10 Ramkhamhaeng National Museum ���������������������� ���������� Located on the right side <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sukhothai</strong> Historical Park, the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum houses many artefacts found from archaeological excavations in <strong>Sukhothai</strong>, as well as, those given by the locals. The museum is divided into three premises: 1. Lai Sue Thai Chet Roi Pi Memorial Building: This new building in front <strong>of</strong> the major premises exhibits various artefacts from the <strong>Sukhothai</strong> era such as Buddha images, tools, crockery, celedon and Sangkhalok ceramic wares, and stone inscriptions. 2. Museum Building: There are two zones: downstairs displays artefacts obtained from the surveys, excavations and restorations <strong>of</strong> ancient remains <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sukhothai</strong>, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet. Upstairs displays the <strong>Sukhothai</strong>’s stone inscriptions, bronze Buddha images, images <strong>of</strong> gods, Sangkhalok water jars, ancient weapons, Sangkhalok celedon wares, ancient money, and water pipes, which virtually demon- strated the ancient <strong>Sukhothai</strong>’s water dyke control system. 3. Outdoor Museum: Located just outside surrounding the major premises, the outdoor museum houses many art objects and antiques such as stone Buddha images, stone carvings, Thai-style houses, replica <strong>of</strong> an ancient kiln, and stone Thammachak or Wheel <strong>of</strong> the Doctrine. Open daily from 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. The admission fee is 150 baht. For a group tour, please contact the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum in advance at Charotwithithong Road, Tambon Mueang Kao, Amphoe Mueang <strong>Sukhothai</strong>, <strong>Sukhothai</strong> 64210, Tel/ Fax. 0 5569 7367 www. thailandmuseum.com Wat Mahathat ������������ Located in the heart <strong>of</strong> the old town, Wat Mahathat was the largest and principal temple <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Sukhothai</strong> Kingdom. It is distinguished by a customary main chedi or pagoda in a lotus-bud shape, a typical <strong>Sukhothai</strong> style. Surrounding the chedi are eight smaller pagodas on the same base, which comprise 4 laterite corn-shaped prangs at 4 cardinal points and 4 pagodas in the Lanna style at the 4 corners. According to a survey, there are up to 200 pagodas <strong>of</strong> various styles, 10 wihans or image halls, 8 mondops or square structures, 1 ubosot or ordination hall, and 4 ponds within Wat Mahathat alone. To the east <strong>of</strong> the main chedi stands a large laterite wihan formerly containing <strong>Thailand</strong>’s largest seated bronze Buddha image Phra Si Sakaya Muni. The image has been relocated to Wat Suthat in Bangkok. To the north and south feature mondops housing a standing Buddha image called Phra Attharot.
11 Wat Mahathat