2024

SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK

Ancient monuments
4.9/5
29 reviews
Open - from 06h30 to 19h30

This 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.

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2024

SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK

Ancient monuments
4.6/5
5 reviews

The 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.

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2024

RAMKHAMHAENG NATIONAL PARK

Natural site to discover
3.3/5
3 reviews

This national park is recommended for lovers of wilderness. The summit of Khao Luang is at an altitude of 1,200 metres and the 4 km path leading to it is reserved for experienced athletes. For those who just want to enjoy the forest, the spectacular Sai Rung Falls, spread over 4 levels, offer the opportunity to swim. You have to walk almost a kilometre to reach them. Provide food, water and equipment before going to the site

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2024

PHRA MAE YA SHRINE

Temple to visit
A shrine housing an idol of Phra Mae Ya, built during the reign of King ... Read more
2024

RAMKHAMHAENG NATIONAL MUSEUM

Museums
A museum displaying objects found during excavations on site or in the ... Read more