Sukhothai Province

picture

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Hotel and Guest House

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:20:00 +0000

Hotel &Guest House

Amphoe Muang
99 Guesthouse
234/6 Soi Phanitsap, Charot Withithong Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1315

Ban Thai Guesthouse
38 Prawet Nakhon Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 0163

Chinnawat
1-3 Nikon Kasem Road,, SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1385, 66 5561 1689

Friend House
52/7 Loe Thai Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 0172

Lotus Village
170 Ratchathani Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5562 1484 Fax: 66 5562 1463

Number Four Guesthouse
140/4 Khlong Mae Ramphan, Charot Withithong Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 0165

Pailyn
10 Mu 1 Charot Withithong Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 3317, 66 55633335-9 Fax: 66 5561 3317

Ratchathani
229 Charot Withithong Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1031, 66 5561 1308, 66 5561 2877 Fax: 66 5561 2878

River View
92 Nikon Kasem Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1516, 66 5561 1656, 66 5561 3371-2 Fax: 66 5561 3373

Ruean Thai Guesthouse
181/20 Soi Pracha Ruammit, Charot Withithong Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 2444 Fax: 66 5561 2456

Sawatdiphong
56/2-5 Singhawat Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1567, 66 5562 2113 Fax: 66 5561 2268

Sky House
58/1-7 By Pass , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1212

Somprasong Guesthouse
32 Prawet Nakhon Road, SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1709

Sukhothai
15/5 Singhawat Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1133, 66 5561 1540

Thai Village Hotel
Sukhothai Cultural Centre, 214 Charot Withithong Road, SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5569 7020-3, 66 5569 7249 Fax: 66 5569 7583

Thong Hotel
327/15 Mu 4 Tambon Pak Khwae , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1628

Sukhothai Orcids
43 Singhawat Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1193-4 Fax: 66 5561 2038

Wang Nuea
43 Singhawat Road , SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 1193-4 Fax: 66 5561 2038

Yupha House
44/10 Soi Mekkhaphat, Prawet Nakhon Road, SUKHOTHAI
Tel :: 66 5561 2578

Festivals

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Festivals

Loy Kratong Festival
Annually held from 13th-15th days (new moon) of the 12th lunar month, at the Sukhothai Historical Park, Tambon Muang Kao, Amphur Muang; the festival helps preserve and promote Thai arts, culture and tradition, Within the fair, visitors will be excited with the 700-year-ago atmosphere, Thai ways of living, candlelight & Loy Kratong ceremony, and light & sound shows.

Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng's Day festival
Annually held on January 17, at the monument of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great in the Sukhothai Historical park, in honor of the Great King of Sukhothai Kingdom
Si Satchanalai Ordination Celebration Called by Thais as “Buat Chang Hat Siao”, this local event is held annually during 7-8 April at Ban Hat Sieo, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. It features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates in colorful costumer on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants. The ceremony has been arranged by Thai Phuan, the citizens of Ban Hat Siao for more than 150 years.
Khong Di Kong Krailas & Fish Eating Fair
Annually held in February, in front of the district's office, the fair displays the demonstration of fish products, beauty contest, fish-catching competition, local shows and other entertainments. Apart from fish goods, OTOP Products are also available.

Song Nam Aui Than Festival
Annually held on April 12, in the Sri Sachanalai Historical Park, by the Sri Sachanalai people; the Songkran ceremony exhibits the Buddha image procession from Wat Phra Prang to the Historical park.

Hae Nam Khum Hong Song Nam Chao Phor Muang Dong Festival
Annually held during the Songkran festival at the Muang Dong Wittaya School, the event displays the elephants procession from the shrine of Chao Phor Muang Dong to the monument of Chao Phor Muang Dong, local shows, bathing the statue of Chao Phor Muang Dong and old people.

Phra Mae Ya and Red Cross Fair
Annually eld from late January to early February in front of town hall, the fair exhibits the ceremony of paying homage to Phra Mae Ya, nine Buddha images and the statue of King Rama V of Bangkok.

Wan Khong Di Sri Sachanalai Festival
Annually held in August, at Muang Chaliang Wittaya School, the festival helps promote local products. The fair exhibits not only beauty contest, but also that of fruits, processed agricultural products and Tin Jok cloth. Local products are available at reasonable prices.

