Wat Saphan Hin, Sukhothai วัดสะพานหิน สุโขทัย

Wat Saphan Hin, Sukhothai, Thailand                                 
วัดสะพานหิน จังหวัดสุโขทัย            
  

     Situated on a mound 200 meters high, an ascent of 300 meters from the foot of the mound to the temple was paved with stone and this is how the temple got its name.  Along the paved way there is a small lotus bud chedi.  This temple is well know for a large standing incripstion N. 1, "...In the heart of the forest Arangik, there is a beautiful large vihara, a Buddha image called Phra Attharot in standing porture...  "Wat Saphan Hin is thought to be the temple to which King Ramkhamkaeng the great rode on a white eephant named Ruchakhari to worship a Buddha sabbath.

     วัดสะพานหิน  ตั้งอยู่บนเนินเขาที่มีความสูงประมาณ 200 เมตร ชื่อวัดเรียกตามลักษณะทางที่ปูลาดด้วยหินจากต้นเขาขึ้นไปเป็นระยะทางประมาณ 300 เมตร

       โบราณสถานที่สำคัญบนยอดเขาคือ พระพุทธรูปประทับยืน ปางประทานอภัย ขนาดใหญ่ ประดิษฐาน ภายในวิหาร ซึ่งน่าจะตรงกับที่ศิลาจารึก หลักที่ 1 ของพ่อขุนรามคำแหง ที่กล่าวถึงเบื้องตะวันตกของเมืองสุโขทัยว่า "ในกลางอรัญญิก มีพิบกรอันณึ่งมนใหญ่สูงงามแก่กม มีพระอัฏฐารศอันณึงลุกยืน..."  และน่าจะเป็นวัดที่พ่อขุนรามคำแหงทรงช้างเผือกชื่อ ภูจาครี เพื่อไปนบพระณวัดนี้ทุกวันพระ ข้างขึ้น และแรม 15 ค่ำ

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)

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a mesmerising ancient province, full of historical places and objects which have earned the province a world heritage title. Remarkably, the Loi Krathong festival here is immensely grand, taking place amid on old city atmosphere. Climbers are also welcome to scale Khao Luang. All visitors are guaranteed to enjoy this province.

Sukhothai Historical Park
is a world heritage site, On approaching the ancient city, visitors will observe the top of numerous pagodas in many shapes as well as sacred churches. Inside and outside Sukhothai's ancient walls stand numerous historical sites, 70 are outside alone. The Loi Krathong festival takes place in this park.

Inner wall attractions include Wat Mahathat sitting in the middle of Muang Sukhothai, a highly respected temple with 200 pagodas sculptured in Sukhothai-style, with the Mahathat Pagoda being the most important. Others are San Ta Pha Daeng (Diety Shrine). Phra Ruang's palace hill, Wat Traphang Ngoen, King Ramkhamhaeng Monument and Ramkhamhaeng National Muserm.

Outer wall attractions include traditional-Thai-style building which houses the tourist centre, Sukhothai's ancient terra cotta collection, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Wat Sichum, Wat Saphanhin, Sareedphong Dam, Wat Chedi Si Hong, Wat Chetuphon and Wat Traphang Thonglang.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park
is the main attraction of Si Satchanalai district, housing numerous historical objects and sites. So far, 134 historical sites have been unearthed here, most important being Wat Phra Si Ratanamahathat just outside the ancient Si Satchanalai City's wall, Wat Khao Phanon Phloeng standing on al low hill, Wat Khao Suwankhiri with a tall and giant bell, and Wat Chang Lam with a large Lanka styled pagoda. Around the pagoda stand 39 miniature elephants. Remarkably, Wat Chet Thaeo, the most beautiful temple in the province, is also located here.

- Thailand Travel guide PTT