Two-Day Exploration of Sukhothai Ancient City
3 cities |
6 attraction(s) |
total distance 317
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day1: Ayutthaya
2 attraction(s) ·
309 km
1
Buddhist temple with ruins, colorful shrines & a famed Buddha head surrounded by tree roots.
309
km
2
A simple temple located on a small island, including a large Buddha statue, a pagoda, and some remaining pillars, surrounded by coconut trees and lawns. The walking Buddha bronze statue also perfectly exhibits Sukhothai's artistic style. Visitors can rent a motorcycle to stroll around the park and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Day2: Sukhothai
4 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
The temple of Sanphet is located on a small hill on the west side of the old city. It is known as the "Stone Bridge" and all that remains are the crumbling pillars of the main hall and some Buddha statues. From the top of the hill, you can overlook the ancient city of Sukhothai, and it is also the best spot to watch the sunrise. The well-preserved Buddha statues here are a must-see. If you want to admire the beautiful sunrise, you should start your journey before dawn.
2
km
2
Wat Sri Chum is located about one kilometer to the west, and is the iconic temple of Sukhothai. Along the way, there is a rugged dirt road that skilled cyclists can choose. The temple's main hall is 15 meters high, covering an area of 3.2 square kilometers, with walls that are 3 meters thick, but without a roof. Inside the main hall is a serene giant seated Buddha statue, measuring 15 meters in height, featuring graceful lines and especially beautiful hand gestures, attracting many tourists to take photos. The statue has been well-preserved since it was restored 50 years ago. According to inscriptions by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, this statue is referred to as the "Fearless Buddha," with the inscriptions on the top of the tower now sealed and illegible. In front of the central hall is a smaller hall, and behind it is a square-shaped pointed stupa, which houses a seated Buddha statue, with two additional smaller halls nearby, one of which also contains a Buddha statue. Although a ticket was originally required, the ticket vendor has already closed, and as there are still staff members on site, visitors are free to enter and explore the front hall. There is a gap in the middle of the main hall that allows a view of the statue inside, which is a very unique design. The roof of the main hall is open, creating a courtyard-like space, which is quite distinctive. The Buddha statue is adorned with gold paint on its hands. After the visit, the staff will lock the doors, and the main hall is protected by iron railings and gates. There is also a souvenir stall selling local oil paintings at the entrance. The temple is bustling, attracting many Thai tourists for visitation.
1
km
3
Wat Phra Phai Luang Temple, located approximately 500 meters north of the city wall, is a typical Khmer-style architecture. Archaeologists speculate that the temple was built in the mid-13th century and was one of the centers of Sukhothai, second only to Mahathat Temple in importance. The main structure of the temple is the Buddha stupa, with three Khmer-style stupas that used to be the highlight of the place. Today, only one on the north side remains, with most of its exquisite reliefs lost. The seated Buddha on the base of the stupa is surrounded by a stupa located on the east side of the temple. The temple itself is built on an island, surrounded by a moat, giving it a secluded atmosphere. The entrance to the island is on the west side, requiring a half-circle detour to reach, with a forbidden wooden bridge on the east side. From the road, you can see a group of cows grazing, with trees and fallen leaves lining the sides. The residual Buddha shrine on the small island in the pond symbolizes the harmony between tranquility and religious rituals. It is a historically significant temple and an important part of Khmer cultural heritage.
2
km
4
The Langkhasng manuscript is considered one of the earliest Thai script samples, and replicas are displayed here. In addition, numerous Sukhothai art treasures are also collected here.