Luang Phor Sila Celebration
Annually held on February 24, at Wat Thung Saliam, Amphur Thung Saliam, the festival is worth visiting. Luang Phor Sila, an image of crowned Buddha under Naga, was found in the Chao Ram cave, Amphur Ban Dan Lan Hoi in 2472 B.E. and brought to Wat Thung Saliam. Stolen in 2520, the over-800-year-old Buddha image returned from the United States to Thailand again in 2539.

Tham Khwan Phung Ceremony
Annually held on the 3rd day (new moon) of the 3rd lunar month by the Tha Din Daeng villagers, Tambon Kirimas, the festival, originated from rendering honey instead of labor forces as a poll tex from the Ayudhya period to the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok, displays the ritual of bringing back honey bees' spirits.

Natural Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang)

Widely known as Pa Khao Luang, the park has an area of 341 sq.kms or 213,125 rai covering Amphur Kirimas, Amphur Ban Dan Lan Hoi and Amphur Muang Sukhothai. Blessed with wildlife, birds, natural beauties including fertile trapical jungles and mountains stretching from the north to the south, the park originate rivers and brooks. It is cold throughout the year with average temerature ranging from 12-14 degree Celsius.

Interesting natural and historical attractions in the park include:

Khao Luang, Located south of town, enjoys wonderful sceneries. Tredding route to atop the hill is about 3,270 meters. About 1,000 meters away from the park's office stands the giant Pterocarpus. About 300 meters away from the giant tree is located the Mor E Hok stone fossils. The view area is about 400 meters away from the stone fossil. About 720 meters away from the view area is situated the Pha Mahat Raw Water Source. About 380 meters from the water source is located Chan Berk Phrai. About 300 meters from Chan Berk Phrai stands the large banyan tree. 320 meters from the tree is located Plong Nang Nak, a 0.5-meter-wide and 1.5-meter-long vertical natural opening. Along the route are located caves. Khao Luang is about 1,200 meter above sea level.

Sai Rung Waterfall, originated from the Chedi Mountain, is beautiful but has water only during the rainy season.

Buddha Footprint, housed at the foot of the Tham Phrabath hill, was invented in the reign of Phra Maha Thammaraja Lithai. It is about 600 years old.

Narai Cave used to house the statue of Phra Bodhisattva Awalokitesuan, presently only the base left.

Phra Mae Ya Cave used to house the statue of Phra Mae Ya currently located at the shrine of Phra Moe Ya in the compound of town hall.

Saleed Phong Dam, widely known as Tham Nob Phra Ruang, is located between the

Phrabath Yai mountain and the Kew Eye Ma hill. In the post, water from the dam flowed through canals to the capital of ancient Sukhothai.

The park could be accessible by two routes:

From Bangkok, tade route # 101 to Kamphaengphet. Turn lelt at the office of Kirimas district to the park's office (12 Kms). Or, from Bangkor, head to Phitsanulok via route# 101. Turn left at the office of Kirimas district to the park's office.

Otherwise, from Bangkok, folow route # 117 and turn into route # 12 through Amphur Kong Krailas and Amphur Muang. From Amphur Muang, take route # 101 to Amphur Kirimas (19 kms) and turn left into the road leading to the park (12 kms).

Accommodation: 2-3-room houses and camping sites are available. 60-day-in-advance-accommodation booking is recommended. For more information, contact the park's office, PO Box 1, Amphur Kirimas, Sukhothai 64160, tel. 0 5561 9200 or the department of the national parks, tel. 0 2562 0760

Sri Sachanalai National Park (Pa Ka)

With an area of opproximately 311.57 sq.kms or 202,520.50 rai covering Amphur Sri Satchanalai. Amphur Thung Saliam of Sukhothai and Amphur Thern of Lampang. the park is blessed with fertile tropical hilly forests, wildlife, birds and natural wonders. The Office of the Park is situated in Moo 6, Ban Pa Ka, Tambon Ban kaeng, Amphur Sri Sachanalai.

Interesthing attractions in the Park include:

Tad Dao Waterfall, originated from the Tha Pae stream, is located about 4 kms away from the park's office/ The 30-meter-high fall is wonderful. Ideal for rest and relaxation.

Tad Duan Waterfall, situated about 500 meters away form the office of the park, is ideal for swimming. Coveniently accessible.

