Sukhothai – Unveiling Another Side of Thailand

When it comes to Thai tourism, most Vietnamese travelers often think of Bangkok's Royal Palace, golden temples, bustling red-light districts, or vibrant shopping centers. However, there is another side of Thailand, rich in cultural and historical depth – the ancient city of Sukhothai, considered the cradle of Buddhism, the national religion of the kingdom.

Sukhothai, situated approximately 427km north of Bangkok, spans over 6,600km2. We opted for the Thai Thai Sukhothai hotel, chosen and booked online. While awaiting check-in, a departing French family shared their experience: 'The hotel rooms are very clean, all amenities are new, and the service is very attentive. The climate in the city is cool, and there are plenty of places to visit.' We were thrilled with the information received.

The Ancient Imprint of a Bygone Dynasty

Sukhothai, less affected by urbanization, is hailed as the 'dawn of happiness.' In Thai, Sukhothai means 'the source of joy.' It was the first capital of Thailand, established around the 13th-14th centuries. The first king, Phokhun Si Intharathit, founded the Phra Ruang dynasty. Sukhothai's capital was ruled by many kings, with King Ramkhamhaeng being the most memorable, as he innovated the Thai alphabet and laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy with Buddhism as the state religion.

Sukhothai, less influenced by urbanization, is known as the 'dawn of happiness.' In Thai, Sukhothai means 'the source of joy.'

This ancient capital once boasted a royal palace, numerous Buddhist temples, and historical architectural wonders. However, today, all that remains are ruins. The Sukhothai Historical Park, recognized by UNESCO in 1991, preserves the cultural heritage of this bygone era.

Sukhothai Park includes the area that was once the capital of Sukhothai, spanning 3.38 km2, a masterpiece of early Siamese architecture. It stands as an epitome of the early creative spirit of Thailand, showcasing a series of structures that exhibit the unique architectural features of the country.

Enclosed within the 70km2 walls are about 200 remnants, with 26 temples surrounding the ancient palace named Wat Mahathat. The ancient sites, coupled with the unique scenery and cuisine, have become an ideal tourist destination. Despite being the former capital of Thailand, Sukhothai's architecture bears the influence of Khmer culture with a hint of Indian influence.

The Royal Temple Wat Mahathat, the largest Buddhist temple, covers an area of over 160,000 square meters and is considered the heart of Thai Buddhism. It still preserves the stone columns in front of the 10-meter high Buddha statue, once sheltered by a wooden canopy. Over time, everything has been destroyed, leaving only the bare columns. The temple is renowned for the inscribed stone tablet of King Ramkhamhaeng and numerous Buddha sculptures depicting various walking poses on the stone walls. To the west of Wat Mahathat is the largest Buddha avenue in Sukhothai, the religious center of ancient Sukhothai. It's a must-visit during festivals to experience the pervasive influence of Buddhism throughout the land.

Explore Sukhothai by Bicycle Tour

With four days to explore the ancient city of Sukhothai, we focused on the main areas marked on the map due to its vastness. To visit the forts in neighboring areas, we opted to rent bicycles (100 baht per bike per day) and pedaled through the countryside and ancient streets. This allowed us to deeply appreciate the glorious and magnificent beauty of Sukhothai's past.

With a relaxed mindset, we explored the historical sites, immersing ourselves in the ancient atmosphere of Sukhothai, blending harmoniously with its natural surroundings. As we gazed at the silent stone blocks, remnants of the once majestic structures of the Khmer Empire, I resonated deeply with the ancient saying: 'the sea of life is ever-changing, nothing is truly permanent.'

Admiring the ruins in Sukhothai during the evening, under the remaining golden sunlight of the day, the silent stone pillars, honeycomb-like rocks, and moss-covered walls created a mysterious atmosphere. Despite centuries passing, the Thais have meticulously preserved nearly intact remnants of this ancient capital. However, in reality, all the ruins we are marveling at in the ancient city have been extensively restored since 1976. The Thai government protected this area with a Royal Decree on 6/6/1962. Restoration projects were approved in 1976, and the park officially opened its doors in July 1988, gaining World Heritage recognition on 12/12/1991.

Time has weathered all things, and the ancient city of Sukhothai is no exception. Yet, every site has been expertly restored and is believed to closely resemble the originals. At each entrance, Thais display photos of the sites before restoration alongside model designs for visitors to explore. Although we couldn't witness Sukhothai's 13th-14th-century structures firsthand, the meticulous restoration allows viewers a regret-free experience. These sacred sites require visitors to dress modestly (long pants, long-sleeved shirts), such as at Wat Si Chum.

After spending ample time exploring Sukhothai, we decided to dedicate a day to cycling around the nearby archaeological sites. Pedaling on smoothly paved village roads shaded by expansive trees with mango orchards on either side, we enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere. Occasionally, a few tourist motorbikes sped past or fellow cyclists leisurely pedaled beside us. The serene surroundings and cool climate allowed us to cycle effortlessly for extended distances.

During our Sukhothai days, we often frequented the park's front road for meals, where numerous eateries catered to tourists. The diverse cuisine ranged from Thai to European, with an average cost of 100 Baht (70,000 VND) per meal. Particularly delightful were the street food skewers in Sukhothai, both delicious and affordable.

Venturing deeper into the Thai countryside, we universally observed, 'Thai people are incredibly gentle and friendly.' Wherever we ventured, warm smiles welcomed us. Indeed, the land of smiles!

Exploring the Thai countryside, we shared a common observation – 'Thai people are incredibly kind and amiable.' Everywhere we went, we were greeted with welcoming smiles. Truly, it is the land of smiles!

According to Vntravellive.com

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour