Best of Sukhothai

Sukhothai Province Essentials

Sukhothai, the 13th-century capital of the first Kingdom of Siam, contains Thailand's most significant archaeological sites. This collection features the central Sukhothai Historical Park and the northern Si Satchanalai site. Key architectural highlights include the signature lotus-bud chedis of Wat Mahathat, the massive 15-meter seated Buddha at Wat Si Chum, and Khmer-style prangs at Wat Si Sawai. These UNESCO-listed ruins illustrate the transition from Khmer influence to a distinct Thai artistic style.

Sukhothai Province Essentials — Map

Hartmann Linge / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Sukhothai Historical Park

The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which consists of Sukhothai historical park,…

Wayne77 / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Wat Mahathat

The largest temple in the central zone, featuring a central lotus-bud chedi surrounded by eight smaller stupas. It once served as the kingdom's religious center and housed sacred relics.

Javier Pérez Valenzuela / CC-BY-SA

C

Wat Si Chum

Known for the Mondop, a massive roofless square building housing the Phra Achana, a 15-meter tall seated Buddha visible through a narrow vertical opening in the structure.

Hdamm / CC BY 2.0

D

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is a historical park in Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai Province, northern Thailand.

Michelle von Bärlin / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Wat Sa Si

A temple located on an island in the Traphang Trakuan pond, featuring a classic Singhalese-style bell-shaped stupa and a well-preserved bronze walking Buddha statue.

Hartmann Linge / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Wat Trapang Ngoen

Situated on the 'Silver Lake,' this temple features a central lotus-bud chedi and a large brick pedestal that once supported a wooden assembly hall.

Ninaras / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Wat Saphan Hin

Located on a 200-meter hill west of the city wall, this site is accessed by a slate stone pathway and houses a 12-meter tall standing Buddha image.

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Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo

Located in Si Satchanalai, this temple contains numerous stupas in various architectural styles, including Sukhothai, Lanna, and Pagan, likely serving as burial sites for local royalty.

Hartmann Linge / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

King Ram Khamhaeng Monument

A bronze statue dedicated to the third king of the Sukhothai Dynasty, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet and leading the kingdom during its Golden Age.

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Wat Si Sawai

Originally built as a Hindu shrine, this temple features three well-preserved Khmer-style prangs decorated with intricate stucco reliefs, later converted for Buddhist use.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

K

Wat Phra Phai Luang

A major 12th-century complex outside the northern wall featuring three Khmer-style prangs. It served as the city's primary ritual center before the construction of Wat Mahathat.