Sukothai, meaning "dawn of happiness" became the first capital of
Siam and the following 200 years, is 466km from Bangkok. It is considered the
pinnacle of Thai civilization.
Wat Mahathat
Night view of Wat Mahathat
Old City
The ancient city of Sukothai is 12km outside the modern, and unattractive
town which is rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in the late 1950s. New
Sukothai does not have much to offer, although it makes a pleasant enough spot
to stay while exploring the glories of Old Sukothai. The Old City and its
surroundings are a national historical park covering 640ha which is officially
opened in 1988, after a decade of restoration work. It is very well-cared for,
with lotus ponds, flowering trees and manicured lawns and has become a haven for
bird life. The old city is 1.8km long and 1.4km wide and originally it was
encompassed by triple eastern ramparts and two moats, pierced by four gates.
Within the city there are 21 historical site, outside the walls are another 70
or so places of historical places.
Wat Trapang Thong
King Ramkhhamhaeng
King Ramkhhamhaeng was the first ruler to leave accounts of the state inscribed in stone stelae. These provide a wealth of information on conquests, taxation and political philosophy. Realizing the importance of national language as a unifying force, the King created the Thai script, derived from Mon and Khmer, and the inscription No. 1 of 1292 is regarded by many as the first work of Thai literature.
King Ramkhamhaeng's Statue
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is situated just inside the Kamphang-hek ( Broken wall) Gate. The museum contains a copy of Ramkhamhaeng's stela and some wonderful Buddha images along the explanatory information. It also houses a range of household goods which give some indication of the sophistication of Sukothai society.