World Heritage
Sites In Thailand (Part I)
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Discovering the Magnitude of Ancient Ruins
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Many historical attractions are proof of Thailand's prosperity since ancient times, about 3-4 thousand years ago. Besides bearing aesthetic value, the beautiful architecture and artistic decorations also convey customs and beliefs of the ancient civilisation.
UNESCO has recognised the outstanding value of Thailand's historical and natural conservation sites and has bestowed eight destinations with the title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are:
A ruined Buddha image in
Sukhothai Historical Park
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1. Sukhothai Historical Park
2. Si Satchanalai Historical Park
3. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
4. Thung Yai Naresuan & Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
5. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park
6. Khao Yai National Park
7. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
8. Ramkhamhaeng Stone Inscription Number 1
You are lucky to come to Thailand where such world heritage sites are located and you are recommended to visit at least one of them to make the most of your stay. Thaiways would like to present to you brief information about them in this and the next issues (four per issue).
Sukhothai Historical Park
This World Heritage Site is located about 12 km. off Sukhothai Provincial Town in Sukhothai Province (427 km. north of Bangkok). This is a good opportunity for you to tread on the first kingdom of Siam (former name of Thailand), flourishing between the mid 13th and mid 14th century AD. Its splendour can still
be seen today at this site.
Wat Mahathat
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The most well-known and revered king of the Sukhothai Period was Pho Khun (king) Ramkhamhaeng the Great (reigning 1279-1299). During his reign, Sukhothai reached the zenith of its influence. He is also credited with the creation of the original Thai alphabet.
Wat Mahathat
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Among the ancient monuments within the city wall of Sukhothai, the largest and most impressive is Wat Mahathat. Its main pagoda, assembly hall, ordination hall and approximately 200 subordinate pagodas, as well as some fine Buddha images are overwhelming.
Two impressive 12-metre-tall standing Buddha statues, Phra Attharot, enshrined one at either side of the principal pagoda are no less awesome. Other interesting spots are Wat Si Sawai and Wat Sa Si which feature distinctive architecture. Altogether, there are 21 structures within the city wall. Alongside these, other 70 worthy sites lie in the immediate vicinity within a five kilometre radius. The sites are open daily from 08.30 to 16.30 hrs.
Wat Sa Si
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Probably, the easiest way to move around the monuments is by bicycle which can be rented at the front of the park. There is also a tram moving from site to site. If you plan to go to Sukhothai Historical Park, you should go to Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai historical parks too as they are in the vicinity. For more information, please call TAT, Sukhothai Office, on tel: 0 5561 6228 to 9. |
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is located 55 km. off the town of Sukhothai. This ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chaliang", was named "Si Satchanalai" during the Sukhothai Period and was governed by Sukhothai's crown prince.
After the Sukhothai Kingdom fell under the rule of Ayutthaya in 1438, Si Satchanalai was still governed by a member of the former Sukhothai Royal Family. At that time, Si Satchanalai was an important producer of glazed ceramics called Sangkhalok wares which were exported throughout Asian countries.
Wat Chang Lom
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Among the remains of the 19 monuments inside the city wall, highlights are the first three monuments from the entrance -- Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo and Wat Nang Phaya.
Wat Chang Lom features Sri Lankan art style with a characteristic pagoda and 39 laterite elephant buttresses which make the ruins famous. Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo reflects a combination of various art styles, including Sri Lankan, Pagan and Srivijaya. Wat Nang Phaya shows the art style of the early Ayutthaya Period. It also has pagodas decorated with sculptures of elephants, similar to those at Wat Chang Lom.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily from 08.00-17.00 hrs. Bicycles are available for rent. Trams are also on service. For more information, please call TAT, Sukhothai Office, on tel: 0 5561 6228 to 9.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is located in Kamphaeng Phet Province, about 358 km. north of Bangkok and 80 km. south of Sukhothai. Kamphaeng Phet was an important vassal town of the Sukhothai Kingdom. It is presumed to have been established during the reign of King Li Thai (reigning 1347-1371) of the Sukhothai Dynasty and it was formerly called "Muang Cha Kang Rao". Since it was situated in a strategically important position, Kamphaeng Phet has a lot of strong fortresses, city gates, city walls and watchtowers built in laterite.
Wat Phra Kaeo
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The town wall of Kamphaeng Phet, covering an area of 503 rai (0.8048 sq.km.), was originally composed of earthen ramparts and a moat. A laterite wall was later built and fortified with battlements and parapets with gates and watchtowers on all four sides. In the heart of this ancient town are located two important Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra That. Other significant buildings are the Ancient Palace and Siva Shrine. Wat Phra Kaeo used to house Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image and the Emerald Buddha image which are among the most revered in Thailand. Wat Phra That is presided over by a pagoda built of sandstone and brick, surrounded by sandstone walls having a gate on each side. This is regarded as characteristic of the Kamphaeng Phet architectural style. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is open daily from 08.30 to 18.00 hours. Bicycles are available for rent. For more information, please call TAT, Sukhothai Office, on tel: 0 5561 6228 to 9.
Beautiful nature in Huai Kha Khaeng Sanctuary
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Thung Yai Naresuan & Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
These two sanctuaries situated about 300 km. northwest of Bangkok are paradise for nature lovers. Thung Yai Naresuan together with Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary join up to make Thailand's largest protected land and one of the most important and most expansive conservation areas in Southeast Asia covering an area of 6,427 sq.km.
 Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuaries straddle lands in three provinces, viz. Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Tak. This large protected forest is no doubt home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It contains almost 1,000 vertebrate species, including 153 mammal species, 490 bird species, 41 reptiles and over 100 species of fish. You may be lucky to see woodpeckers, hornbills and red-headed vultures flying in the skies above; meanwhile on the ground, chances are you will encounter a rare Sumatran or Javan rhinoceros, herds of wild elephants as well as bears and clouded leopards.
Only small groups of travellers are allowed to enter the sanctuary. A permission must be obtained in advance from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok or from the chief of the sanctuary. For more information, please contact Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary on tel: 08 5725 8433, 08 7840 0316.
(To be continued on Vol. 27 No. 8)
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