Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
famous Ramkhamhaeng inscription. A passage in the
mon·dòp
wall that leads to the top
has been blocked so that it's no longer possible to view the
jataka
inscriptions that line the
tunnel ceiling.
HISTORICAL SITE
Wat Phra Phai Luang
Outside the city walls in the northern zone, this somewhat isolated wát features three
12th-century Khmer-style towers, bigger than those at Wat Si Sawai. This may have been
the centre of Sukhothai when it was ruled by the Khmers of Angkor prior to the 13th cen-
tury.
Western Zone
This
zone
(admission 100B, plus per bicycle/motorcycle/car 10/30/50B; 8am-4.30pm)
, at its furthest ex-
tent 2km west of the old city walls, is the most expansive. In addition to Wat Saphan Hin,
several mostly featureless ruins can be found. A bicycle or motorcycle is necessary to ex-
plore this zone.
Wat Saphan Hin
Located on the crest of a hill that rises about 200m above the plain, the name of the wát,
which means 'stone bridge', is a reference to the slate path and staircase that leads up to
the temple, which are still in place.
All that remains of the original temple are a few chedi and the ruined
wí·hăhn
, consist-
ing of two rows of laterite columns flanking a 12.5m-high standing Buddha image on a
brick terrace. The site is 3km west of the former city wall and gives a good view of the
Sukhothai ruins to the southeast and the mountains to the north and south.
HISTORICAL SITE
Other Sites
A few more worthwhile destinations lie outside the more popular paid zones.
Sangkhalok Museum
(Rte 1293; adult/child 100/50B; 8am-5pm)
This small but comprehensive museum is an excellent
introduction to ancient Sukhothai's most famous product and export, its ceramics.
The ground floor displays an impressive collection of original Thai pottery found in the
area, plus some pieces traded from Vietnam, Myanmar and China. The 2nd floor features
MUSEUM
