Sukhothai was the first capital of the ancient Kingdom of Siam, and if you are travelling around Thailand, it should be a must-see stop during your stay in the country. The Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it brings together the most spectacular ruins of the ancient kingdom from more than 800 years ago.
The mysteries of Sukhothai Historical Park
The feeling when entering Sukhothai Historical Park is curiously strange—pleasant and mysterious at the same time. It truly takes you back centuries, to the heart of the Kingdom of Sukhothai in the mid-13th century.
Yes, you heard correctly. Thailand was not a country as such until the late 18th century. Before that, several kingdoms shared the territory with varying fortunes. As it is considered the first kingdom of present-day Thailand, Sukhothai is especially significant, as its first king, Ram Khamhaeng, is regarded as the greatest influence on modern Thai culture: he established Theravada Buddhism as the national religion, laid the foundations of today’s architecture, supported the fine arts and, above all, was the one who created the distinctive Thai alphabet that so captures travellers’ attention. It was a golden age that lasted three centuries until, in the mid-15th century, the Kingdom of Ayutthaya to the south subjugated Sukhothai and took complete control.
All this historical mysticism gives arrival at the Historical Park a special meaning. Covering 70 km2, it reflects the power of that kingdom which, let us not forget, is 700 years old. The area is closed to traffic and can only be visited on foot or by bicycle—a relaxing ride that takes you away from the chaos of major cities such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
Map of Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai historical complex is divided into several zones and brings together some of the most incredible temples in the country—perhaps not so much for their architectural grandeur as for what they represent historically. It is important to remember that Sukhothai has very important religious significance for Thai people. It is considered a serious offence to climb on the structures or show any kind of disrespect towards Buddha figures.
What can you see in Sukhothai?
Here are some of the most representative highlights of a visit to Sukhothai:
- Wat Mahathat – Clearly the most spectacular point in the park. Right at the entrance to the Historical Park, it was the epicentre of the kingdom and clearly reflects its scale.
- Wat Sa Si – Located on a small island, Wat Sa Si has an architecture similar to that of Sri Lanka.
- Wat Si Chum – Located in the northern area, it is home to the seated Buddha Phra Achana. This imposing 15-metre-high sculpture, protected by walls, has become one of Sukhothai’s symbols and is, without a doubt, the most impressive spot in the Historical Park.
- Wat Chetuphon – One of the oldest structures in the park. Four mysterious headless stucco figures depict Buddha in different positions.
- Wat Traphang – Outside the park, Wat Traphang sits in the middle of a moat, in a beautiful place to rest and admire the surroundings.
For these well-deserved reasons, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1991.
It is highly recommended to spend the night in Sukhothai. An afternoon stroll is very pleasant, but for photography lovers, the best shots are taken at sunrise. A stunning landscape that, I am sure, will become one of your best memories of your trip to Thailand.
Would you like to include it in your trip? Take a look at our trips to Thailand and ask us for a tailor-made itinerary.
