Located in the Old City district of Sukhothai, approximately 12 kilometers from Sukhothai Thani, the Sukhothai Historical Park is recognized by UNESCO as a "World Heritage Site" since December 1991. The park features several interesting sites: - **King Ramkhamhaeng Monument**: Situated along the road near Wat Mahathat, this important monument commemorates King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. - **Sukhothai City Walls**: The inner wall, constructed from laterite, is built on a levee, while the outer two-layer wall alternates between a moat and an earthen embankment. Besides serving as a fortress, the moat helps to drain rainwater, preventing flooding in the city. Each side of the wall features a city gate and a guard station. - **Wat Mahathat**: Located in the heart of the city, this temple is of significant importance to Sukhothai, featuring the iconic Phra That and eight smaller chedis surrounding it. On the northern and southern sides of the main chedi are standing Buddha statues in an arch, known as "Phra Attharot." - **Wat Chanasongkram**: Found to the north of Wat Mahathat, near the city pillar, this temple, originally named Wat Ratchaburana, is distinguished by its large, bell-shaped chedi. - **Phra Ruang Mound**: This area, believed to be a royal palace during the Sukhothai period, is situated to the east of Wat Mahathat. - **Wat Traphang Ngoen**: A prominent archaeological site located on the western edge of the Traphang Ngoen pond, this site, approximately 300 meters from Wat Mahathat, features a central chedi decorated in typical Sukhothai style, resembling a lotus bud. - **Wat Sa Si**: Situated northwest of Wat Mahathat on a large central island called Traphang Trakuan, this temple is known for its picturesque views and features a Lanna-style chedi. - **Wat Si Sawai**: Located to the south of Wat Mahathat, this site includes three prangs exhibiting Lopburi-style architecture, and the nearby Ta Pa Daeng shrine made of laterite showcases Khmer art from the Angkor period (circa 1100-1300 AD). - **Sukhothai Pottery Archaeological Site (To Riang Kiln)**: Near Wat Phra Pai Luang, this kiln area once produced Sukhothai ceramics, particularly large, thick pots with grayish-yellow glaze and floral, fish, and wheel motifs. - **Wat Phra Pai Luang**: This temple ranks second in importance after Wat Mahathat and features three ancient prangs that demonstrate the temple's historical significance. - **Wat Si Chum**: This temple is home to the impressive large stucco Buddha in the Mara Vijaya posture. The structure resembles a square mandapa, though it is now mostly a shell, with only its walls remaining. - **Wat Chang Rob**: Located about 2.4 kilometers west of the city gate, it features a round chedi with a square base, adorned with half-elephant sculptures. - **Sri Satchanalai Historical Park**: Close to Sukhothai, this site contains numerous well-preserved ancient monuments. Nearby attractions include the **National Museum of Sukhothai** and the lovely **King Ramkhamhaeng Park**, known for its beautiful scenery, and **Mahra Wing Field**, which is an island surrounded by water. **Travel Information**: By car, you can travel from the Sukhothai Province Hall along Highway 12 towards Tak, west for about 12 kilometers. Public buses and local "songthaews" are also available from the Sukhothai bus station, which is located about 200 meters from the Yom River Bridge, departing every 20 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00.