Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sukhothai
28-50
1
every hr 5.40am-6pm
Train
Phitsanulok's train station is within walking distance of accommodation and offers a
left-luggage service. The station is a significant train terminal and virtually every
northbound and southbound train stops here; major destinations from Phitsanulok
include Bangkok (80B to 1164B, five to seven hours, 11 times daily) and Chiang
Mai (143B to 1145B, seven to nine hours, six times daily).
Getting Around
Rides on the town's Darth Vader-like săhm·lór start at about 60B. Outside the train
station there's a sign indicating túk-túk prices for different destinations around town.
that charges from 1500B per day.
SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE
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 civil-
isation - 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 the
meuang
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 the Mae Nam Yom, the market town
of New Sukhothai is not particularly interesting; yet its friendly and relaxed atmo-
sphere, good transport links and attractive accommodation make it a good base
from which to explore the old city ruins.