Huai Sai Waterfall, surrounded by mountains and natural beauties, is located about 3 kms away from the park's office

Thara Wasan Cave, blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, is located about 1.5 kms away from the park's office. Wildlife, in particular hundred thousands of bats are found here.

Bats Cave, located about 20 kms away from the park's office, is blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is the habitat of hundred thousands of bats.

The park could be reached either by car or bus.

By car: From Amphur Muang, follow route#12 and turn right at Km 15 into route 1113 until the Sarachit Intersection. At the intersection, turn left into route 1294 to the park. Total distance is about 100 kms. Otherwise, take route 101 from Amphur Muang to Amphur Srisachanalai (68 kms). Turn left in front of the Srisachanalai Hospital and follow route 1201 (11 kms). At the Sarachit Intersection, turn right into route # 1294 (40 kms) to the park. The total distance is about 122 kms.

By bus: From Bangkok, get off at the district of Srisachanalai. Daily Songtaew service (one trip a day) from the distric's office to the park is available. Or get off at the sarachit Interection and then take a bus to the park.

Accommodation: 1-3-room guesthouses are available. Book the houses in advance at the office of the Sri Sachanalai National Park, PO Box 10, Tambon Ban Kaeng, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, Sukhothai 64130, tel. 0 5561 9214-5 or the department of the national parks, tel. 0 2562 0760.

Tham lom - Tham Wang Natural Park

Located in Moo 7, Tambon Na Khun Krai, Amphur Sri Samrong, the park is a part of the Mae mok-Mae Phan Lam national preservation forest. Covering an area of about 8,500 rai, the hilly park is blessed with wonderful caves nautally adorned with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Natural teak forests are widely found within the park. Ancient tools and arms found here winess that the park used to be the troop marching route before during early Sukhothai Period.

Cultural Attractions

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:13:00 +0000

Sukhothai Historical ParkLocated in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphur Muang Sukhothai, about 12 kms away from town. The park could be reached by route #12 (Charot Withithong Rd.). Registered as the world's heritage by the UNESCO, the park enjoys the following interesting attractions
Monument of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the GreatErected on the charot Withithong Rd, north of Wat Mahathat, features the great King sitting on the Monagkhasila Pedestal.

Wat MahathatA large temple located in the middle of town, reflects the prosperity of the Sukhothai architecture. Within the monastery are housed Phra Rattana Chedi, the chief pagoda of the temple.

Wat Sri SawaiLocated 300 meters southeast of Wat Mahathat.Within the temple are found the Narai Banthomsincarved stone lintel, pieces of deity statue, bronze lingum and Lopburi-style Buddha images.

Wat Phra Phai LuangSituated outside the town, are surrounded by 3-line ditches, houses laterite prang (pagoda), ruined images of Buddha, damaged pogoda and base of Vihar.

Wat Sa Sri Situated on the isle in Traphang Trakuan, a large pond located in the middle of town, The monastery houses the Lankan-style pagodas, an image of Buddha in the attiude ofsubduing mara and ordination hall located in the middle of a small isle.

Shrine of the City Gaurdian Spirit housedClose to the northen ditch of Wat Mahathat, is not mentioned on the Stone Inscription. From the survey by Phra Wichian Prakan in the reign of King Rama VI of Bangkok, the laterite poles were found at the tour corners of the shrine. In the middle of the shrine is a hole in which a round stone marking the center of town was believingly buried.

Wat Sri ChumLocated northwest outside the city ramparts, about 1,500 meters away from Wat Mahathat, houses Phra Achana, a huge Buddha image; the second Stone Inscription telling about the establishment of the Sukhothai dynasty including pictures depicting the previous lives of Lord Buddha.

Wat Saphan HinLocated on a 200-meter-high hill, about 2,930 meters away from Wat Mahathat. Inside the monastery are found a Vihar; Phra Attharot, a 12.5-meter-high standing image of Buddha in the attitude of forgiving and a lotus-shaped Chedi.

Sri Sachanalai Historical ParkSituated at Kaeng Luang in Tambon Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, about 52 kms away from town center, the park has been registered by the UNESCO as the world's heritage like Sukhothai Historical Park. Interesting historic attractions in the park include :

Wat Phra Sri Rattana MahathatWidely known as Wat Borommathat Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang, is located about 3 kms away from the ramparts of Muang Sri Sachanalai. Inside the temple are housed relics of then Buddha and a large Prang made of laterites.

