Northern Thailand SUKHOTHAI
Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness” ) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 350 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 8 Amphoes (districts): Muang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.
Fish Museum
Fish Museum This is located in the Rama IV Park on the Sukhothai – Phitsanulok route and can be reached by local bus from town. The museum displays a variety of fresh water fish mentioned in Thai literature. It is open daily except Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is no admission.
Phra Mae Ya Shrine
Phra Mae Ya Shrine This shrine is situated in front of the City Hall and is highly respected by Sukhothai residents. It houses an idol of Phra Mae Ya, a stone figure with a white face and long hair, and dressed as an ancient queen. The idol is about 1 metre high and is supposed to have been built during King Ramkhamhaeng’s reign as a dedication to his late mother Nang Sueang.
Sangkhalok Museum
Sangkhalok Museum “Sangkhalok” is the name of ceramic wares produced in the old city of Sukhothai. The museum displays the collection of Sangkhalok and ceramic wares produced some 700 years ago in the Lanna Kingdom (now the northern region of Thailand). The museum is just one kilometre from town on the road to Phitsanulok. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is 100 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebration
Called by Thais as “Buat Chang Hat Siao”, this local event is held annually during 7-8 April at Ban Hat Sieo, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. It features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates in colourful costumes on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants. The ceremony has been arranged by Thai Phuan, the citizens of Ban Hat Siao for more than 150 years.Songkran Festival
This is an annual celebration of the Thai New Year, 13 April. The festival was mentioned in the famous stone inscription believed to be inscribed during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom.Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
Sukhothai’s Loi Krathong is held annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month at the Sukhothai Historical Park. Activities during the festival include krathong floating, a fireworks display, and local games and performances amid the glamorous atmosphere of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts:
Ban Dan Lan Hoi 28 kms.
Khiri Mat 22 kms.
Kong Krailat 21 kms.
Sawankhalok 38 kms.
Si Nakhon 54 kms.
Si Samrong 20 kms.
Si Satchanalai 67 kms.
Thung Saliam 68 kms.
Distances from Sukhothai to Neighbouring Provinces:
Phitsanulok 59 kms.
Kamphaeng Phet 77 kms.
Tak 79 kms.
Uttaradit 100 kms.
Phrae 165 kms.
Lampang 207 kms.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Sukhothai daily between 9.45 a.m. and 10.20 p.m.,frequently during the morning. The journey takes 7 hours and costs 256 baht. Call 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information. Private bus companies which operate daily bus services to Sukhothai are such as Win Tour (Tel: 0 2936 3753 or 0 5561 1039), Phitsanulok Yan Yon (Tel: 0 2936 2924-5, 0 5525 8647).
Train
There are no trains going directly to Sukhothai. One may travel by train to Phitsanulok and then take a local bus to Sukhothai, some 50 kilometres away. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 1690, 0223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.srt.or.th for more information.
Air
Bangkok Airways has daily 1-hour flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai and also services the Chiang Mai-Sukhothai route. Sukhothai Airport is about 40 kilometres north of the town. For more information, call 0 2229 3456–63 or 0 5564 7225-6 or visit www.bangkokairways.com.
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