17 attractions to feel the charm of Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a city located in Thailand that is known for its rich history and cultural significance. It is home to several ancient sites that are recognized as World Heritage Sites, including the Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai Historical Park. These sites offer a glimpse into the past, with historical artifacts and structures that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. In addition to its historical attractions, Sukhothai is also known for its traditional way of life and natural beauty. Visitors to the city can experience the charm of Thai culture while enjoying the natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Mueang District
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park is located in the Muang District of Sukhothai, Thailand. It is an ancient archaeological site that has been preserved for centuries and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers a large area and contains a number of ancient sites, including temples, palaces, and other structures that showcase the rich history and culture of Sukhothai. Some of the most popular and well-preserved ancient sites within the park include temples, palaces, and other structures that have been carefully preserved to provide visitors with a glimpse into the past.
Wat Si Chum
Wat Si Chum is a temple located in Sukhothai that is known for its large, 15 meter tall Buddha image of Phra Ajana, which is depicted in the Mara posture. The viharn or sanctuary where the Buddha image is housed is built in a rectangular, mondop-like shape, but the roof has collapsed. There are only four walls left, which are made of tightly-packed bricks. The south wall has an opening that allows visitors to enter. The temple is popular with foreign tourists who come to see the impressive Buddha image and pay their respects.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is a prominent temple located in the center of Sukhothai. It is home to a number of pagodas, including the Phra Chedi Mahathat Phung Khao Bin, which is a unique example of Sukhothai art. The temple is surrounded by eight other pagodas, including laterite pagodas located in the four cardinal directions and brick pagodas in the Srivijaya and Ceylon styles located at the corners. There is also a large laterite viharn on the east side of the main chedi. The temple has a peaceful atmosphere, especially during sunset, when the sky takes on a beautiful orange hue. The surrounding Tola provide a stunning backdrop to the temple.
Wat Phra Phai Luang
Wat Phra Phai Luang is a temple located approximately 800 meters from Wat Si Chum in Sukhothai. It is a large, ancient site that is known for its moat and three levels, with three prangs serving as the main prangs of the temple. These prangs are made of laterite and feature Lopburi art style stucco patterns on the northern side. The temple also contains a variety of stucco Buddha images in various poses, including sitting, standing, walking, and lying, although many of these images are damaged and housed in the mondop and stupa facade.
Hall of Phra Phutthasiri Mara
Phra Phuttha Siri Marawichai Hall is a temple located in Sukhothai, Thailand, which is home to the ancient bronze Buddha image of Phra Phuttha Siri Marawichai. This invaluable Buddha statue dates back to the Sukhothai period and depicts the Buddha in the subduing Mara posture. The temple also features mural paintings on the walls that depict stories of the Lord Buddha’s history, as well as historical events from the Sukhothai period, including religion, politics, government, economy, and society. The temple is known for its efforts to preserve Phra Buddha Sirimanwichai and its close ties to Her Majesty the Queen.
Wat Saphan Hin
Wat Saphan Hin is an ancient temple located in the western part of the city wall. It is situated on a low hill that is about 200 meters high and can be accessed via a path paved with thin sheets of slate. The temple itself is made of bricks and has four rows of laterite pillars and five rooms. Inside, there is a 12.50 meter tall bronze Buddha image called Phra Attharot, which is depicted in the posture of giving forgiveness. This temple is considered to be of great importance due to its historical and cultural significance.
Phra Mae Ya Shrine
Phra Mae Ya Shrine is a place of spiritual significance for the people of Sukhothai. It is a stone idol of a young woman, carved from slate and adorned with ornate decorations that depict the noble ancient women of the region. People who are experiencing difficulties often come to the shrine to pay their respects and pray for help from Phra Mae Ya. According to local beliefs, those who pray at the shrine often receive the assistance they seek.
Si Satchanalai District
Si Satchanalai History Park
Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sukhothai, Thailand. It covers a large area and contains several ancient sites that are significant for their historical and archeological value. Some of the main attractions include Wat Si Chum, Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Phra Phuttha Siri Marawichai Hall, Wat Saphan Hin, and Phra Mae Ya Shrine. Si Satchanalai Historical Park is another important ancient site located in Si Satchanalai District. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its outstanding architectural works and representation of Thai art from the first era. Some of the popular attractions at Si Satchanalai Historical Park include ancient temples and sites that showcase the rich history and cultural significance of the region.
Wat Chang Lom
Wat Chang Lom is a temple located in Si Satchanalai, known for its main pagoda which is located on a square pedestal and encased in a square glass wall. The base of the pagoda features 39 stucco elephants standing with their backs against the wall, with four decorated elephants at the corners. There is also a viharn in front of the main pagoda, as well as two smaller viharas and two pagodas. The stucco elephants at this temple are particularly notable, standing fully apart from the wall and taller than real elephants, with decorated stucco lotuses in front.
