About Sukhothai

Sukhothai History

Sukhothai was capital of the first kingdom of Siam established some 800 years ago. The exact year is unknown but according to the Fine Arts Office it was between 1238 and 1257. Established in around 1238 to 1257, Sukhothai literally means “Dawn of Happiness.” Phokhun Si Intharathit was the founder of the Phra Ruang Dynasty, Sukhothai’s first dynasty. For 120 years as the capital of Siam, Sukhothai was ruled by many kings. In this connection, the most dynamic monarch being King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who created the Thai alphabet, laid the foundation for politics, monarchy, and religion, as well as, expanded its boundary of influence. Though the golden era of Sukhothai no longer exists, tourists should bear in mind that respect and admiration for the renowned ruined twin cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai is highly valued.

Climate

The best time of the year to see Sukhothai is from November to February when the weather is cooler. Other than that you can go any time of the year.

Source of national heritage, the Thai alphabet, the best Loy Krathong celebration, firm foundation of Buddhism, fine Teen Jok cloth, ancient chinaware, holy Pho Khun (Ramkhamhaeng’s mother), dawn of happiness.

Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai, which literally means “Dawn of Happiness”, was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom and enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored, and Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all travelers.

Sukhothai became an independent kingdom when two princes-Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao combined their forces and drove the Khmers out of Sukhothai, then a major frontier post of the Angkor Empire.

One of Thailand’s finest warriors, King Ramkhamhaeng, second son of Pho Khun Bang Klang Haok, made Sukhothai a powerful and extensive kingdom that even established direct political relations with China. Returning from the funeral of Emperor Kublai Khan, King Ramkhamhaeng brought back Chinese artisans who taught the art of pottery to the Thais. While visitors are eager to pick up today’s Sangkhalok Pottery, antique examples of such are eagerly sought by collectors.

King Ramkhamhaeng also promoted religion and culture, and through his efforts Buddhism flourished among the population. Inspirational faith gave birth to classic forms of Thai religious arts; images of the Lord Buddha sculptured during the Sukhothai Era are cultural treasures that impart a feeling of peace and serenity.

A total of eight kings ruled Sukhothai but the gradual decline of Sukhothai occurred during the reigns of the last two kings. The end of this first Thai kingdom occurred in 1365 when it became a vassal state of Ayutthaya, a rising power to the south.

Sukhothai, which literally means “Dawn of Happiness”, may be the most romantic of all former Thai capital cities. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored, and Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for all travelers, particularly in the evening when the graceful Buddha images are illuminated by lights, while exploring the grassy, tree lined park via bicycle, or most spectacularly, during the Loy Krathong festival, when hundreds of candle-powered, floating lanterns are released into the sky.

King Ramkhamhaeng, who reigned over Sukhothai’s golden age promoted religion and culture, and brought Chinese artisans back to the city to teach his people the art of pottery. Visitors can visit villages still engaged in the production of Sangkhalok Pottery as well as Hat Siao cloth, named for the village in Si Satchanalai district, just north of Sukhothai town. This famous hand-woven cloth is produced not far from Si Satchanalai Historical Park, where the ruins of another important historical city can be explored.

Suggested Itinerary

Examples of Tour Programmes

Day 1

• 6.00      a.m.Depart Bangkok via Phitsanulok. Have lunch in the province of      Kamphaeng Phet and visit Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
• 12.00 p.m      Leave for Sukhothai.
• 2.00 p.m.      Arrive at Ban Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. Visit Ban Hat Siao fabric      museum and souvenir shops.
• 3.00 p.m.      Visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park, and enjoy the architectural beauty      of Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, as well as, the delicate stucco      relief of Wat Nang Phaya. Visit the excavation remains from the Dvaravati      period in Wat Chom Chuen, as well as, see Thuriang Kilns, and the oldest      Sangkhalok ceramics in Thailand.
• 4.00 p.m.      Depart for an ancient gold demonstration in Tambon Tha Chai and Tambon Si      Satchanalai. Enjoy the renowned handicraft products.
• 5.00 p.m.      Depart for Amphoe Mueang, Sukhothai.
• 6.00 p.m.      Dinner and at leisure.

Day 2

• 6.00 a.m.      Breakfast.
• 7.00 a.m.      Depart for Sukhothai Historical Park. Witness the sunrise at Wat Mahathat      and pay homage to the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Monument.
• 9.00 a.m.      Arrive at Amphoe Ban Tak of Tak province. Visit the renowned pagoda      constructed in the Sukhothai era to mark King Ramkhamhaeng the Great’s      victory in the single-hand combat on elephant back against Khun Sam Chon,      the ruler of Muang Chot. Pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s relics at Wat      Phra Borammathat situated near the afore-mentioned pagoda.
• 10.00 a.m.      Depart for Bhumibol Dam.
• 11.00 a.m.      Lunch while cruising along the lake above the Bhumibol Dam.
• 1.00 p.m.      Departure.
• 2.30 p.m. Pay      homage to the shrine of King Taksin the Great.
• 3.00 p.m.      Departure.
• 8.00 p.m.      Arrive in Bangkok.