Sukhothai Historical Park - Sukhothai

The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns is a Unesco World Heritage site which consists of Sukhothai historical park, Kamphaeng Phet historical park and Sri Satchanalai historical park. These historical parks preserve the remains of the three main cities of the Sukhothai Kingdom which had flourished during the 13th and 14th century CE. The Sukhothai Kingdom is viewed as having been the first of the Thai kingdoms.

The Sukhothai Historical Park (Thai: อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย) covers the ruins of Sukhothai, capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name.

The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land. There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO, which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot.

The protection of the area was first announced in the Royal Gazette on June 6, 1962. In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the park was officially opened. On December 12, 1991, it was declared a World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaeng Phet and Sri Satchanalai.

History

Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Siam established some 800 years ago. The exact year is unknown but according to the Fine Arts Office it was between 1238 and 1257. Established in around 1238 to 1257, Sukhothai literally means “Dawn of Happiness”. Phokhun Si Intharathit was the founder of the Phra Ruang Dynasty, Sukhothai’s first Dynasty. For 120 years as the capital of Siam, Sukhothai was ruled by many kings. In this connection, the most dynamic monarch being King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who created the Thai alphabet, laid the foundation for politics, monarchy, and religion, as well as, expanded its boundary of influence. Though the golden era of Sukhothai no longer exists, tourists should bear in mind that respect and admiration for the renowned ruined twin cities of Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai is valued.

Sukhothai historical park covers a total area of 70 square kilometers. It comprises of hundreds of historic sites located both inside the old city wall and also spreading out beyond the wall within a radius of approximately 5 kilometers. It might possible to take several days, up to a week, to cover all historic temples, but for those who have limited time, then just visiting some of those among the top of the list of “must see sites” should be very rewarding.

 Arriving inside the historic town of Sukhothai, the first and most important site to see, which is never skipped by visitors, is Wat Mahathat temple. Being the heart of Sukhothai’s religious area, Wat Mahathat was built in accordance with the ancient Indian concept of Mandala by the first king of Sukhothai Kingdom, King Sri Indrathit. The large compound of this significant temple comprises of 200 chedis – with the main one in the center, surrounded by 8 mini chedis, and has the elegant shape of a “lotus bud” characterizing the authentic art originating from Sukhothai. The chedis with lotus bud shapes can also be found at Wat Tra Phang Ngoen (located inside the old town) and at a few other temples located outside the town’s wall.

The numerous amounts of chedis found in the historical park can be roughly categorized into three different styles.

The first style is of an authentic Sukhothai style known as the lotus bud shaped chedi, while the other two styles were influenced by foreign kingdoms; Khmer and Lanka.  Before the establishment of Sukhothai, the area was influenced by Khmer art and culture, of which the evidence is seen in many Hindu temples which have been transformed into Buddhist temples during Sukhothai period, but with a Khmer architectural style of the main stupa called “Prang” remaining unchanged. Another style of chedi is found in Sukhothai – this is the “bell shaped” chedi influenced by Lankan art and which later became the general style of Buddhist chedi throughout the kingdom.

Next to Wat Mahathat is Wat Chana Songkram previously known as Wat Ratchaburana, the ancient temple with a big presidential chedi of a rounded bell shape and many smaller chedis and vihara create a beautiful layout. Adjacent to the east of Wat Mahathat, there is another interesting ruin called Noen Prasat Phra Ruang which is, according to the assumption of King Rama VI, the remains of the base of the Sukhothai royal palace. However, after the excavation of the site by the Fine Arts Department in 1983, there was no evidence found to support that original assumption. It was more likely to have been a religious building or a pavilion, as it is now believed that the palace was actually made of wood and would have been situated somewhere else – according to the similar layout of Khmer palace in Angkor Thom.

Another temple inside the wall of the old city is Wat Tra Phang Ngoen, located to the west of Wat Mahathat. The most significant highlight of this temple is its main chedi, resembling a lotus bud with four niches to enshrine standing or walking Buddhist images, which is what makes the chedi of this temple different to other lotus bud chedis found elsewhere. A vihara and an uposatha(the ordination hall) in the middle of a reservoir also boasts some outstanding features and is another “must visit” of this ancient site.

Nearby a corner of the historical compound, located Wat Sasi which is one of the most important historical sites in the old town of Sukhothai. It was built elegantly in the middle of a large reservoir known as Tra Phang Tra Kuan and composed with the main bell-shaped chedi of Lankan style, a beautiful Buddha image enshired in front of the vihara, and the ubosot or ordination hall situated in the islet in the middle of a lake. Without doubt, Wat Sasi is one of the stunning viewpoints in the historical park.

Next historical place, Wat Sri Sawai, which was originally a hindu sanctuary, but was later transformed into a Buddhist temple with a vihara added in the frontal part of the three “prangs” (the ogival towers as seen in the Angkorian temple) originally built in traditional Lopburi style which was influenced by Khmer art. The main visible evidence that proves this place to be a former Hindu temple is a carved lintel depicting the reclining Vishnu on Ananta Naga (Anantasayana) found at this historical site.

