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Situated at the
lower edge of the northern region, bordering the
central plains, Sukhothai, known as Rising
Happiness, was the cradle of
Thailand and is known for its intact ruins. Here, in a landscape of low wooded
hills, the first capital city was founded in the
13th century. Today, the extensive ruins of Sukhothai, as well as those of its nearby
satellite town, Si Satchanalai, are preserved in
well-kept historical parks that have been
designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sukhothai was
surrounded by three concentric ramparts and two
moats bridged by four gateways whereby over 20
historical sites are located within the old wars
and many more within a five kilometers radius. Tourists
are encouraged to visit the Ramkhamhaeng
National Museum for an introduction to the
area's history and culture before beginning
their exploration.
The ruins are
divided into five zones whereby the admission
fees to the central zone is more expensive. At the centre of
Sukhothai stands the magnificent remains of Wat
Mahathat temple, which was the administrative and
spiritual heart of ancient kingdom and is the
best example of Sukhothai architecture. Spreading
out from Wat Mahathat temple, over an area of some 70
square kilometers, are the ruins of more than 20 other major
monuments attesting to the glory of Sukhothai,
with Wat Si Sawai temple, Wat Sa Si temple and Wat Trapang
Thong temple as the other major temples in this Central
Zone.
Si Satchanalai, 56
kilometers to the north, is a smaller, though
nonetheless impressive site, where a cluster of
ruined temples are attractively backed by wooded
hills and the major attraction here is the Si
Satchanalai and Chaliang Historical Park.
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