Attractions in Amphoe Khirimat
The
Ramkhamhaeng National Park (Khao Luang, Sukhothai)

This
exquisite national park with a combined natural and historical background
covers an area of 341 square kilometers, and was declared to be
a national park on 27 October.1980.
High hills and steep cliffs
some over 1,200 meters above sea level, together with fascinating
falls, different species to plants and wildlife are some of the
major attractions available in this park offered to nature loving
tourists or visitors. Furthermore, the archaeological and historical
sites with ancient remains and relics make the park even more attractive,
especially for critics and theologians.
To reach the park by
road, take Highway No.l from Bangkok, then at km.4l4 (20 km. to
Sukhothai) take the left turn along the laterite road for another
16 kilometers till arriving at the park's office.
For accommodation,
reservations for bungalows and tents can be made through the National
Park Section, the Royal Forest Department by Tel: 579-5734,579-7223
or P.O.Box 1 Amphoe Khirimat, Sukhothai 64160

Attractions
in
Amphoe Sawankhalok
The
Sawankhaworanayok
National MuseumIt is 38 kilometers from Sukhothai and
2 kilometers further on a road on the left. The museum was opened
in 1984, and features sculptural art from various periods; the most
interesting being Sangkhalok crockery from the Sukhothai era and
Sangkhlalok items retrieved from sunken vessels in the Gulf of Thailand.
The museum is open daily except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public
holidays, from 08.30 -16.00 hrs. Entry fee is 30 Baht per person.
For more information Tel: (055) 641571
Attractions
in Amphoe Si Satchanalai
The
Si Satchanalai Historical ParkThis is located on the
bank of the Yom River at Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai.
The ancient town, formerly called "Muang Chaliang" was named "Si
Satchanalai" during the reign of Phra Ruang when a new administrative
center was established to replace chaliang. Ruins of 134 monuments
have been discovered within the park:
Wat
Phra Si Rattana Mahathatalso called Wat Phra Borommathat
Muang Chaliang or Wat Phra Prang, is situated 3 kilometers to the
south of ancient Si Satchanalai's wall. An immense laterite prang
on a square base marks the center of the temple. A steep staircase
in front of the huge prang leads to a room where a reliquary is
enshrined.
Wat
Khao Phanom PhloengThis is a hilltop temple within the
old town of Si Satchanalai. A laterite chedi in the center, a large
viham or image hall in front, and a small sanctuary behind all lie
in ruins Some laterite pillars and a damaged Buddha image constructed
of laterite slabs and coated with mortar are still to be seen.
Wat
Khao Suwan KhiriThis is also a hilltop temple situated
200 meters away from Phanom Phloeng Hill. A huge bell-shaped chedi
on a 5-tiered base marks the center of the temple. Ruins of a viham
and chedi, and fragments of huge stucco figures lie scattered on
the ground. The similarity between some figures here and those at
Wat Chang Lorn in the old town of Sukhothai leads to the belief
that it was King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom
who had this temple constructed.
Wat
Chang LomThis is an important monument within the old
town of Si Satchanalai. A huge bell-shaped chedi supported by 39
elephants, with 4 of them at 4 cardinal points elaborately decorated,
marks the center of the temple. Above the chedis base, there are
niches enshrining images of the Buddha subduing Mara.
Wat
Chedi Chet ThaeoThis is one of the most beautiful temples
in Sukhothai Province. Chedis of different artistic styles and influence
were built within the area of this temple. Mural paintings, seriously
damaged, are still to be seen in some chedis.
Wat
Suan Kaeo Utthayan YaiThis is located near Wat Chedi
Chet Thaeo with only a dirt road in between. A large image hall
lies in remains within this temple. The monastery is also called
Wat Kao Hong or the 9 roomed temple.
Wat
Nang PhayaThis is famous for its delicate stucco relief
on the remains of the northwestern wall of the 7 roomed "viham"
or "image hall". The pillars of this viham are decorated with unglazed
ceramic designs. The central laterite chedi is surrounded by lampposts
and accessible by a set of narrow stairs.
Wat
Suan Kaeo Utthayan NoiThis is the only temple within
the old town of Si Satchanalai with a brick building in front. The
ruins of this temple consist of a whole laterite image hall with
a laterite roof.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park is open daily
between 08.30-16.30 hrs. Admission is 20 Baht.
The
Celadon Klin Site Study and Conservation CenterThis
is located at Ban Ko Noi, some 4 kilometers to the north of Si Satchanalai.
More than 500 kilns have been excavated up to now. Numerous celadon
wares in perfect condition as well as potsherds have been discovered.
The kiln is oval in shape with a curved roof and is 7-8 meters wide. The center consists of 2 buildings situated on the kiln site
area with 2 kilns Nos. 42 and 6l exhibited on site. There are also
exhibitions on artifacts and on the evolution of ancient ceramic
wares. The center is open daily during 9.00-12.00 and 13.00-l6.00
hrs. Admission is 20 Baht.
To get there, drive for approximately
5 kilometers to the north of Si Satchanalai Historical Park to Ban
Ko Noi where the remains of ancient kilns can be seen scattered
around. The center is also accessible by the provincial highway
No.1201 from Amphoe Si Satchanalai, a distance of 7 kilometers with
the buildings located on the left.
The
Si Satchanalai National Park

This has a total area of
213 square kilometers. It covers areas in Amphoe Si Satchanalai
and Amphoe Thung Saliam of Sukhothai Province. It was proclaimed
a national park on 8 May, 1981.
The Park's geography is mainly
high, undulating mountains covered by a tropical jungle. Interesting
tourist spots in the park include Tat Dao and Tat Duan Waterfalls,
about 3 kilometers and 500 meters from the park headquarters, respectively.
The park also has a hot spring, Khangkhao Cave, and Thara Wasan
Cave.
The Si Satchanalai National Park can be reached by car.
From Amphoe Si Satchanalai, take the Si Satchanalai-Ban Kaeng-Huai
Yuak route for 41 kilometers. Then 5 kilometers before the intersection
to Ban Yuak, there is right-hand road which you take for another
2 kilometers to the park headquarters. The park has accommodation
for tourists. For reservations, please contact the National Parks
Division, Royal Forestry Department at Tel: 579-5734, 579-7223