ABOUT SUKHOTHAI
This is how Thai people describe Sukhothai in brief.
"SOURCE OF NATIONAL HERITAGE, THE THAI ALPHABETS', THE BEST LOI KRATHONG CELEBRATIONS, FIRM FOUNDATION OF BUDDHISM, THE FINE TEEN JOK CLOTH, ANCIENT CHINAWARE, HOLY PHOKHUN RAMKHAMHAENG'S MOTHER, DAWN OF HAPPINESS"
Sukhothai History
Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means Dawn of Happiness) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of Bangkok or some 298 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphoes: Muang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.
The Sukhothai Historical Park 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 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 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 Si Satchanalai.
Dating back for 700 years, "Sukhothai" or "Dawn of Happiness" was the first capital of Siam. In 18 B.E., Sukhothai Kingdom became prosperous and gained the first independence from declining Khmer empire. Around 1800 B.C., Phokhun Si Nawanamthom, the king of Sukhothai Kingdom passed away. Then Khomsamad Klonlamphong sized the throne and caused the trouble to the people. Thus, Phokhun Pha Muang who was the son of Phokhun Si Nawanamthom, and Phokhun Bang Kiang How expelled Khomsamad Klonlamphong from the throne. After that, Phokhun Bang clang How was appointed to b the king of Sukhothai Kingdom and renamed Phokhun Si Intharathit. In the reign of Phokhun Banmuang, the second king, Sukhothai Kingdom declared wars on other kingdoms to extend the power over them. Sukhothai's prosperity was greatest at the time of its third King, Phokhun Ramkham-haeng. Phokhun Ramkhamhaeng was the great warrior and the great governor at the same time. He was also credited with creating the Thai alphabet well known in the name of "Lai Sue Thai". After the reign of Phokhun Ramkhamhaeng the Great, Sukhothai Kingdom lost the unity and parts of the Kingdom gained autonomy. Until 1981 B.E., Sukhothai was completely under Ayutthaya Kingdom. From then on, Sukhothai Kingdom never had a peace causing the people leave their hometown. In Rattanakosin era, the peace came to Sukhothai Kingdom again. In 2482 B.E., the status of Sukhothai Mani was upgraded as the province of Sukhothai.
Today Legendha Sukhothai Resort is created to bring you back to the time that Sukhothai reigned the region with marvellous traditional Thai village-like hotel. Legendha Sukhothai brings you back to the unforgettable legend of Thailand. Fascinating atmosphere of Sukhothai village with simplicity of rural life pleasures in its own way.
