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The Sukhothai Historical Park covers an area of the former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, an ancient city that thrived betwenn the 13th and 14th centuries.
Founded in 1238 AD, Sukhothai is considered the first capital of Thailand. The kingdom had prospered for 200 years until it was takend over by Ayutthaya. Sukhothai Historical Park is the main attraction in Sukhothai province.  Located 12 km from Sukhothai town, the park, which is surrounded by a city gate and a moat, is not only a place of temple ruins but a quinessence of a pinnacle of Thailand's architectural marvel. Many buidlings and religious artefacts created during its era are uniquely beautiful and elegant.
Registered as a World Heritage site under the auspieces of UNESCO, the shady park features a number of Buddhist shrines, Buddha statues, former palaces and temples. Among ancient monuments within the city wall, the largest and most impressive is Wat Mahathat. It is the place where the first stone inscription was discovered. The square rock contains Thai letters that are believed to be invented by King Ramkamheang, who is one of the greatest kings in Thailand. Main chedi (stupa), vihara (assembly hall), mandapa, ordination hall (uposatha), approximately 200 subordinate chedis and some fine Buddha images can be found in the same area. These stupas represent various architectural influences from different kingdoms such as Hariphunchai, Lanna and Sri Langka. Two impressive statues of the 12-meter tall standing Buddha, Phra Attharot, enshrines the mandapa on both sides of the principle chedi.
Situated about 427 kilometers norht of Bangkok, the park sees thousands of visitor each year, who admire at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruins temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even of foot. It is also famous for the site of the Loi Krathong celebration which is held every year in October or November.
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