The Historical Capital and former Kingdom 
of North Central Thailand

Wat Sri Sawat Temple

If you’re crazy like I am about ancient architecture, then the kingdom of Sukhothai is a special place you will certainly marvel at. And having said that, this place should definitely not be missed. The city is situated at the northern edge of the central plains, 425 kilometres (265 miles) north of Bangkok and 350 kilometres (215 miles) south of Chiang Mai, depending on which direction you’re coming from.

Thailand unquestionably has her fair share of magnificent attractions for all to absorb and entertain that it’s near impossible to get to all these places in one short holiday. I keep coming back year after year, so let me show you around!

Wat Mahathat

If you’re not too afraid of the intense heat, it’s best to just wander around within the walls of this ancient kingdom and try if you can, imagine what it might have been like in this historic city when life began around the year 1240. There are ruins of some twenty temples and monuments for you to view at leisure.

Wat Mahathat Historical Park

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is called the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom and it’s also the biggest and the most magnificent of all in this national park. It has a central Chedi in the shape of a lotus bud with four Stupas and four Prangs on its surrounding platform.

The base is decorated with stucco figures of Buddhist disciples. On the eastern side of this temple, you will see a twin row of pillars with a platform on which a seated Buddha can be seen.

Wat Chedi Chet Thaew

Wat Chedi Chet Thaew

Wat Chedi Chet Thaew is situated at Si Satchanalai Historical Park and only 55 kilometres (32 miles) from Sukhothai. Here you will find seven rows of Chedi, easily recognised by their lotus bud-shaped tops.

The ashes of the royal family of Si Satchanalai are believed to be contained in one them. There are a further 32 Stupas, which are adorned with Buddha impressions along with other decorative images depicting various art styles.

Phra Ajana at Wat Sri Chum

Wat Sri Chum

Wat Si Chum has one of the largest seated Buddha images in Thailand. This temple was built in the fourteenth century and the Buddha image that you see here is called Phra Atchana which measures 15 metres tall.

There’s a stairway within its wall that leads up to the roof, but unfortunately, one is not permitted to climb these stairs due to the precarious nature of the stairs.

Wat Mahathat Historical Park