Sukhothai - Tourism Authority of Thailand, Malaysia

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36 37Phitsanulok is a major province of the Lower North locatedwhere the Central Plains begin to rise into the Northern region.The provincial capital is 377 km. north of Bangkok and boasts anationally important temple. Most of the terrain is flat, contrastedby mountain ranges running along the east where waterfallsand national parks offer opportunities for nature treks. The townof Phitsanulok, situated on the banks of the Nan River, has beena major community since ancient Khmer times and enjoyedgreat prosperity during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.During 1463-1487, the city was in effect the royal capital asKing Borom Trailokanat of Ayutthaya resided permanently inthe province. Regrettably, most of the city was destroyed by afire in 1955, and today it is built in the modern style.City AttractionsWat Phra Si Rattana MahathatThis nationally important temple, commonly called Wat Yai,with its origin in the 14 th century is on the river’s east bank. Thevihara houses what is regarded as the most beautiful and gracefulBuddha statue in Thailand, the large bronze sitting statueof Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in the Sukhothai style, dating fromthe 14 th century. A celebration honouring the Chinnarat Buddhais held in late January. Other prominent features are the imagehall’s large pearl-inlaid doors made in 1756 by royal craftsmenand an 8 m. tall standing Buddha image called Phra Attharot,Phra Phattha ChinnaratPhitsanulokThe provincial capital is 377 km. north of Bangkokand boasts a nationally important temple.Most of the terrain is flat, contrasted by mountainranges running along the eastwhere waterfalls and national parks offer opportunitiesfor nature treks.Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
38 39King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya. There is also a Khmer-stylepagoda (Prang) built with laterite, adorned with intricate swandesigns.King Naresuan the Great ShrineThe Shrine is on the site of the former Chan Palace, the birthplaceand residence of King Naresuan the Great, a revered kingfamous for defending the nation from the Burmese. Locatedclose to the river on the west bank, it features a statue of theking declaring independence from Burma.Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathatof the same period as the Chinnarat Buddha, originally housedin a large hall which has all but crumbled away. In the centreof the compound is a great Khmer-style pagoda or prang. It isthought the structure was originally a lotus bud-shaped stupa ofSukhothai style, and was altered into a prang during the earlyAyutthaya period.Folklore MuseumThis museum on Wisutkasat Road is regarded as Thailand’slargest and best collection of indigenous arts and utensils,a labour of love by Dr. Thawi. It displays pottery, kitchenware,agricultural tools and musical instruments, all reflecting the lifestyleand creativity of the traditional community. Open Tuesdayto Sunday, 8.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m.; admission is free.Buddha - Casting FoundrySituated opposite the Folklore Museum and also created byDr. Thawi, the Foundry specialises in casting bronze Buddhaimages and statues, mostly copies of the Chinnarat Buddha inall sizes. Visitors are welcome; open Tuesday to Sunday,8.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m.Wat RatchaburanaSituated on the east bank of the Nan River and south of WatPhra Si Rattana Mahathat, this temple also survived the fire. Theordination hall features a graceful three-headed Naga (mythicalserpent) over its eaves and murals painted in the early 19 thcentury. It was built by King Borom Trailokanat, who played amajor role in fostering Buddhism in the province.Wat Chedi Yot ThongLocated on Phaya Sua Road, this temple has a 15 th century lotusbud-shaped chedi of the typical Sukhothai style, the only suchstructure left in the province.Wat Chula ManiLocated on the east bank of the Nan River, about 5 km. southof the town centre on the Borom Trailokanat Road, this wasthe site of the original town. King Borom Trailokanat, accompaniedby more than 2,000 followers, was ordained as a monkhere in 1416. An important ancient structure in the temple is thehall containing a holy footprint and inscription stone built byCity WallsOriginally made of clay likethose of Sukhothai and builtduring the Ayutthaya periodto deter raids from Lannaand Burma, remnants canbe seen to the north andeast of town. Part of theold 12 m. wide city moatstill exists to the west oftown parallel to Phra RuangRoad.HouseboatsUniquely situated withina Thai city, many peopledwell in houseboats mooredon the river.Out-Of-CityKing Naresuan the Great Shrine
Page 5: Sukhothai Historical Park
Page 8 and 9: 12 13independent Thai kingdom, and
Page 10 and 11: 16 17Wat Mahathatroyal sanctuary, w
Page 13 and 14: 22 23Wat Saphan HinRamkhamhaeng Nat
Page 15: 26 27centre of the temple. Ruins of
Page 18 and 19: 32 33Located beside the Nan River,
Page 22 and 23: 40 41watersheds feeding several str
Page 24 and 25: 44 45Situated in the heart of Thail
Page 26: 48 49best crop contests are held. I

Sukhothai - Tourism Authority of Thailand, Malaysia

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