Sukhothai
Exploring an Ancient CityI am fascinated with architecture from around the world and the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai is one such place to marvel at and should definitely not be missed. The city is situated at the northern edge of the central plains, 425 kilometers or 265 miles north of Bangkok and 350 kilometers or 215 miles south of Chiang Mai. Thailand certainly has her fair share of magnificent attractions to absorb and entertain that it is near impossible to get to all these places in one short holiday. I keep coming back year after year. Allow me show you around!
Wat Mahathat
First of all lets wander within the walls of this ancient kingdom and city which began around 1240. Here lie the ruins of some 20 temples and monuments.
Wat Mahathat, called the magical and spiritual center of the kingdom is 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 it's 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 is situated at Si Satchanalai Historical Park and only 55 kilometers or 32 miles from Sukhothai. Here you will find seven rows of chedi, easily recognized 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 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 nearly 15 meters high. There is stairway within it's 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.
Sukhothai Books
This 220 page paperback book takes you on a journey into the early kingdom of this ancient kingdom exploring the remains and cultural heritage of this sacred site. Rich in archaeology studies.
Return from Sukhothai to the Central Thailand page
|