Wat Chang LomLocated inside the Sri Sachanalai town, housed the Lankan-sytle pagoda surrounded by 39 statues of elephants and images of Buddha in the attitude of subduing mara. The monatery is believingly founded by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great.

Wat Nang PhayaHouses a made-of-laterite large Chedi and a ruined Vihar decorated with wonderful mortar desings.

Wat khao Phanom PhlerngLocated atop the Phanom Phlerng mountain. Within the monastery are erected a laterite pagoda and a large Vihar. Behind the pagoda is housed the shrine of Chao Mae La-ong Sumli revered by general public, while inside the vihar are housed the laterite pole and the Buddha image in the attitude of subduing mara.

Wat Khao Suwan kiriLocated west of the Phanom Phlerng mountain houses a large bellshaped pagoda made of laterite, the Buddha image made of mortar.

Wat Chedi Jet ThaewSituated opposite to Wat Chang Lom, houses a lotus-shaped chief Chedi, pagodas, a Vihar, the buddha image made of mortar including murals.

The Center of Sangkhalok Kiln Study & PreservationSituated in Ban Koh Noi, about 5 kms away from the Sri Sachanalai Historical Park, used to be the location of the industrial estate of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Over 500 Sangkhalok ware kilns were discovered here. Within the canter are displayed archaeological objects including the development of ancient wares.

Ramkhamhaeng National MuseumSituated in front of the Sukhothai Historical Park, displays art objects discovered in sukhothai including images of Buddha, Sangkhalok wares, Stone Scriptions and Sukhothai water ducts given by general public.

The Sawanka Wora Nayok National MuseumLocated behind Wat Sawankaram or Wat Klang, Tambon Wang Mai Khon, Amphur Sawankhalok, exhibits art items and archaeological objects mostly belonging o Phra Sawanka Wora Nayok (Thongkham Chitthon), the provincial ecclesiastical head or the abbot of Wat Sawankarm.

Phra Mae Ya ShrineA goddess statue sculptured from stone located in front of town hall, was formerly housed at the entrance of Phra Mae Ya cove in Khao Loung Mountain ranges, Tambon Na Cherng Diri, Amphur Kirimas.

How to go

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:12:00 +0000

How to go

By car:
From Bangkok, follow route#1 (Phaholyothin Rd.) to Wang Noi and turn in to route #32 through Ayudhya, Arng Thong, Singburi, Chainat to Nakhon Sawan. And then take route #1 again. Drive through Kamphaengphet and turn into route 101 through Amphur Pran Kratai, Amphur Kirimas to Amphur Muang Sukhothai. Total distance is 440 kms.

Otherwise, from Nakhon Sawan follow route #107 to Phitsanulok and turn into route # 12 to Sukhothai. Total distance is 427 kms. From the proviec of Tak, take route # 12 through Amphur Ban Dan Lan Hoi to Amphur Muang Sukhothai. (79 Kms.)

By bus:
Daily bus services (both ordinary and air-condition) are available at the Northern Bus Terminal. For more information, contact:

The Transport Co., Ltd.,
tel. 0 2537 8055-6.
Win Tour,
tel. 0 2936 3753, 0 5561 1039.
Thanchit Tour,
tel. 0 2936 3210-3, 0 5561 3558.
Phitsanulok Yanyon Tour,
tel. 0 2936 2924-5, 0 5561 2134

By train:
There are two railway stations in the province of Sukhothai, the Sawankhalok and Sri Nakhon Railway Stations. The Bangkok- Sawankhalok Sprinter services (two trips a day) and available. For more informaton, contact the Hua Lampong Railway Station, tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701 Ext. 5334, hotline 1690

By air:
The airport is located in Amphur Sawankhalok. about 30 kms away from town. Daily air services are as follow: Bangkok - Sukhothai - Chiangmai (2 flight / day) For more information tel. 0 5564 7224 (Sukhothai), 0 2265 5555 (Bangkok).

General Feature of Sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:07:00 +0000

General Feature
Location & SizeSituated

in lower north Thailand, about 440 kms away from Bangkok, Sukhothai has an area of about 6,596.092 sq.kms or 4,112,557 rai

Administration

The province is administratively divided into 9 Amphurs (districts), 84 Tambons, 834 villages, 2 Muang municipalities, 11 Tambon municipalities, and 77 tambon administration authorities. The districts include Amphur Muang, Amphur Sawankhalok, Amphur Sri Samrong, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Kong Krailas, Amphur Kirimas, Amphur Tung Saliam, Amphur Dan Lan Hoi and Amphur Sri Nakhon.

