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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 Museum
It 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 Park
This 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 Mahathat
also 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 Phloeng
This 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 Khiri
This 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 Lom
This 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 Thaeo
This 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 Yai
This 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 Phaya
This 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 Noi
This 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 Center
This 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