Thailand's Central Thailand
Sukhothai
The emergence of this now renowned historical site in 1238 as an independent political state signified the birth of the first unified kingdom known as Thailand. Few knew that Phor Khun Bangk Klang Hao, the first Thai monarch, and the state he ruled was destined to become the country’s most influential religious and cultural center. Today, Sukhothai reigns as Thailand’s equivalent to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
Wander the network of walls and moats that define the central city, and explore the highlights that lie within. Begin your ventures with a visit to Wat Mahathat, the most extraordinary monument within the park with its multi chedi edifice dominated by a 14th century lotus bud tower and encircled by a moat. Continue to the Royal Palace, now merely a remains of the once grand complex, and the Wat Sri Sawai, a 12th century Hindu shrine later converted to a Buddhist temple, boasting distinctly Khmer architecture and traditional Sukhothai design.
