Introduction
Sukhothai
Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means Dawn of Happiness) was
the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King
Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and
monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical
Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers.
Sukhothai is located on the lower edge of the northern region, 427 kilometres north of
Bangkok or some 298 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. The province covers some 6,596 square
kilometres and is divided into 9 Amphoes: Muang Sukhothai, Ban Dan Lan Hoi, Khiri Mat, Kong
Krailat, Sawankhalok, Si Nakhon, Si Samrong, Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam.
Borders
| North |
: Phrae and Uttaradit |
| South |
: Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok |
| East |
: Phitsanulok and Uttaradit |
| West |
: Tak and Lamphang |
Distance
| Distances to Other Provinces |
| Phitsanulok |
58 km |
Uttaradit |
104 km |
| Kamphaengphet |
85 km |
Phrae |
167 km |
| Tak |
78 km |
Lampang |
205 km |
| Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts |
| Si Samrong |
20 km |
Sawankhalok |
39 km |
| Kong Krailat |
26 km |
Si Nakhon |
49 km |
| Khiri Mat |
28 km |
Si Satchanalai |
65 km |
| Ban Dan Lan Hoi |
29 km |
Thung Saliam |
68 km |
Festivals & Events
Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s Day Festival
When: January
Where: Monument of Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng
Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng’s Day Festival, annually held on January 17. It honors of
the Great King of Sukhothai Kingdom. In this day, people will visit the Monument
of Phor Khun Ramkamhaeng the Great for praising Phor Khun Ramkhamhaeng. People
will make merit and present food to a Buddhist priest. At night, there is
merrymaking and many shows that all people can enjoy.
Phra Mae Ya Homage Paying Fair and Sukhothai Red Cross Fair
When: February
Where: Sukhothai City Hall
This is held at the beginning of February every year around the Sukhothai City Hall,
Nirakasem Road, Tambon Thani. A procession paying homage to Phra Mae Ya, a local sports
competition, an exhibition, a local handicraft demonstration and entertainment, are held.
Si Satchanalai Elephant Back Ordination Procession
When: April
Where: Ban Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai
A traditional ceremony of the Thai Phuan, citizens of Ban Hat Siao, Si Satchanalai
Elephant Back Ordination Procession or Buat Chang is held annually during 7–8 April
at Ban Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. The 7th is the crux of the event, when a
procession takes place. On the 8th features a spectacular procession of ordination
candidates in colourful costumes on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants.
The ordination ceremony includes head shaving, bathing, and dressing up candidates,
as well as, elephants. The procession is held around the village and the Si
Satchanalai District Office.
Songkran and Mueang Sawankhalok Festival
When: April
Where: Along Yom River, Wat Sawang Arom, Amphoe Sawankhalok
This takes place during 11–15 April annually on the bank of the Yom River,
in front of Wat Sawang Arom, by the Yom River, and at the Stadium of the
Sawankhalok Municipal School. The procession of Miss Songkran, the
Sawankhalok Food Festival, ceremonies of giving alms to monks and
bathing rituals for Buddha images and monks are performed in the festival.
Hae Nam Khuen Hong Festival
When: April
Where: The plaza of Chaopho Mueang Dong Monument
This is organized annually during 18 – 19 April at the plaza of Chaopho
Mueang Dong Monument, Tambon Ban Tuek, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. The ceremony
is held to honour “Muen Nakhon” or “Chaopho Mueang Dong”, the establisher
of Dong City. He was talented and courageous, as well as specialized in
catching elephants and utilising them in war. Later, he was executed to
prove his loyalty to King Tilokkarat. Then, the villagers organized a
ceremony to pay homage to Chaopho Mueang Dong by preparing a
more-than-50-elephant parade wonderfully decorated, passing the
village to pay respect to the shrine of Chaopho Khao Mung and onward
to the plaza of Chaopho Mueang Dong Monument to pay homage to Chaopho
Mueang Dong.
Song Nam Aui Than Festival
When: April
Where: Sri Sathanalai Historical Park
is annually held on April 12, Songkran Ceremony in the SriSathanalai Historical Park.
It exhibits the Buddha image procession from Wat Phra Prang to the Historical Park for
people who want to pour the water over the Buddha image.
Si Sachanalai Ordination Celebration
When: April
Where: Ban Hat Sieo, Ampher Si Sachanalai
is called by Thais as "Buat Chang Hat Siao", held annually during 7–8 April at
Ban Hat Sieo, Ampher Si Sachanalai. It features a spectacular procession of
ordination candidates in colourful costumer on the backs of some 20-30 decorated elephants.
Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
When: November
Where: Sukhothai Historical Park
The tradition derived from traditional beliefs common to communities living along
the banks of a river or waterway. It has become a need to worship and supplicate
the Khongkla to avoid bad luck, to worship the gods in the Brahmin tradition, or
to revere the Buddha's footprint. The celebrations are normally organized in the
12th month when the tide is high and the air is cool. Sukhothai’s Loi Krathong is
held annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month at the Sukhothai
Historical Park. The Krathongs, or floats, have been made in the form of lotus.
There is also a reference, in the Sila Charuek, to candle lighting and playing
with firework in a grand festival believed to be similar to the candle lighting
and firework as practiced in the current Loi Krathongs Festival. In this festival,
there are Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lantern at the historical
site, Loi Krathong, fireworks over all waterways, and Krathong competition.
Khao Luang Winning Day
When: November
Where: Ramkhamhaeng National Park
This is a yearly event that Sukhothai province has organized for tourists and
the local people to climb up to the summit of Khao Luang in the Ramkhamhaeng
National Park, Amphoe Khiri Mat. The event is held around November every year.
text
