Thailand Travel Pages - Sukhothai National Historical Park and Si Satchanalai National Historical Park

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Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai National Park:

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The Kingdom of Sukhothai flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries and extended across the Moei, Lower Yom, Ping, Nan and Upper Pa Sak River Valleys. Sukhothai, Thailand's ancient capital city and the region's second most-important town Si Satchanalai are situated about an hour's drive apart from each other. For over two hundred years these ancient cities were the economic and cultural centers of the country and so they are now rich in historical remains. The site was designated as a World Heritage site in 1991.

Sukhothai Historical Park

The Sukhothai period is renowned for its stylization of the Buddha's features, which are portrayed as slightly feminine with a fuller, rounder face and a flame situated above the head. The fullness of the face was probably introduced to reflect the prosperity of the Kingdom at that time.

There are many awe-inspiring Buddha images hidden throughout every corner of the park.

Along with the ruins of the ancient royal palaces there is a monument to King Ramkhamhaeng, who reigned during the pinnacle of the Sukhothai period. King Ramkhamhaeng is known as the father of the Siamese language (Thai), and the monument's stone inscriptions detail the development of the Thai alphabet.

Si Satchanalai National Park

Si Satchanalai National Park has a different feel to it than Sukhothai Historical Park. The National Park's temples and sculptures are less restored and this gives you the chance to discover how these historic buildings were constructed.

The temples of the ancient city also contain many sculptures of elephants. These sculptures are very different from those found in other temples as the elephants are shown standing and they are much larger than their real life counterparts.

Several of the ancient temple areas are located on top of hills, which provide wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

The park is an ideal place to walk and hike. There are many paths located throughout the park, a few of which lead to the ancient city ruins. You can also hire a bike and cycle the paths or take a trip on the back of an elephant.

I was really impressed by the magnificent gates and stone wall that surrounds the ancient city, much of which still remains. In front of the wall is a depression which, it is believed, held water during the time the city was occupied. A visit here is not only a step back in time, but also a step back into the lives of the people who once lived within these walls.