Population

The population of Sukhothai (approximately 623,865 persons) comprises the majority of original Thai, those who migrated from other provinces, and hilltribes (Karen, Mong, Yao and Li Saw).

Boundary

North
borders on Amphur Wangchin and Amphur Soong Men of Prae and Amphur Lab Lae of Uttaradit.
East
borders on Amphur Phrom Piram and Amphur Muang of Phitsanulok and Amphur Phichai of Uttaradit.
West
borders on Amphur Muang and Amphur Ban Tak of Tak and Amphur Thern of Lampang.
South
borders on Amphur Pran Kratai of Kamphaengphet and Amphur Bang Rakam of Phitsanulok.

Topography

The Topography of Sukhothai mostly features the basin plains with highlands and mountains stretching from the north to the west, central plains and southern highlands. Rivers flow form the north to the south though Amphur Sri Sachanalai, Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Muang Sukhothai and Kong Krailas. The highest Luang hill is located about 1,200 meters above sea level.
ClimateInfluenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons, the average temperature of the province is 27.6 degree Celsius. Average raindrop for the whole year is 1,208.8 milliliters.

from http://sukhothai-province.blogspot.com/

History of Sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:05:00 +0000

History of Sukhothai

As the first Kingdom of Thai nationals, Sukhothai used to be the most glorious Kingdom of Thai people 700 years ago as witnessed from archaeological remains left in the internationally-renowned Sukhothai and Sri Sachanalai historical parks
As mentioned in the Stone Inscription, the Sukhothai Kingdom enjoyed the most prosperity during the reign of Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The northern part of the Kingdom bordered on Muang Prae, Nan and Luang Phra Bang, the south on Nakhon Sri Thammarat, the east on Vientiene, While the West bordered on Muang Hongsawadi.
Just as the father looked after children, Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng the Gerat brought his people rights, freedom including glories as witnessed in the Stone Scription partly reading "People are happy. Water resources are riched with fish. In the paddy fields grow paddy rices. Cattles, horses, elephants are independantly sold."
Blessed with fertile water resources, the major occupation of the then Sukhothai was agriculture, such as rice farming, gardening and plantation. Sever irrigation dams called "Tham Nob Phra Ruang" were constructed throughout the Kingdom. Moreover, Sukhothai become not only the hub of the Sangkhalok wares manufacture, but also the center of the Chinese imports business transaction. The Sukhothai historical park registered as the world heritage considerably witnessed the achievements of the Kingdom.
In stead of Sukhothai, in 1890 B.E., Ayudhya enjoyed more influences and become the center of the political power. However, the Kingdom of Sukhothai had been successively ruled by two kings before the merger with Ayudhya. After the collapse of Ayudhya, in 2336 B.E. Muang Sukhothai was relocated, in compliance with the order of King Rama 1 of Bangkok, to Ban Thani, the location of the present Sukhothai, located on the east bank on the Yom River. And Ban Thani, as a district of Sawankhalok province, was renamed as Sukhothai Thani on April 1, 2475 B.E. Later in 2482 B.E., the status of Sukhothai Thani was upgraded as the province of Sukhothai

from http://www.sukhothai.go.th/

General Information

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:01:00 +0000

Sukhothai (literally means “Dawn of Happiness” ) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.

Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 440 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 350 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphurs (districts): Muang Sukhothai, Sawankhalok, Sri Samrong, Si Satchanalai, Kong Krailat, Kirimas, Thung Saliam, Ban Dan Lan Hoi and Sri Nakhon,
Provincial SealFeatures the picture of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Sitting on the Managkhasila pedestal.

Provincial SloganSukhothai, a town of excellent world heritages, thai letters invention, Loy Krathong, Budhism, intricate tin Jok cloth, ancient golden Sanglhalok wares, holy Mae Ya and Phor Khun and the down of happiness.

Tourism of sukhothai [2]

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:16:00 +0000

Ramkhamhaeng National Park

Ramkhamhaeng National Park is a place that is widely known as Pa Kho Luang. It covers an area of about 341 square kilometers, or 213,125 rai. It is blessed with wildlife, birds, natural beauties including fertile tropical jungles and mountain. Ramkhamhaeng National Park, within the province of Sukhothai, is surrounded by the districts of Kirimas, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, and the provincial capital of Sukhothai.

