The
Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang, Sukhothai)
This exquisite national park with a combined natural and
historical background covers an area of 341 square
kilometers, and was declared to be a national park on 27
October.1980.
High hills and steep cliffs some over 1,200 meters above
sea level, together with fascinating falls, different
species to plants and wildlife are some of the major
attractions available in this park offered to nature
loving tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the
archaeological and historical sites with ancient remains
and relics make the park even more attractive,
especially for critics and theologians.
To reach the park by road, take Highway No.l from
Bangkok, then at km.4l4 (20 km. to Sukhothai) take the
left turn along the laterite road for another 16
kilometers till arriving at the park's office.
For accommodation, reservations for bungalows and tents
can be made through the National Park Section, the Royal
Forest Department by Tel: 579-5734,579-7223 or P.O.Box 1
Amphoe Khirimat, Sukhothai 64160.
This is located on the bank of
the Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Si
Satchanalai. The ancient town, formerly called
"Muang Chaliang" was named "Si Satchanalai" during
the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative
center was established to replace chaliang.
Ruins of 134
monuments have been discovered within the park:
also called Wat Phar Borommathat Muang Chaliang or
Wat Phra Prang, is situated 3 kilometers to the
south of ancient Si Satchanalai's wall. An immense
laterite prang on a square base marks the center of
the temple. A steep staircase in front of the huge
prang leads to a room where a reliquary is
enshrined.
this is a hilltop temple within the
old town of Si Satchanalai. A laterite chedi in the
center, a large viharn or image hall in front, and a
small sanctuary behind all lie in ruins. Some
laterites pillars and a damaged Buddha image
constructed of laetrile slabs and coated with mortar
are still to be seen.
This is also a hilltop temple
situated 200 meters away from Phanom Phloeng Hill. A
huge bell-shaped chedi on a 5-tiered base marks the
center of the temple. Ruins of a viharn and chedi,
and fragments of huge stucco figures lie scattered
on the ground. The similarity between some figures
here and those at Wat Chang Lom in the old town of
Sukhothai leads to the belief that it was King
Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom who
had this temple constructed.
This
is an important monument within the old town of Si
Satchanalai. A huge bell-shaped chedi supported by
39 elephants, with 4 of them at 4 cardinal points
elaborately decorated, marks the center of the
temple. Above the chedits base, there are niches
enshrining images of the Buddha subduing Mara.
This is one of the most beautiful temples in Sukhothai
Province. Chedis of different artistic styles and
influence were built within the area of this temple.
Mural paintings, seriously damaged, are still to be
seen in some chedis.
This is located near Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo
with only a dirt road in between. A large image hall
lies in remains within this temple. The monastery is
also called Wat Kao Hong or the 9 roomed temple.
This is famous for its delicate stucco relief's on the
remains of the northwestern wall of the 7 roomed "viharn"
or "image hall".
The pillars of this viharn are decorated with unglazed
ceramic designs. The centeral laetrile chedi is
surrounded by lampposts and accessible by a set of
narrow stairs.
This is the only temple within the old town of Si
Satchanalai with a brick building in front. The ruins of
this temple consist of a whole laetrile image hall with
a laetrile roof.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily between
08.30-16.30 hrs. Admission is 20 baht.
The Celadon Kiln Site Study
and Conservation Center
This is located a Ban Ko Noi, some 4
kilometers to the norht of Si Satchanalai. More than 500
kilns have been excavated up to now. Numerous celadon
wares in perfect condition as well as potsherds have
been discovered. The kiln is oval in shape with a curved
roof and is 7-8 meters wide. The center consists of 2
buildings situated on the kiln site area with 2 kilns
Nos. 42 and 61 exhibited on site. There are also
exhibitions on artefacts and on the evolution of ancient
ceramic wares. The center is open daily during
9.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.00 hrs. Admission is 20 Baht.
To get there, drive for
approximately 5 kilometers to the north of Si
Satchanalai Historical Park to Ban Ko Noi where the
remains of ancient kilns can be seen scattered around.
The center is also accessible by the provincial highway
No.1201 from Amphoe Si Satchanalai, an distance of 7
kilometers with the buildings located on the left.
This has a total area fo 213 square kilometers. It covers
areas in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Amphoe Thung Saliam
of Sukhothai Province. It was proclaimed a national park
on 8 May, 1981. The Park's geography is mainly high,
undulating mountains covered by a tropical jungle.
Interesting tourist spots in the park include Tat Dao
and Tat Duan Waterfalls, about 3 kilometers and 500
meters from the park headquarters, respectively, The
park also has a hot spring, Khangkhao Cave, and Thara
Wasan Cave. The Si Satchanalai National Park can be
reached by car. From Amphoe Si Satchanalai - Ban Kaeng -
Huai Yuak route for 41 kilomters. Then 5 kilometers
before the intersection to Ban Yuak, there is right-hand
road which you take for another 2 kilometers to the park
headquarters. The park has accommodation for tourists.
For reservations, please contact the National Parks
Division, Royal Forestry Department at Tel. 579-5734,
579-7223.
It is 38 kilometers from Sukhothai and 2 kilometers
further on a road on the left. The museum was opened
in 1984, and features sculptural art from various
periods; the most interesting being Sangkhalok
crockery from the Sukhothai era and Sangkhlalok
items retrieved from sunken vessels in the Gulf of
Thailand.
The museum is open daily
except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays, from
08.30 -16.00 hrs. Entry fee is 30 Baht per person.
For more information Tel: (055) 641571