Wat Chedi Chet Taew
Wat Chedi Chet Taew is located in Si Satchanalai and is known for its beautiful pagodas which mix Sukhothai and Srivijaya art styles. It is believed that the temple used to house relics of the Sukhothai Royal Family and is surrounded by a glass wall on the second floor. The main pagoda has a lotus bud shape and there are 33 small buildings of various types, including Chedi Rai. This temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Sukhothai.
Thung Saliam District
Thung Saliam is a district located about 68 kilometers from Sukhothai’s city center. It is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its beautiful natural surroundings, with mountain ridges and green fields. The district is predominantly Buddhist and follows the principles of the sufficiency economy, with a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors to Thung Saliam can experience this traditional way of life and visit the many beautiful temples in the area.
Phiphat Mongkhon Temple
Phiphat Mongkhon Temple, located in the district of Thung Saliam in Sukhothai, is a well-known and highly respected place of worship in Thailand and beyond. Its beauty and unique Lanna-style architecture make it a renowned temple in Thung Saliam. The temple is home to a 9-kilogram gold Buddha statue, a treasure of the Sukhothai period, and features a large viharn and chapel built in the Lanna style. The total area of the temple spans over 100 rai.
Wat Klang Dong
Wat Klang Dong is a beautiful temple situated in the midst of a stunning landscape, surrounded by mountains. Visitors who come during rice farming season will have the opportunity to see the temple’s ubosot and pagoda set against a backdrop of lush rice fields. The temple features fine architectural art, including a chapel with art similar to that found in temples in Chiang Mai and Lampang. One particularly noteworthy feature of the temple is the five-tiered golden pagoda, which is adorned with Burmese art and contains a wealth of valuable silver and gold rings. Wat Klang Dong also houses a Mondop monument of Kruba Si Wichai, a highly respected figure in the Thung Saliam District, which is made to resemble a real statue.
Wat Thung Saliam
Wat Thung Saliam is a temple located in the district of Thung Saliam, famous for its beautiful sandstone Buddha image of Luang Por Sila. The image is in the posture of Nak Prok and is highly revered by the villagers and people from nearby provinces for its sacred power. Every year on February 24th, the temple holds a worship ceremony for Luang Por Sila, attracting a large number of visitors from all provinces to pay their respects.
Wat Mae Tulao
Wat Mae Tulao is a temple located in the Thai Chana Suek neighborhood of Thung Saliam District in Sukhothai Province. It was originally named Wat Nam Lom but later changed to Wat Mae Tulao, after the village in which it is located. The temple is known for its beautiful golden chapel, which features intricate carvings and a staircase adorned with Naga figures on all four sides. Inside the ubosot, or main hall, there is a principal Buddha image and a replica of the Emerald Buddha, both of which are surrounded by sparkling mosaic glass decorations.
Rim Yom Market
Rim Yom Market is a monthly event that takes place on the first Saturday of the month. It is held in the evening, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in the Mara area of Kong Krailat District. A free shuttle bus service is provided to and from the tourist office in Sukhothai Province, departing at 5:00 p.m. and returning at 7:30 p.m. The market is a chance to experience the old trading culture of the villagers in the 1894 era, with merchants dressed in traditional clothing, using traditional equipment and containers, and participating in folk games. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of riverside trade in Sukhothai.
Ban Thung Luang
Ban Thung Luang is a village located in Khiri Mat District, known for its pottery making tradition. The village has a pottery learning center where visitors can learn about the process of creating pottery and see examples of beautiful pottery, as well as the tools and equipment used to make it. The center showcases the community’s skills and knowledge in pottery making, which is a unique aspect of their identity.
Thung Talay Luang – Heart Shaped Island
Thung Talay Luang is a heart-shaped island located in the center of Muang District, Sukhothai Province. It is known for being the only heart-shaped island in the world, and was created as part of the Monkey Cheek Project, a royal initiative aimed at addressing issues of flooding and drought in the region. The island features a canal that was dug to divert water for storage and has been designed with a heart shape, making it a popular tourist attraction in Sukhothai Province. The area has also been landscaped with trees for shade and is a beautiful place to visit.
Khao Luang – Ramkhamhaeng National Park
Khao Luang is a mountain located in Sukhothai Province, about 1,200 meters above sea level. It is known for its natural grassland and is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. There is a nature study trail available, starting at the park office and passing through various landscapes, such as herb gardens, dry evergreen forests, banyan trees, clay and rock layers, before ending at Hin Rang Waterfall. The trail is approximately 3 kilometers long and takes around 2 hours to complete.
