Sukhothai Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes visitors with an entrance fee of 10 baht for Thai citizens and 40 baht for international tourists. Alternatively, a combined ticket offering access to various parks in Sukhothai province for 30 days is available for 30 baht (Thai citizens) and 150 baht (international tourists). The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with ticket sales ending at 6:00 PM. Notably, between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, visitors can enjoy illuminated ancient monuments.

Upon entering the park, you will see Wat Chana Songkhram, located within the Sukhothai Historical Park between Wat Mahathat and Wat Sa Si. The history of its construction is unclear. It is a medium-sized temple with a distinctive large bell-shaped stupa as its main stupa.

Wat Sorasak, meaning "temple of high dignity," houses ancient structures including a viharn (prayer hall) at the front and a bell-shaped chedi (stupa) in the back. The chedi, adorned with 25 sculpted elephants at its base, symbolizes the royal elephant of a Chakravartin (universal monarch).

The Wat Phra Phai Luang temple, located outside the city walls to the north, is a large ancient site second in importance only to Wat Maha That. The temple is surrounded by three layers of moats and features three prangs, the main one being made of laterite in the Lopburi style.

The three prangs are constructed from laterite and exhibit architectural and artistic features characteristic of the Khmer Bayon style, dating back to the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

The grand and significant Wat Mahathat, a major temple in Sukhothai, is constructed from laterite and enclosed by brick walls and a moat. Its principal stupa, the Phra Mahathat, exhibits the distinctive Sukhothai style with its lotus bud or rice sheaf shape. This ancient Buddhist temple is among the oldest and most important in Thailand.

The surrounding area is dotted with small stupas, most of which serve as repositories for cremated remains.

A dog was found sleeping near a large tree hollow in the park.^^

Wat Si Chum is a temple housing the revered statue of Phra Achana, meaning "the unwavering, the steadfast." This impressive stucco image of the Buddha in the Mara-Vijaya posture stands tall with a lap width of 11.30 meters. The vihara, resembling a square-shaped mandapa, has unfortunately lost its roof, leaving only the four walls standing.

When visiting Sukhothai, don't miss the opportunity to savor the ancient recipe of Sukhothai noodles. Several restaurants offer this local delicacy, including "Jea Hae," where you can enjoy a delicious bowl for only 30-40 baht.