Northern Thailand - Thailand - page 699

SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sukhothai
POP 37,000
The Sukhothai (Rising of Happiness) kingdom flourished from the mid-13th century to the
late 14th century. This period is often viewed as the golden age of Thai civilisation, and the
religious art and architecture of the era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles.
The remains of the kingdom, today known as meu·ang gòw (old city), feature around 45 sq
km of partially rebuilt ruins, which are one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand.
Located 12km east of the historical park on Mae Nam Yom, the market town of New
Sukhothai is not particularly interesting. Yet its friendly atmosphere, good transport links
and excellent-value accommodation make it a logical base from which to explore the old
city ruins.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
TOP SPOTS IN SUKHOTHAI
Ronny Hanquart, manager of Cycling Sukhothai ( Click here ) , told us his top tips for visiting Sukhothai.
Best Temples Wat Mahathat and the majestic Buddha statue at Wat Si Chum are two temples you should not miss.
Best Museum If you are visiting Si Satchanalai Historical Park, then I recommend the excavated kilns along Mae
Nam Yom.
Best Time to Visit Early in the morning is cooler and there are fewer visitors. After a siesta under one of the big
trees in the park, you can continue till evening. Sukhothai is green during the monsoon (May to October) and nice
and cool during the cool season (December to February).
Best Place to Escape the Crowds The western zone is quite large and has a beautiful natural background. Few
tourists go there.
Best Sunset Wat Sa Si in the central zone is a good spot for sunset.
Secret Spot Wat Tawet, where Buddhist and Hindu morals are explained through a display of about 200 statues, is
an interesting place for people who like art and kitsch.
History
Sukhothai is typically regarded as the first capital of Siam, although this is not entirely ac-
curate. The area was previously the site of a Khmer empire until 1238, when two Thai