Khao Luang Khao Luang is an important source of water for its’ surrounding areas.[1] This exquisite national park with a combined natural and historical background covers an area of 341 square kilometres, and was declared to be a national park on October 27, 1980.[4] High hills and steep cliffs some over 1,200 metres above sea level, together with fascinating falls, different species to plants and wildlife are some of the major attractions available in this park offered to nature loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive, especially for critics and theologians.[4] The park also contains a lot of natural beauties such as the Khao Luang mountain range, Sai Rung Waterfall, an herbal garden, and the Savannah located in the high country of the Khao Luang range. High country of the Khao Luang mountain range: The 4 main peaks of the park are within the high country. These peaks offer beautiful views. Khao Phu Ka and Khao Phra Mae Ya at 1,200 meters above sea level are the park's highest summits. Looking up from the park's headquarters one can see the outline of a woman, in what some people would say is a very suggestive position, on one of the ridgelines.

Sri Sachanalai National Park Sri Sachanalai National Park was proclaimed a national park on 8 May, 1981. With a total area of 213 square kilometres in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai National Park offers trekking routes through waterfalls and caves. There is Tad Dao Waterfall, originated from the Tha Pae stream The 30-meter-high fall is wonderful. Ideal for rest and relaxation.[1] Thara Wasan Cave, blessed with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, is located about 1.5 km away from the park's office. Wildlife, in particular hundred thousands of bats is found here.Tad Duan Waterfall, situated about 500 meters away form the office of the park, is ideal for swimming. Coveniently accessible. Everyone can enjoy

Phra Mae Ya Shrine (ศาลพระแม่ย่า) Situated in front of the City Hall, Thanon Nikhon Kasem, by the Yom River, the shrine is highly respected by Sukhothai residents. It houses an idol of Phra Mae Ya, a stone figure with a long face, tapered chin, long halo and dressed as an ancient queen. The idol is supposed to have been built during King Ramkhamhaeng the Great’s reign as a dedication to his late mother Nang Sueang.

In this connection, the word Phra Mae Ya or grandmother in Thai is literally a term of endearment since the local people regarded King Ramkhamhaeng the Great as their father. The statue was formerly housed in a rock shelter of Phra Mae Ya Mountain. The Sukhothai residents later relocated it to the present shrine situated in front of the City Hall. The shrine is also believed to house the spirit of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The Phra Mae Ya Fair is held annually in late February.

Sangkhalok Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์สังคโลกสุโขทัย)

It is located within Mueang Ake Plaza, Thanon By-pass, just 12 kilometres off the old city. The museum displays more than 2,000 pieces of Sangkhalok ceramic wares collected from various sources both locally and internationally.

Fish Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลาในวรรณคดีเฉลิมพระเกียรติ)

This is located in the Rama IX Park, along Highway No. 12. It displays a variety of fresh water fish mentioned in Thai literature such as the travel poems titled Kap Ho Khlong Nirat Phra Bat and Kap Ho Khlong Praphat Than Thongdaeng, and the Kap He Ruea boat song by Chaofa Thammathibet (Chaofa Kung).

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติรามคำแหง)

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum houses many artefacts found from archaeological excavations in Sukhothai, as well as, those given by the locals. The museum is divided into three premises: the Lai Sue Thai Chet Roi Pi Memorial Building, Museum Building and Outdoor Museum.

Sawankhaworanayok National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติสวรรควรนายก)

The exhibits are in a two-storey building. Upstairs houses sculptural collections from various periods, mostly those formerly collected within the compound of Wat Sawankharam and offered by Phra Sawankhaworanayok. In addition, there are Buddha images, relocated from the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, from the pre-Sukhothai to the early Ayutthaya period.

Centre for Study and Preservation of Sangkhalok Kilns (ศูนย์ศึกษาและอนุรักษ์เตาสังคโลก (เตาทุเรียง))

This compound is considered the industrial area of Si Satchanalai. Numerous celadon wares in perfect and broken conditions have been discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof like that of a ferryboat and is 7-8 metres long.

The centre consists of 2 buildings situated on the kiln site area with 2 kilns Nos. 42 (ground level) and 61 (underground) exhibited in situ. There are also exhibitions on artefacts, academic documents, and on the evolution of ancient ceramic wares.

