The Emblem of Suchothai

Introduction

Sukhothai  which  literally means "Dawn of Happiness" With as area of 6,596 sq. kms., is about 427  kms.  (267 miles)  north  of  Bangkok,  and  was  founded in 1238. Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years.

History

Sukhothai  was  the  first  kingdom  of  the  Thais  in  this  peninsula.  Two princes-Pho Khun Pha Muang of Muang Rad and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao of Muang Bangyang combined their forces and fought the Khmers who commanded an extensive empire throughout this part of the world.

How to get there

By Train      There  are  no trains going directly to Sukhothai. One may travel by train to Phitsanulok and then take a local bus to Sukhothai, some 60 kms. away. Contact Bangkok Railway Station Tel. 2237010, 223-7020 By Bus      Both  air  and  non  air-conditioned  buses  leave Bangkok for Sukhothai daily  from  the  Northern  Bus  Terminal,  Kamphaeng Phet Road. Tel. 537-8055-6 By Plane      BANGKOK  AIRWAYS  files  one  flight daily at 8.20 hrs. from Bangkok to Sukhothai  then  on  to  Chiang  Mai.  For  more  information  please contact Tel. 229-3456-63  Thai  Airways operate several flights daily to Phitsanulok and   then   take  a  local  bus  to  Sukhothai,  some  60  Kms. away.  Please contact tel  280060-80.  Those with private cars will find it enjoyable to drive from  Bangkok  by  having  the  opportunity  of really seeing rural Thailand. They   will   travel   through   a  number  of  provinces:  Ayuthaya,  capital  of Thailand   before   Bangkok;   Saraburi  with  its  temple  of  Lord  Buddha's Footprint;  Lopburi  with  its  ancient  Khmer  temple;  Chai  Nat  with  its huge irrigation   dam;   Nakhon   Sawan   where   major  rivers  converge  to  from Maenam  Cho Phraya; Phitsanulok with its various attractions; Kamphaeng Phet and Tak with their striking views of hills and rivers.