The Sukhothai Historical Park covers an area of the former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, an ancient city that thrived between 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 quintessence 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 auspices 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 north 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.

If you love ancient ruins and old Buddhist temples, you would love Ayutthaya. The city was built on an island surrounded by four rivers. Ancient ruins can be seen scattering all over the place, especially on the western half of the island. Indeed, there are hundreds of aged-old temples dotting in villages and communities throughout the city.

Historically, the kingdom of Ayutthaya dominated Thailand’s central plain region for about 400 years. It was officially founded in 1350 BC by King Ramathibodi I. For centuries, Ayutthaya was a powerful kingdom which traded extensively with the Chinese, the Dutch and the French. Its rulers built a magnificent city, filled with monasteries, canals and monuments.

However, Ayutthaya also had its rival in the nearby kingdom of Burma. Wars between the two kingdoms happened frequently. The Thai city was first seized by King Bayinnaung of Burma in 1569, but regained its independence about a decade later. Prince Naresuan, who led the battle for independence, became one of Thailand’s greatest heroes when he defeated the Crown Prince of Burma in elephant-back combat. The city was unfortunately toppled again in the 18th century after a series of conflicts between its neighboring states such as Burma and Vietnam. Altogether, thirty three monarchs of different dynasties had ruled the kingdom, producing architectural marvels for the next Thai generations. Nowadays, most of culture and traditions formed during its time are still practiced in Thailand.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is accredited as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site comprises numerous ruins of temples, religious shrines, pavilions and palaces spreading inside the park. It is located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok. It can be accessed by boat, car and train. Every year in December, festivities are organized in the former site of the capital to celebrate the glory of its past. The event includes displays of traditional culture and lifestyles, various entertainments and a memorable light and sound show with the backdrop of Ayutthaya’s ancient ruins and temples.