is the name of ceramic wares produced in the Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai Kingdoms during the Ayutthaya period. The 2nd floor of the museum exhibits non-utilitarian pottery made as art, including beautiful ceramic Buddha statues. The museum displays an impressive collection of Sangkhalok that was produced some 700 years ago in the area and more than 2,000 valuable antiques pieces traded from Vietnam, Myanmar, and China. The name “Sangkhalok” is believed to have come from “Sawankhalok”, which is what the people in the Ayutthaya called Si Satchanalai at that time. The special feature of the Sangkhalok ceramics is that they were glazed in different colours; such as, black, brown, white, and blue. Opening Hours: Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Location: Phitsanulok Road, about 1 kilometre from Sukhothai town. Getting There & Around Getting to Sukhothai By Air Bangkok Airways operates a one-hour flight from Bangkok to Sukhothai on a daily basis. Sukhothai Airport is about 40 kilometres north of the town. For more information, contact Tel. 0 2265 5555, Hotline 1771 or visit www.bangkokair.com. By Car From Bangkok, take Highway 1 then Highway 32 north to Nakhon Sawan. Highway 32 becomes Highway 1 again, follow all the way to Kamphaeng Phet, then take Highway 101 to Sukhothai, a total distance of 440 kilometres, or about 6-hour drive.