Sukhothai Audio Tour: Temples and History

As you approach Wat Traphang Thong (you can see it on your left), you'll notice a charming wooden bridge adorned with vibrant yellow lanterns that cross over a reflective lotus pond, leading you directly to the temple grounds. The scene is quite picturesque, especially with palm trees waving in the background, and an impressive chedi rising above the lush greenery. The gleaming orange roof of the Vihara building also stands out amidst the palm trees and traditional structures. Wat Traphang Thong is nestled on Jarodwithithong Road, in the Old Town Mueang district of Sukhothai. It spans an expansive 44 rai of land. To the north, it borders Jarodwithithong Road; to the south, there’s a communal banana orchard; to the east lies a village, and to the west, the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Encompassing ancient ponds and a large reservoir in the northwest corner, the temple premises blend seamlessly with the surrounding village. In the temple compound, there’s an ordination hall (Ubosot), built in 2007 with a faux naga theme for its ornate finials. You’ll also find a spacious sermon hall from 1956, a prayer hall from 1983, and seven monastic residences. One notable highlight is the principal Buddha image called "Luang Pho Thong," a breathtaking statue in the subduing Mara posture. There is also a replicated footprint of the Buddha, intricately carved into a stone slab, with 54 floral designs encircling it. Created circa 1283, Wat Traphang Thong draws its name from the golden reservoir within its vicinity. Originating in King Ramkhamhaeng’s era and later revived by King Maha Thammaracha I in 1359, the temple has seen numerous renovations, including significant efforts around 1907 led by Phaya Ronachai Chanyut. In 1930, Phra Ratchaprasitthorn brought the Buddha's footprint from Khao Phra Bat Yai to reside here, an event celebrated annually. Granted the "Visung Kamsee" rights in 1287, Wat Traphang Thong currently houses 20 monks and 34 novice monks. It has been a hub for religious education since 1932 and has had a succession of notable abbots over the years. Fun Fact: Wandering through the serene ambiance of Wat Traphang Thong, it's easy to feel like you've stepped into a serene bubble of history, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life!

As you approach Sukhothai Historical Park, you'll notice an expansive area marked by ancient ruins and large, open spaces. It's hard to miss, as you'll see the remains of ancient structures, stupas, and walls emerging from the green surroundings. To spot the park, just look for the area on your left with a concentration of historical ruins. The entrance will be quite distinct with information boards and possibly a ticket booth. Sukhothai Historical Park, which means "dawn of happiness," spans an impressive 70 km² and houses the remnants of Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries. This park is filled with history, offering 193 ruins to explore, including 26 temples and the significant Wat Mahathat. Originally a Khmer outpost called Sukhodaya, Sukhothai rose to prominence under the Tai leadership of Si Indradit in the mid-13th century and became the cradle of the Thai nation. Picture this: You’re walking through a city whose walls form a neat rectangle, stretching 2 km east-west and 1.6 km north-south. Each side has a grand gate, and inside, you can find the royal palace ruins and countless temples. For centuries, Sukhothai was an important center for trade and culture, attracting thousands of visitors each year. In fact, it was so significant that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Back in the day, the Sukhothai Kingdom expanded its influence and gathered neighboring cities under its wing, demonstrating its might and cultural richness under the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng. This king wasn't just a ruler; he was also a connoisseur of culture, helping to spread Theravada Buddhism with the help of monks from Sri Thamnakorn. As you walk around, imagine the bustling trade center it once was, the vibrant cultural hub that laid the foundational bricks for modern Thailand. From grand temples like Wat Mahathat to surviving Khmer monuments such as the Ta Pha Daeng shrine, the park narrates a story of historical grandeur and cultural evolution. Enjoy exploring this dawn of happiness!

As you're approaching the เมืองประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัยและเมืองบริวาร, you’ll want to keep an eye out to your left. You'll notice an expansive area marked by ancient ruins, with a series of tall, weathered columns standing proudly. In front of these ruins, there's a picturesque body of water that beautifully reflects the old structures. This serene reflection is a sure sign you’re in the right place. Now, get ready to step back in time! The Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns is one of Thailand’s first three UNESCO World Heritage sites. It stands proudly alongside the Historic City of Ayutthaya and the Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, which was Thailand’s first natural World Heritage site. This cultural treasure trove includes the Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. All these historic spots were bundled into one heritage listing under the name “Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns” during the 15th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session back in 1991. It’s amazing to think that these ruins, which now stand serenely among the greenery and water, once bustled with the activities of daily life in the Sukhothai Kingdom. Imagine the chatter of locals, the clinking of ancient coins, and the grand ceremonies taking place. It’s like unlocking a giant time capsule! So, take a moment to soak in the history surrounding you-it's not every day you get to walk through a World Heritage site!

Wat Sorasak is a storied historical site nestled within the walls of the Sukhothai Historical Park, close to the Royal Court Gate on the northern side of the ancient city. The complex is home to a prominent stupa and a vihara. The stupa is a classic Ceylonese-style, featuring a round shape surrounded by elephant sculptures-a design deeply rooted in the Sukhothai era. Elephants were long believed to be royal animals suitable to support Buddhism for 5,000 years. Originally, the stupa had succumbed to the ravages of time, leaving only its foundation and the encircling elephants. However, it was reconstructed in 2003 by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. Just in front of this main stupa, towards the east, there once stood a vihara. Judging by the remaining base and pillars, historians believe it had a gable roof with surrounding corridors. The temple was constructed according to royal decrees, indicating it was likely the work of royalty or high-ranking nobles, who needed royal permission to build such temples. An intriguing part of Wat Sorasak’s history lies in the Sorasak Inscription, an ancient slate inscribed in the Sukhothai script. The inscription tells of an individual named Intharak and his land request to build the temple. Remarkably, it's also recorded that in 1955 AD, the young King Ramkhamhaeng II visited the temple to perform royal duties, accompanied by his mother and aunt. The inscription reveals the potential location of the royal residence of Sukhothai’s rulers, believed to be west of Wat Sorasak. Additionally, it offers insight into the image of the "Phra Lila" - a Buddha statue depicted in a walking posture, confirming its existence, or at least its recognition, in the 13th century AD. Quite the historical treasure trove, isn’t it? Thanks for joining the tour. Who knew ancient temples could elephant everything before wrapping up!