10 things must do in Sukhothai

1. Pay respect to Pra Achana

In Wat Sri Chum to the north of Sukhothai Historic Park, there is a large image of the Lord Buddha, enclosed within high walls, called “Pra Achana” seated in Subdue the Devils position. Legend has it that before one of the battles King Naresuan camped at Wat Sri Chum and while assembling the troops a sound was heard coming from the big Buddha. This was a good omen which greatly raised the troop’s morale to fight and eventually win the battle.

2. Visit King Ramkhamheang Monument

Pay respect to King Ramkhamheang the Great, the third king of Sukhothai who united the kingdom and created the Thai alphabet.

3. Make a wish to Pra Mae Ya

Believed to be the mother of King Ramkamhaeng, Pra Mae Ya is highly respected by the locals and a shrine in front of the Governor’s Office by the river side, was built to house the stone statue of a young court lady. Thais from far and wide come to the shrine to make a wish by bringing incense sticks, candles and fresh flowers. In February each year a festival is held in celebration of Phra Mae Ya.

4. A bowl of Sukhothai noodles

The famous Sukhothai noodles is made with chewy thin rice noodles, sliced long beans, bean sprouts, chopped pickled radish, deep fried garlic and pork rind, minced pork, roasted pork, topped with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts and sun dried chili flakes. The secret of this nutritious dish is freshness of all the ingredients plus a balance of seasonings of palm sugar, fresh lime juice and fish sauce. Enjoy a bowl or two before setting off to visit the sites.

5. Ride a Pigpen Truck

A type of local transport in Kongklailad district, Pigpen Truck is uniquely designed like a pigpen with planks of wood and originally painted red. Benches are fitted inside to seat passengers and plenty of room provided on top for belongings large and small. The fare is cheap and it runs all day from 6 am to 6 pm. Popular with vendors, students and tourists, it goes to Pitsanulok and stops at Sukhothai Historical park.

6. Sangkalok Ceremic

Sukhothai used to be an important area that produced Sangkalok ceramic, such as Celadon with light green glaze, for export to neighboring countries. To conserve the art of producing this special ceramic, the provincial authority organizes tours of the work shop, display shop and the ancient Sangkalok kilns. For a mere 250 Baht, visitor can use his artistic skill to make his own piece of celadon.

7. Si-satchanalai Silver and Gold Ornaments

Apart from tasty food and historic sights, Sukhothai is well known for its distinctive craftsmanship of gold and silver ornaments with traditional designs of interlacing branches, flowers and plants. There are many gold and silversmiths that welcome visitors to watch craftsman at work.

8. Local Sweet

Drop by at Mrs. Tim shop for some Kanom Ping to take home. This classic sweets that look like mini meringues are made from tapioca flour, duck’s eggs, palm sugar and fresh coconut milk and baked in wood fired oven. The result is coconut flavoured Kanom Ping that melts in your mouth. Mrs. Tim couldn’t make them fast enough so be sure to go early and be patient if there is a long queue.

9. Bicycle ride around the old city

Popular activity for young Thais visiting Sukhothai is to ride a bi cycle and explore the beautiful old city particularly early in the morning or late in the evening when the air is cooler. Many bike rental shops are found near the entrance of both Sukhothai and Si-satchanalai historical parks

10. Watch the sunset at Wat Mahathat

To round up the day, take a bicycle ride to Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai Historic Park to watch the sun setting behind ancient ruins and capture the sky turning from gold to pink, crimson, purple, and blue.

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