8 Amazing Things to See in Sukhothai, Thailand

Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage City and the birthplace of Thai art, architecture and language - has a rich abundance of historical sites and temple ruins dating back to 13th and 14th centuries.

The city was capital of Sukhothai kingdom and has served as the foundation for much of the modern Thailand.

The ruins are all now clubbed under 70 sq kms of Sukhothai Historical Park. Out of around 190 of its ruins, here are 8 of the sites which you should definitely not miss...

This was the main temple of Sukhothai kingdom and is the most impressive temple of the historical park. The giant seated Buddha here, sorrounded by collapsed columns, makes for the most photographed section of the historical park.

The next most photographed part of the park is enticing 15 metre high statue of Buddha inside a a massive mandapa. This temple is known for the mystery of  its hidden passageway that leads to somewhere near the top of buddha's statue.

This is one of the oldest temples of Sukhothai and was built even before the foundation of Sukhothai kingdom. Before Wat Mahathat was built, this was the main ceremonial center and biggest temple of the area. Different architechtural styles used in its construction, make it an interesting temple to visit.

This was also built around the same time as Wat Phra Phai Luang. The temple originally used to be a Hindu shrine and was later converted into a Buddhist temple.

This temple is famous for its 4 huge and impressive Buddha statues, each depicting different postures - standing, walking, reclining and sitting. All 4 statues are enshrined in the central mandapa.

The distinct feature of this temple is the large bell shaped dome built in Lankan style and its base adorned with 32 elephant sculptures.

Located on a hill, the temple can be reached after a small hike through the stone pathway. The hike is definitely worth the effort as the huge Buddha statue of the temple is still well preseved and the place itself presents a rewarding view from the top, especially during sunrise.

This is a two storey building containing more than 2000 artifacts from Sukhothai as well as other areas. This was built as a branch of National Museum of Thailand.