In the outer areas of Sukhothai, Wat Phra Phai Luang, which is the second most important temple built before the foundation of the Sukhothai Kingdom and was also the center of the first settlement. The most interesting spot is the three prangs of Bayon, styled during the reign of the Khmer King Jayavarman VII.

A bit further on is the location of Wat Si Chum, the ancient monument which is a highlighted destination and also the symbol of Sukhothai’s tourism, well known for a huge “sitting-posture” Buddha image named “Phra Achana” which is carved in the attitude of subduing Mara, spanning an impressive width of 11.30 meters. Phra Achana is enshrined in the chapel hall, with its walls as thick as 3 meters. On one side of the wall is a recess where a stone inscription details the founding of the Sukhothai dynasty and on its ceiling it is decorated with more than 50 pictures carved into the stone, telling stories of former incarnations of Lord Buddha (Jataka) accompanied by captions for each picture written in the Sukhothai alphabet.

Another temple, Wat Saphan Hin, located on a small hilltop of 200 meters. So, to reach the upper yard of the sanctuary it takes a little bit more energy to follow the slate staircase, but the effort will be fully repaid with a great view of the plain and an “upright posture” Buddha image watching over the surrounding areas, standing tall at 12.5 meters.

If it is not so much cloudy, so you have a change to view the sunset behind Wat Mahathat. However the sky during the twilight, orange tints and rays of light bursting in between the clouds illuminated the chedis and images of Buddha, producing a breathtaking scene of this historically spiritual site. It will be an unforgettable dusk with a magical brilliance that briefly takes you back to the previous glory of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhothai_historic_park

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sukhothai_historical_park

Sri Satchanalai Historical Park - Sukhothai

The Sri Satchanalai Historical Park (Thai: อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์ศรีสัชนาลัย) is a historical park in Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai Province, northern Thailand.

The protection of the area was first announced in Volume 92, Part 112 of the Royal Gazette on August 2, 1961. In 1976 the restoration project was approved, and in July 1988 the park was officially opened. On December 12, 1991, it was declared a World Heritage site, together with the associated historic parks in Kamphaengphet and Sukhothai.

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Si_Satchanalai_historical_park

Sri Satchanalai Historical Park is just the perfect place for hiding away in some secret corner behind the bare bricks of ancient temples, or under the shade of huge trees – just relaxing and watching the sky role by. Located 68 km north of Sukhothai, Sri Satchanalai, previously known as Chaliang, possesses many significant historic monuments of the same era as Sukhothai.

Although there are fewer temples than in Sukhothai in the rampart of the city. You can sit – spending time contemplating the remains of Sukhothai’s long history that stretches back several centuries. It’s really amazing, whenever you think that those lumps of bricks and ancient constructions are still in existence and a touchable part of the past from hundreds of years ago.

From the main entrance, all visitors are usually mesmerised by the first highlight of Sri Satchanalai, Wat Chang Lom, located in the center of this historic town. The temple is acclaimed as being one of the most beautiful of its kind, because the main Sri Lankan style chedi is surrounded by 39 sculptures of elephants at its base. The sculptures of the elephants at Wat Chang Lom in  Sri Satchanalai are quite different from  those found at other temples, as they represent standing elephants which are all “larger than life”.

Just opposite to Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo is located with various styles of chedis in the beautiful calm setting of the temple. It is compared as being as significant as Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Historical Park, built during the period of King Ramkhamhaeng. The presidential chedi is in the style of the beautiful lotus-bud shaped chedi, the actual name of the temple translates as “the temple with seven rows of chedi”, and is derived from its 33 subordinate chedis erected inside the wall, which are also quite famous for various styles of art such as Sri Lankan, Pagan and Srivijaya. The late Prince Damrongrajanuphap – an expert of Thai history – suggested that this temple might be the place where the cremated remains of the Sukhothai royal family were kept.

Within the nearby compound, there are a few other places worthy of being visited, such as Wat Suan Keao Utthayan Noi, Wat Suan Keao Utthayan Yai, and Wat Nang Phaya – with a vihara building made of laterite block and the exterior face of its walls decorated with highly elaborated stucco, showing different styles of art from the Ayutthaya period. The atmosphere of Wat Nang Phaya is quiet and peaceful, because it is located far from the main group of historic sites adjacent of the southern rampart.

There are some significant historical sites located outside of the old town of Sri Satchanalai, paying a visit to Wat Phra Sri Ratanamahathat first.

Wat Phra Sri Ratanamahathat, locally called Wat Phra Borommathat Muang Chaliang, is one of the most important temples – assumed by archeologists to have been founded during the pre-Sukhothai period. The temple is composed of a few major buildings, the most appealing of which is the presidential prang. The main shrine of the temple was built to cover an earlier stupa of the pre-Sukhothai period, constructed from blocks of laterite, which were in turn covered with lime plaster and red paint. The prang, as seen today by its architectural characteristics, can be identified as having been built during the early Ayutthaya period. Another rare masterpiece of  Thai historical art that still remains today and is only available at this temple, is a priceless column – its top is decorated with stucco and it also displays an image of Bodhisattva.

