SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK
Read moreThis is the traditional starting point for visiting the park. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Wat Mahathat, the largest monastic temple in the former capital, is the symbol of this great vanished civilization. Wat Mahathat was the temple of a palace from which nothing remains today. The main stupa, like the four others surrounding it, was built in the shape of a Prasat. Others are located in the south. The main chedis are decorated with lotus buds and are characteristic of the typical style of Sukhothai art. It is also on the site of this palace, at Wat Si Chum, that the stone of King Rama Khamhaeng was found, said to have created the Thai alphabet (44 consonants, 32 vowels and 5 tones). The inscriptions of 1292 finds on this site provide detailed accounts of the economy, religion, social organization and governance of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. King Rama khamhaeng, who is also considered to be the founding father of the Thai nation, ruled as a father, and his title was Po Khun (father Khun). In addition to being the capital of a kingdom that was innovative in terms of writing, architecture, art, religion and legislation, Sukhothai was also at the forefront of technology at the time, particularly in hydraulic engineering. The city then transforms and develops at full speed, water reservoirs, moats, canals, dams allow an economic growth, the development of communication routes and a very significant increase in population. This period is called the dawn of Thai happiness. Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Sukhothai became the capital of the first kingdom of Siam. It was during this period that Wat Mahathat was built. The construction of the palace and temples spanned nearly a century. Wat Mahathat is characterized by multiple chedi and a large sitting Buddha of 9 meters. It extends over a 200 m square, once surrounded by a moat. At that time, there were 185 shedi, 7 chapels and 11 viharn. From a political point of view, Sukhothai adopted an extremely egalitarian regime, codifying laws, assisted by the political and religious institutions of the time. But, later, everything changes and the kings of Ayutthaya will rather copy the despotism of the Khmer kings, and will require in particular that their subjects stand flat before them and speak of themselves in contemptuous terms such as: "I who am a grain of dust under your august foot..." To discover the park and its many treasures, in an unusual atmosphere, Loy Krathong is the ideal time. It is said that it is in Sukhothai that the fervour is greatest. You will need to take precautions and book a hotel several months in advance.
SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK
Read moreThe historic park deserves a detour for lovers of Siamese history, but not only. The place was the second city of the kingdom and the residence of the Crown Prince. Classified as a UNESCO heritage site since 1991, the site includes remains similar to those found in Sukhothai, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Located behind the Yon River, they are less restored than those in Sukhothai.
Built in the 12th century, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat is the most imposing temple of the site built in 1357, under the reign of Li Thaï. It is accompanied by many statues representing Buddha in his different positions. A prang was added by Boromtrai Lokanat in the 15th century. This temple is also important because it has the second most revered representation of Buddha in Thailand after Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. This is the last statue of the three initials. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo and Wat Chang Lom are also worth a visit. The first is a very large temple complex and the main attraction of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The temple enclosure has characteristics influenced by Khmer culture, lun, Burmese, lanna and, of course, by the architecture of Sukhothai. The usual entrance is located opposite the impressive Ceylonian-style Wat Chang Lom stupa, which is distinguished by its bell-shaped chedi with three-level square bases that rest on rows of elephant sculptures.
KAMPHAENG PHET HISTORICAL PARK
Read moreThis site has been classified as a historical heritage site by UNESCO since 1991. The old fortifications mark the boundaries of the old town, established according to the same concept as Sukhothai. Most of the remains are located in this area, but some monuments are also 2 km from the city centre in an area called the Aranyik Area. It is necessary to pay the entry fee for each zone. The park extends into a vast wooded area where one can visit the ruins of several temples, often with only the brick terraces and several laterite Buddha statues, more or less damaged by the bad weather. Not to be missed is Wat Phra Kaew, the royal temple, the highlight of any visit to Kamphaeng Phet. Its three very well preserved Buddhas, two seated and one lying, are with the standing Buddha of Wat Phra Si Ariyabot the most striking elements of the Historical Park. The Wat Chang Rop chedi, supported by elephant statues, also attracts attention. Excavations are still ongoing to uncover areas of fortifications buried under the slopes. The main area is easy to visit on foot while you will need a bicycle or a vehicle for the second area (Arunyk Area), located outside the boundaries of the old city in the forest. Allow about 3 hours for a full tour of the historic park. If you have to choose between the two, this park is more interesting than Si Satchanalai.