Sightseeing in Sukhothai Province

Sukhothai is one of the central regions of Thailand. Today it is a typical province, in which even the capital city is represented by low-rise buildings, partly wooden. Life here flows calmly, and in the evening it stops altogether. But it was not always so.

Once upon a time, about 700 years ago, here was the center of the state, stretching from modern Chiang Mai to Krabi. Only ruins remained from the cities of that time, which are the sights of the Sukhothai province.

They include 2 historical parks:

• Sukhothai;
• Si-Satchanalai.

Both attractions are sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sukhothai Historical Park

What's interestnig?

The ruins of the ancient city occupy a huge area - 70 square meters. km. In general, the park does not represent anything supernatural: not a single building of that time has been preserved here in a more or less intact form.

The exception is the numerous Buddha statues, some of which are truly gigantic in size. The surviving statues were inside the temple buildings, and they were created hundreds of years ago - and this is an absolutely amazing creation of human hands.

Sukhothai for Thais is a sacred place: Sukhothai culture had a great influence on Ayutthaya and, accordingly, on today's Thailand.

So, for example, the modern Thai alphabet was put into circulation exactly here by King Ramkhamaeng, which is reminiscent of an ancient stone stele in the park.

In addition, Sukhothai for Thais is a place, as they say, "prayed". Giant Buddhas, smiling down on the inhabitants of the ancient city, continue to do the same today. To feel this connection of times, local, frequent guests come here - pilgrim monks. All this, of course, is of interest to tourists.

However, the ruins are not the most important thing. Therefore, if you are not an archaeologist at heart, which happens quite often, do not think that you will not like Sukhothai. The main charm of the attraction is created not so much by the ruins as by the general atmosphere of the park, and traditionally for Thailand, natural attractions.

Park areas

The central part, which is a plateau, is well-groomed. Asphalt paths are laid everywhere, there is a pond with lotuses and storks, archaeological sites are brought into the most decent form. Here and there among this open-air museum, bizarre trees grow, which, perhaps, remember the ancient Sukhothai. This part is ideal for leisurely exploring and walking light. The atmosphere is amazing, you can spend the whole day here.

The northern part is less well maintained: it can rather be called an abandoned park, but nevertheless people visit it too. There are a couple of well-preserved sights here, but otherwise it looks more like the countryside - rice fields, grazing cattle.

The western part is distinguished by landscape originality:

• Hilly area.
• Most of the territory is occupied by forest.
• Man-made sights are often a pile of bricks.

If they visit Western Sukhothai, they do it solely out of Boy Scout interest: the place is a good opportunity for easy trekking. Formally, the park also includes the eastern and southern parts, but they are of no interest.

Visiting Tips

1. It is impossible to see all of Sukhothai in a day. Therefore, if you plan to get to know the place thoroughly, then it makes sense to stay overnight in one of the hotels located next to the attraction. Prices are moderate - about $10+ per night.
2. It is preferable to walk in the central part. A good option is a bicycle (rental, $1 per day). It is possible to travel by car or tuk-tuk (+$2).
3. Outside the central part - only a bicycle. On foot - far (4-5 km one way), there are no roads.
4. The entrance ticket to each part of the park is paid separately ($3).
5. Meals in the format of macaroons are offered only in the central part. When visiting other parts, take a snack with you.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

The city of Si-Satchanalai was a contemporary of Sukhothai and was part of the Sukhothai kingdom, then part of Ayutthaya until it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.

Si Satchanalai Park is about 3 times the size of Sukhothai.

What is interesting to see here:

• hundreds of well-preserved, sometimes gigantic, chedis;
• ruins of temples and city buildings dating from the 12th-15th centuries;
• Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat - one of the oldest (XIII century) surviving temples, made in the Khmer architectural tradition (located next to the park);
• waterfalls, caves and other natural attractions.

It makes sense to visit the Si-Satchanalai park by car (+$2 to the entrance fee) or as part of an organized tour (tourists are taken around the park in special "trailers"). There are no places for accommodation for the night directly near the park.

How to get there?

Both of the historical parks discussed above are popular tourist destinations. Transport links are available from any of them.

Buses run to ancient Sukhothai from the modern city of the same name (the capital of the province of the same name). The journey from the only bus station takes 15 minutes and costs about $1.

It takes longer to get to Si Satchanalaya: they are separated from Sukhothai by 41 km (highway No. 101), but buses also depart regularly.

You can get to modern Sukhothai in the following ways:

• fly by plane (for example, from Bangkok in 2.5 hours),
• take a train with a change in the city of Pitsalunok and then by bus to the final destination;
• make the whole journey by bus from almost any Thai city.