Vacation Thailand - SUKHOTHAI  ... by ash-hotel.com

Sukhothai literally means "Dawn of Happiness".It has an area of 6,596 sq.kms. is about 427 kms.
(267 miles) north of Bangkok, and was founded in the year 1238 A.D. Sukhothai was capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years. It is administratively divided into 9 Amphoes: Muang, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.

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, ditched, 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 Wall of The Old City
The city walls are located in the centre of the historical park in Tambon Muang Kao and surrounded by earthern ramparts. The north and the south walls are each 1,600 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 incription mentions that King Ramkhaenghang set up a bell at one of the gates. If his subjects needed help they would ring the bell.

The Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat
The royal palace lies in the centre of the town and covers an area of 160,000 sq.km. 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 exists the ruins of the royal building called Noen Phrasat, which might be Sala Phramat or Buddha Sala mentioned in a Sukhothai stone inscription. Here, the famous stone inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng was found by King Mongkut in the 19th century together with a piece of the stone called "Manangkhasila Asana" King Ramkhamhaeng set up the stone throne in the midst of a sugarpalm grove where, at his request, a monk preached on Buddhist Sabbath 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.

King Ramkhamhaeng Monument
Situated on the north of Wat Mahathat is the King Ramkhamhaneg Monument. The Bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng sits on a throne named Phra Thaen Manangkasila Asana with a base of relief recording his life.

Wat Chana SongKhram
Situated to the north of Wat Mahathat is Wat Chana Songkhram. Its main sanctuary is round Singhalese style chedi. In front of the chedi exists the base of a viharn and behind the former stands an ubosot. Bases of twelve small chedis are also visible. Near the Charot withi Thong Road is a strange chedi having three bases, one on top of the other.

Wat Chang Lom
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 tired-square base on which a platform decorated with a row of elephants seen 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.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
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 center was established to replace Chaliang. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park.

Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebretion
"Buat Chang" is a local event held annually during April 7-8 at Ban Hat Sieo, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. It features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates in colorful costumes on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants.

hotels, resorts, lodgings and accommodations in .........

         Bangkok || Chiang Mai || Chiang Rai || Hua Hin / Cha -Am || Khao Yai || Krabi
     Khao Lak || Korat || Kanchanaburi || Phi Phi || Phuket || Pattaya || Rayong & Samed
                                             River Kwai || Samui || Trang || Other Cities

Home || Golfing Holidays ||  Sightseeing Tours || || Eco-Tours
Profile of Thailand, its Cities, Attractions,Tourist Information & Maps

 
    Internet Sales and Reservation Bangkok office
     e-mail : tourdesk@ash-hotel.com  website : http://www.ash-hotel.com
    
   147/58 Pinklao Nakhorn Chaisri Road
    New Southern Bus Terminal  -  Bangkok 10700 Thailand
    Tel: (662) 435 7514, 423 2263  ( 5 lines auto )      Fax: (662) 435 7515