Wat Mahathat — Attraction in Sukhothai Province

Five Bullet Points on the History of Sukhothai Historical Park • Founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom: Established in 1238, Sukhothai was the first unified Thai kingdom, founded by King Pho Khun Si Intharathit after breaking free from Khmer influence, marking the “dawn of happiness” and the birth of Thai identity. • Golden Age under King Ramkhamhaeng: In the late 13th century, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great expanded the kingdom, developed the Thai script, and fostered trade and diplomacy with China and other regions, making Sukhothai a cultural and economic hub. • Wat Mahathat’s Construction: Built around the 13th century, Wat Mahathat served as the royal temple and spiritual center of Sukhothai, housing over 200 chedis and intricate Buddha images, symbolizing the kingdom’s devotion to Theravada Buddhism. • Decline and Abandonment: By the late 14th century, Sukhothai’s power waned as the Ayutthaya Kingdom rose, leading to the city’s gradual abandonment by the 16th century, leaving its ruins largely forgotten until modern restoration efforts. • UNESCO Recognition: In 1991, Sukhothai Historical Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architectural, artistic, and historical value, with ongoing preservation to protect its 193 archaeological sites. Five Bullet Points on How to Show Respect at Wat Mahathat • Wear Modest Clothing: Dress in attire that covers shoulders, chest, and knees (e.g., long skirts or pants with sleeved tops) when visiting Wat Mahathat, as this respects the temple’s sacred status and aligns with Thai Buddhist customs. • Follow Proper Temple Conduct: Remove shoes before entering temple buildings, avoid pointing feet at Buddha statues, and refrain from touching or climbing on the ancient chedis or relics to preserve their spiritual and physical integrity. • Keep Noise to a Minimum: Speak quietly and avoid disruptive behavior, such as shouting or playing music, to maintain the serene atmosphere of Wat Mahathat, allowing visitors and monks to engage in reflection or prayer. • Photograph Respectfully: Avoid taking photos that could be seen as irreverent, such as posing playfully in front of Buddha images, and seek permission before photographing monks or active rituals to honor their privacy and the site’s sanctity. • Show Reverence to Buddha Images: When near Buddha statues, offer a respectful wai (palms pressed together at chest level) or bow slightly, and consider placing offerings like flowers or incense in designated areas, following local practices with...

How to get to Sukhothai Historical Park from Sukhothai “New” City: Option 1 (least favoured): Take grab to Sukhothai Bus Terminal. Take songthaew going to Sukhothai Historical Park (I think it was 30 baht) Note: The schedule is fixed (please see attached photo).

Option 2(do this): Use MAPS.ME to find nearest bus stop in city going to SHP(I’m too lazy to type the damn thing). Hail songthaew going to SHP. Note: It’s the same one that departs from the bus terminal (and the only one!).

The park has a central zone (which is where I went; it’s the main one, hence the word central), which costed 100 baht. North zone and other zones cost additional 100 baht/zone. Note: You can rent a bike for 30 baht outside the park and the park requires an additional 10 baht for bike entrance fee (yes, an inanimate thing has an entrance fee).

As per the central zone, it has a main pillar, which is beautiful. There are 2 standing Buddhas on each side of the main pillar and other Buddhas, such as my picture, scattered in the central zone. It’s definitely more compact that Ayutthaya but the latter is hard to beat, plus it’s closer to BKK (2 hrs by SRT).

If you have any questions how to get to Sukhothai or Ayutthaya the cheap Filipino way, feel free...

Wat Mahathat, the royal sanctuary, which is Sukhothai’s largest temple with a customary main chedi in a lotus-bud shape and ruined wihan (image hall). At the base of the chedi are Buddhist disciples sitting Buddha in adoration, and on the pedestal are sitting Buddha images. In front of reliquary is a large hall formerly containing a remarkable sitting bronze Buddha image of the Sukhothai style, which was cast and installed by King Lithai of Sukhothai in 1362. In the late 18th Century, the image was moved to the Wihan of Wat Suthat in Bangkok under the command of King Rama I and has since been named Phra Si Sakaya Muni. In front of the large hall is another smaller one which was probably built during the Ayutthaya period. Its main Buddha image (9 meters high) was installed inside a...