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In the southern part of Northern Thailand, halfway between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, lies this truly impressive historical site. Sukhotai Historical Park is a wonderful complex that is definitely worth a visit. It is located approximately 12 kilometers from the new town of Sukhotai.
A truly unique and suggestive place. Sukhotai: a name, a guarantee! Its meaning is “dawn of happiness”. In the heart of Thailand, the park is home to the ancient ruins of the city of Sukhotai, which are still perfectly preserved. An authentic open-air wonder!
On 12 December 1991, the Sukhotai Historical Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is undoubtedly really beautiful and exciting. And, even more so, on special occasions such as the Festival of Lights – Loi Krathong, or the traditional Thai New Year. Imagine the complex illuminated by wonderful floating baskets illuminated in the evening? Or, again, in the early afternoon when the sun begins to set and the sky is magically colored.
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
Once you reach the village of Sukhothai, in Thailand, you can easily reach the complex by your own vehicle, by bus or with the typical tuk-tuk.
Those wishing to use three-wheeled vehicles, keep in mind that the price from the city center should not exceed 350 baht. Often, however, the drivers will try to get a lot more money from you. By bus, however, you can take line 4 (blue). The stop is located at 2R57 + 8VW, Thani, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64000, right in front of a 7-eleven, a well-known local convenience store chain.
A trip from downtown to the Historic Park costs 30 baht per person.
TICKETS AND TIMETABLE
Entrance to the Sukhotai Historical Park takes place every day from 08:30 to 16:30 (last admission allowed). You can wander around the complex until 5:30 pm or 6:00 pm at the latest.
It is necessary to purchase three different tickets for as many areas: north, west and center. Each ticket costs around 100Baht (about € 3) and can be purchased at the ticket offices at the entrance to the Park. To access the National Museum you pay 150Baht
HOW TO MOVE IN THE SUKHOTAI HISTORICAL PARK
The complex covers an area of about 70 square kilometers. If you want to limit yourself to visiting the complex inside the walls, you can easily walk around it; obviously, with the necessary breaks and if you have the whole day to dedicate to the Park. If not, the bike is really ideal. During your visit to the Park, you will be able to see a lot of them around the Park. You can rent them at the entrance of the complex for just over one euro (at the exchange rate)! Really recommended.
WHAT TO SEE
The complex is surrounded by brick-built walls; on each side, right in the center, there is an access door. In addition to the outside, you will be able to visit 21 temples within the site. The largest, and also photographed, is Wat Mahathat; located in the central area of the complex, it was the royal chapel of ancient Sukhotai. Opposite, there is the main hall which officially houses the bronze statue of the Buddha.
Each temple and building is truly beautiful and impressive. And, really fascinating. In addition to the beauty of the historic buildings, you will be able to visit a beautiful complex also from a landscape point of view. A luxuriant vegetation with ponds, plants and lotus flowers. Superb, and cared for down to the smallest detail. In a magnificent setting southwest of Wat Mahathat is Wat Si Sawai. And, again, the beautiful Wat Trapang Thong; a temple that stands on the island in the middle of the large pond, reachable via a small bridge.
But, the beauties are not limited only to the temples enclosed within the walls. It will be enough to move a few hundred meters to discover truly beautiful and incredible sites. How not to be stunned to see Wat Si Chum? It is just over 1 km north of Wat Mahathat. It is an imposing statue of the Buddha, 15 meters high and 13 meters wide. Truly majestic!
WHERE TO SLEEP
As always, there is no ideal structure. Choosing to stay in the new city rather than the old one is a purely subjective matter. From this link, the best facilities available at the best price. Hotel, Resort, Guesthouse … there really is something for all tastes and budgets!