Sukhothai

Lying on the lower part of the northern region in the valley of the Yom River, Sukhothai is one of the important northern provinces of Thailand. This is a wide region surrounded by hills and drained by the Menam Yom. It is about 427 km from the north of Bangkok and covers the area of 6,596 sq km.

Sukhothai province is the first capital of Siam, the Thai Kingdom and was founded in 1238 by Phokhun Si Intharathit. The ancient capital of Sukhonthau has been regconized as a UNESCO World Heritage City and is the historical and cultural center of the country. Sukhothai with the meaning “Dawn of Hapiness” is considered as the cradle of Thai civilization with historical artifacts having shown that the Thai culture is origin of the Thai language and alphabet, culture, much of Thai arts and law; the source of national heritage with the best Loy Krathong celebration, fine Teen Jok cloth, holy Pho Khun, firm Buddhism foundation and ancient chinaware.

As one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand, Sukhothai offers numerous attractions, ensuring that they will keep tourists with any interest entertained on their holiday in Sukhothai. Some of the most popular attractions are significant temple ruins inside Sukhothai Historical Park and the ruined city lies amidst rolling green hills and peaceful lotus ponds offering a glance of the culture and architecture wonders of an ancient civilization.

Some of Sukhothai popular attractions include Sukhothai Historical Park, which houses ruined temples, irrigation systems, and palaces; major historical park structure contains The Royal Palace & Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sa Si, Ramkhamhaeng National Museum; some temples as Wat Phra Phai Luang, Wat Si Chum, Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Chetuphon, Wat Chang Lom, etc. the province also offer several national parks as Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang), Sri Satchanalai National Park (Pa Kha), etc.

For those who love the lively of festivals, come to Buddhist Ordination Ceremonies on Elephant Back which is held annually on April 7 & 8 with colorfully caparisoned elephant in contests; or come to Loi Krathong Festival in the twelfth lunar month (mid-November) with colorful images.