SUKHOTHAI Province, The Center of old Thai Kingdom of Sukihothai

SUKHOTHAI, Thailand   

สุโขทัย                          

The province covers 6,596 sq. km. and is above all noted as the centre of the old Thai Kingdom of Sukhothai, with major historical remains at Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.    

Phra Achana is assumed that was built 700 years ago.

Wat Si Chum

Wat Si Chum, Phra Achana, a large scated stucco Buddha imag
e in the attitude of Subduing Mara. It is enshrined in the Mandapa of Wat Si chum. Achana means one who is not frightened.

Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, with the provincial capital situated some 450 km. north of Bangkok and some 350 km. south of Chiang Mai. The province covers 6,596 sq. km. and is above all noted as the centre of the old Thai kingdom of Sukhothai, with major historical remains at Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai.

Its main natural attraction is Khao Luang mountain park. The provincial capital, sometimescalled New Sukhothai, is a small town lying on the Yom River whose main business is serving tourists who visit the nearby Sukhothai Historical Park.

Sukhothai Historical Park

The Park is located 12 km. from Sukhothai town on the Tak Highway; open daily 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.; admission 40 baht. Service Centre (Tel: 0 5569 7310) provides information and displays models of historical buildings and structures of the old Sukhothai. Lying over an extensive area, ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals and the water dyke control system are preserved,with major restoration by the Fine Arts Department in cooperationwith UNESCO.

credit :  brochure of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)