Back into the old town of Sri Satchanalai, visitors can go up hill where another two historical sites – Wat Khao Phanom Ploeng and Wat Khao Suwan Khiri are located. To reach the top, you can either take the staircase or drive up the paved road on the other side. It is a hill slope that can be climbed fairly easily by mountain bike. On the hill, you can go to Wat Khao Suwan Khiri to see its bell-shaped chedi and to the other important temple - Wat Khao Phanom Ploeng.

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park - Kamphaeng Phet

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (Thai: อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์กำแพงเพชร) is an archeological site in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand. Along with Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai historical park, it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns. Major features in the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park include archaeological remains of ancient sites such as Mueang Chakangrao to the east of the Ping River, Mueang Nakhon Chum to the west and Mueang Trai Trueng some 18 km from the town to the southwest. Chakangrao, the ancient Kamphaeng Phet town, had the same town planning concept as the old Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai, with separate zones for religious sites both within and outside of town limits.

Structures are usually large and made of laterite - which is a very unique material and rarely found elsewhere in Thailand. Most of them have been constructed in the genuine local style of Kamphaeng Phet , reflecting the craftsmanship and beliefs of the former ancestors into the present day.

Religious sites on the west bank of the Ping River at Nakhon Chum are built of bricks and of smaller size. City walls and old fortifications mark the boundary of the rectangular town area, measuring 300-700 metre wide and 2,200 metre long.

Almost all ancient buildings and monuments in the old town of Kamphaeng Phet were used as religious places for Theravada Buddhism (originating from Sri Lanka). According to many stone inscriptions from the Sukhothai period and some architectural and sculptural evidence, Kamphaeng Phet was found in the same period of Sukhothai during the late 15^th century AD, or otherwise known as being after the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng.

Sights

Wat Phra Kaeo (วัดพระแก้ว) is a large royal temple in town centre near a site believed to have been a palace. The temple itself was used on important city events and had no monks in residence. Major features include the principal Chedi with lion-adorned base and a round Chedi with elephant-adorned base. There are also other Chedis of different bases and remains of several chapels. Its boundary is marked off by laterite walls. The layout of this temple is very rare to find, placing the reclining Buddha image in front of the two sitting Buddha images, and so it has become one of the most appealing tourism symbols of Kamphaeng Phet that definitely should be visited.

Second in size to Wat Phra Kaeo is Wat Phra That (วัดพระธาตุ). Here the principal Chedi is built of mixture of laterite and bricks with a 15-metre wide square base. The style is of Kamphaeng Phet architecture.

Sa Mon (สระมน) is the site of the palace located to the north of Wat Phra Kaeo with a square earthen wall almost touching the northern city wall. Surrounded the walls on three sides are moats with a pond in the middle. There are no standing structures remaining today.

Wat Phra Non (วัดพระนอน) is fenced in by laterite walls on four sides. At the front of the temple are a square-shaped pond, bathrooms and an ancient floating pavilion which is supported by a large laterite column. The entire column was cut out in one single piece from its source and measures 1.1 meters on each side and 6.4 meters in height, the largest such stone in the country. A lion sculpture and Sema stones (boundary stones) can still be discerned. The large Vihan which once housed the Reclining Buddha has crumbled entirely.

Wat Phra Si Iriyabot (วัดพระสี่อิริยาบถ) is located to the north of Wat Phra Non and have similar pond and bathroom facilities as its neighbour. Walls on the four sides are of laterite materials with an entrance also made of laterite. A Mondop structure houses Buddha statues in four postures-walking, sitting, standing and reclining. But only one big standing Buddha image on the south of the chapel remains until today, showing a harmonious mix of Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet art and architecture.

Wat Phra Sing (วัดพระสิงห์) is believed to have been constructed during both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. With laterite walls, it has a square-shaped principal Chedi with arches on four sides. In front of the Ubosot are ornamental lion and Naga figurines.

Wat Chang Rob (วัดช้างรอบ) is a large temple situated on a high hill. As its name suggests, Wat Chang Rob means “the temple surrounded by elephants”. Its main chedi of Ceylonese style is in the middle of the yard but its top part is broken down. The base is adorned with 68 half-elephants between which are Bhoti-shaped designs. There are also traces of demon and female dancers’ figures remaining.

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park might not be one of the most major destinations for tourists, as it’s likely to be just another sleepy old town and it is does not seem so appealing to passersby. However, Kamphaeng Phet historical site – especially in the forest areas outside the old town is one of the places should be visited. Therefore, locals and foreigners should be alike to visit and support the maintenance of this truly beautiful historic site.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamphaeng_Phet_historical_park
Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Kamphaeng_Phet_historical_park