Sukhothai Historical Park 
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thailand

 

Sukhothai Historical Park is located in Northern Thailand, in the city Sukhothai, the once great capital of the first truly independent Kingdom of Thailand. The Park is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and covers the impressive ancient ruins of the old city Sukhothai. The Sukhothai Historical Park is approximately 70 square kilometers big and is divided into five zones. The central zone is the most popular zone; here you will find the most tourists. Next to the central zone the park also consists of North, East, South and West zones. 

 

In the year 1238 Sukhothai was founded. Sukhothai was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom. Under the lead of King Ramkhamhaeng the Kingdom enjoyed a golden age and its capital became a very important center regarding politics and religion. King Ramkhamhaeng was Thailand’s first great king, some of his great deeds were the creation of the Thai alphabet and the establishment of Theraveda Buddhism as the nation religion. Unfortunately the golden age lasted until the 15th century, because after that time the rising city of Ayutthaya became Thailand’s capital.