Tourism of sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Tourism
Sukhothai province is most famous for its historical city of Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam founded by King Ramkhamhaeng. The province’s temples and monuments have been restored well and Sukhothai Historical Park – a place with numerous sites of historical interest has been made into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other interesting places include Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, Ramkhamhaeng National Park, Sri Satchanalai National Park and The Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat.

Sights / Attractions

Map of Sukhothai Historical ParkSukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai Historical Park is located in Tambon Muang Kao, Ampher Muang Sukhothai. It is twelve kilometers away from town. It is opened daily from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds,canals, and the water dyke control system, which were the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom, are now preserved and have been restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO. It’s not only with a view of fostering Thailand's national identity but of safeguarding a fine example of mankind's cultural heritage.

The park covers the ruins of the ancient glorious Sukhothai Kingdom. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in December 1991. During its golden age, Sukhothai was the centre for administration, religion, and economy. The original city was surrounded by walls with 4 city gates. Today the walls house a number of sites worthy of visiting. They include:

The Royal Palace
Wat Mahathat,
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
The Ramkhamhaeng Monument
Wat Si Sawai
Wat Traphang Ngoen
Wat Traphang Thong
Wat Chana Songkhram,
Wat Sa Si
Wat Mai
San Ta Pha Daeng (the Deity Shrine)

Wat Mahathat The largest temple with a customary main Chedi in lotus-bud shape and an 8 metres high Buddha image.It is located in the middle of town that reflects to prosperity of the Sukhothai architecture within the monastery are housed Phra Rattana Chedi, the pagoda of the temple, which was erected on the Charot Withithong Rd.[1]The museum collection includes gifts from the ex-abbot of Wat Ratchathani and art objects unearthed in Sukhothai and nearby provinces, so if everyone is interested in art objects, Monument of Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng museum is a good place to visit.

Sri Sachanalai Historical Park It is a place that has been registered by the UNESCO as the world’s heritage like Sukhothai historical park. It is situated at Kaeng Luang in Tambon Sri Sachanalai, Amphur Sri Sachanalai, about fifty-two kilometres away from town centre.It is formerly called "Muang Chaliang," was named "Si Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative centre was established to replace Chaliang.[3] Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within the park.

Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:11:00 +0000

Transportation
Roads
There are 5 highways connecting Sukhothai:
Highway 12 connects the eastern districts starting at Ban Dan Lan Hoi and passing Muang and Kong Krailat districts to Phitsanulok province.
Highway 101, starting at Si Satchanalai district, connects the northern districts to the southern districts and passing Sawankhalok, Si Samrong, Muang and Khiri Mat districts to Kamphaeng Phet province.
Highway 102 connects Si Satchanalai district to Uttaradit province.
Highway 1180 connects Sawankhalok district to Si Nakhon district and Uttaradit province.
Highway 1048 connects Sawankhalok district to Thung Saliam district and Lampang province.
Air
The airport is located in Amphur Sawankhalok and is about 30 km away from downtown. Flights operate daily between Sukhothai – Bangkok & Chiang Mai.
Rail
Rail system in Sukhothai is one part of northern route from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong central station. Sukhothai is located on the main Chiang Mai – Bangkok line.
Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles)
Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the new city and the rural areas. Larger sized Songthaews travel to and from the old and new cities.
Bus
Air-conditioned buses run regularly from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, stopping off at other major towns on the way. Non air-conditioned buses are for inter-provincial travel to the other districts.
Others
Tuk-tuks and motorbike-taxis are popular for short journeys within the new town.

Amphoe Mueang Sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Amphoe Mueang Sukhothai
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Mueang Sukhothai
เมืองสุโขทัย Statistics
Province: Sukhothai
District office: Thani
17°0′28″N, 99°49′23″E
Area: 581.5 km²
Inhabitants: 107,599 (2005)
Pop. density: 185.0 inh./km²
Geocode: 6401
Postal code: 64000
Map

Geography
Neighboring districts are (from the southeast clockwise) Kong Krailat, Khiri Mat, Ban Dan Lan Hoi and Si Samrong of Sukhothai Province and Phrom Phiram of Phitsanulok Province.

The important water resource is the Yom River.

Mueang Sukhothai (Thai: เมืองสุโขทัย) is the capital district (Amphoe Mueang) of Sukhothai Province, northern Thailand.

