Sukhothai: Siam’s First Capital
Sukhothai is a historic city in Northern Thailand and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam (Thailand). It is located 530km north of Bangkok and is known for its spectacular ruins and ancient city walls. Sukhothai is an important archaeological site and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Sukhothai
Sukhothai was founded in 1238 by the first ruler of the Sukhothai Kingdom, Si Intharathit. While the city was short-lived, having only been the capital of Siam for 120 years, it was an incredibly influential and successful period that shaped the nation’s identity and development. Sukhothai was the birthplace of the Thai alphabet and also became a centre of Buddhism during this time, providing a platform for the religion to spread.
Attractions in Sukhothai
The city has many things to offer tourists, the most popular being Long Turtle Stadium, the primary temple remains in the Sukhothai Historical Park and the Ramparts of Sukhothai. As a visitor you can also explore the Sri-Satchanalai Historical Park, where the ruins of Wat Chang Lom and Wat Phra Mahathat are located, as well as a vast amount of ancient kilns and pottery.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park is the main attraction for visitors. It covers over 70 square kilometres, and contains the ruins of the old city and its many temples and monuments. The park features everything from the Buddha statues of Wat Mahathat to the palatial ruins of the Royal Palace. There are also many other structures in the park such as chedis, pagodas and monasteries.
Ramparts of Sukhothai
The Ramparts of Sukhothai are a 700-year-old defensive wall that encircled the city. The walls were originally about 3.4 kilometres long and built using stones, bricks and mortar. They provided protection for the people of Sukhothai from external threats. Today, the wall still stands and is well preserved, offering a glimpse into Sukhothai’s past.
Other Attractions in Sukhothai
There are plenty of other attractions and activities to experience in Sukhothai. You can visit the Sukhothai National Museum to learn more about the area’s history, explore the ruins of the Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple, hike the mountains of Thung Salaeng Forest Park, or take a boat ride down the Yom River.
Getting to Sukhothai
The easiest way to get to Sukhothai is by plane. The nearest international airport is Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, from where you can get connecting flights to Sukhothai Airport, which is located just outside the city. You can also take the train from Bangkok to Sukhothai or take a bus from various parts of the country.