Administration
The district is subdivided into 10 subdistricts (tambon), which are further subdivided into 97 villages (muban). The town (thesaban mueang) Sukhothai covers the whole tambon Thani. there are further two townships (thesaban tambon) - Ban Suan and Mueang Kao, each covering parts of the same-named tambon. There are further 9 Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

No. Name Thai name Villages Inh.
1. Thani ธานี - 17,510
2. Ban Suan บ้านสวน 14 14,490
3. Mueang Kao เมืองเก่า 11 17,760
4. Pak Khwae ปากแคว 9 9,010
5. Yang Sai ยางซ้าย 12 9,729
6. Ban Kluai บ้านกล้วย 13 16,893
7. Ban Lum บ้านหลุม 9 8,970
8. Tan Tia ตาลเตี้ย 11 4,375
9. Pak Phra ปากพระ 10 3,743
10. Wang Thong Daeng วังทองแดง 8 5,119

Administrative divisions of Sukhothai

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:04:00 +0000

The province is subdivided in 9 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 86 communes (tambon) and 782 villages (muban).

Mueang Sukhothai
Ban Dan Lan Hoi
Khiri Mat
Kong Krailat
Si Satchanalai
Si Samrong
Sawankhalok
Si Nakhon
Thung Saliam

Symbols of Sukhothai province

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:03:00 +0000

The provincial seal shows King Ramkhamhaeng the Great sitting on the Managkhasila Asana throne. Under King Ramkhamhaeng the kingdom of Sukhothai did flourished most.
Provincial tree is Afzelia xylocarpa; provincial flower is the Lotus (Nymphaea lotus).

The provincial slogan is Source of national heritage, the Thai alphabets, the best Loy Krathong celebrations, firm foundation of Buddhism, the fine Teen Jok cloth, ancient chinaware, holy Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s mother, dawn of happiness

History of Sukhothai Province

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:52:00 +0000

Sukhothai , meaning the Dawn of Happiness, was found in the 13th century. The exact year is unknown but according to the Fine Arts Office it was between 1238 and 1257. Founded by Phokhun Si Intharathit. It was the first truly independent Thai (Siamese) Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, who was credited with creating the Thai alphabet which is essentially the same as that in use today.[1] He also laid the foundation for politics, monarchy, and religion, as well as, expanded its boundary of influence. Sukhothai was later ruled by many kings. The province is most famous for the historic city of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom. It is located about 12 km from the modern New Sukhothai city. Not far from Sukhothai is the Si Satchanalai historical park, a second city of the same time.

The province was at first known as Sawankhalok, it was renamed to Sukhothai in 1939.

Geography of Sukhothai province

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:46:00 +0000

Sukhothai is located in the valley of the Yom River on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok, and covers some 6,596 square kilometres. The Ramkhamhaeng national park in the south of the province and the Sri Satchanalai in the north-west both protect the mountainous forest areas of the province.

Yom River
The Yom River (Thai: ยม) is the main tributary of the Nan River (which itself is a tributary of the Chao Phraya River). The Yom originates in Pong district, Phayao Province. Outing Phayao, it flows through Phrae and Sukhothai as the main water resource of the both provinces before it tributes the Nan River at Chum Saeng district, Nakhon Sawan Province.

National parks in Thailand (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติทางบก) are defined as an area of least ten square kilometres that contains natural resources of ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance. Currently there are 102 national parks (including 21 marine national parks, อุทยานแห่งชาติทางทะเล). Often forest parks (วนอุทยานใน) are miscalled as national parks as well, however those are less protected and governed by the provincial administration.

The parks are administrated by the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), which is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). The department was newly created in 2002, and took over the national parks from the Royal Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The first national park was Khao Yai in 1961, when the National Park Act B.E. 2504 was passed. The first marine park was Khao Sam Roi Yot, established in 1966. In 1993 the administration of the national parks was split into two divisions, one for the terrestrial and one for the marine parks.

Controversies about Thailand's national parks include excessive development and private concessions. Ko Samet, and other island-based national parks, are particularly impacted by private concessions, often in the form of excessive bungalow developments. Further, many of the northern parks are greatly impacted by illegal swidden farming and poaching.

There are 33 national parks and three marine parks in the process of creation, and are scheduled to be officially gazetted in the future