>Sukhothai Thailand
SPLENDORS OF SUKHOTHAI
Unlike the Ayutthaya historical site which is always crowded with chaotic tour buses, Sukhothai offers an upscale traveler a glimpse of the amazing wonders of the first capital of the Thai Kingdom to which you will have a truly relaxing journey.
Sukhothai, which means “the dawn of happiness”, holds a unique place in Thailand’s history dating back some 700 years as the prosperous capital of the country for approximately 120 years.
Sukhothai was built in 1238 by Phor Khun Pha Muang and Phor Khun Bang Klang Hao [ who is later became King Sri Intratitaya ] after defeating the Khmer empire based in Angkor Wat.
Sukhothai is about 427 km North of Bangkok and covers an area of 6,596 sq.km. In addition, Sukhothai was designated to be a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1991 and has welcomed many tourists for the spectacular light & sound performance during our Loy Kratong Festival which is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar[usually in November].
My private tour to visit Sukhothai will take you away from hectic Bangkok. You will have a pleasant journey and learn about our Thai heritage treasury.
SUKHOTHAI "GOLD IN THE RUINS" 3 D/2 N
Day One BANGKOK-SUKHOTHAI/ SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK
After a 90 minute early morning flight by Bangkok Airways - which is the only airline serving Sukhothai [ www.bangkokairs.com ] - you will arrive at Sukhothai Airport; located in a relaxing rice field atmosphere and it is considered as one of the most beautiful domestic airport in Thailand. We will transfer with our private air-conditioned car to the hotel.
In the afternoon, our program starts with a visit to the magnificent artifacts of Sukhothai at Ramkhamheang National Museum [closed on Mon-Tue]. After that, our private driver will take us to the neighboring Sukhothai Historical Park. This vast historic complex covers 70 sq km or 27 sq mi. Many locals pay respects to the monument of King Ramkhamheang The Great who invented the Thai alphabet in 1283.
You will be amazed by huge number of historic monuments. Don’t miss the remains of the lotus- bud prang of Wat Mahatat which served as the royal temple of Sukhothai’s royal palace. A sacred Buddha image named “Achana” which means unmovable presides over the most photographed Wat Si Chum.
In the evening, you will be taken to visit the sleepy city of Sukhothai. We will stroll around the local market and have dinner at a restaurant.
Day Two SI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK
We will depart at 9 am to visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park. It is approx. 40 minutes drive North of Sukhothai Historical Park.
Si Satchanalai served a secondary position of the Sukhothai Kingdom, spread out on some 200 acres on the bank of Yom River and it remains a quiet place with an undisturbed atmosphere. The highlights include Wat Chang Lom; a huge bell-shaped Ceylonese style Chedi supporting with ruined laterite standing elephants pedestal and Wat Chedi Chet Thaew where you will see 7 rows of lotus-bud ruined chedis. And not too far away, Wat Nang Phaya includes well-preserved floral stucco reliefs.
After visiting Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahatat Chaliang, you will be taken to have lunch at a local restaurant by the river.
On our return, you may like to visit the shops of Sangkhalok glazed wares, famous local pottery or hand crafted gold & silver antique ornaments.
After spending our long day journey, why not try a local massage retreat somewhere close to your hotel.
Day Three DEPARTURE TO BANGOK
After breakfast and check out, you will be taken to the Sukhothai airport [according to your preference for the return flight to Bangkok ; daily departure flight at 11 am and 5 pm ].
Perhaps you may wish to visit another interesting city in North Thailand for example Chiang Mai. A private car can be arranged which takes approx 3.5 hours to Chiang Mai, with some additional cost.
Cost : 11,700 THB [approx 390 USD] for one person
5.900 THB[approx 200 USD] each for two person
Includes:
- Specialist English-speaking Thai Guide
- Private air conditioned car with driver for all programmes
- Private airport-hotel transfer ( roundtrip )
- Entrance tickets to the mentioned program
Excludes:
- Domestic air ticket from Bangkok-Sukhothai
- Accommodation in Sukhothai
- Meal & drinks for a tour guide
- Tip for guide & driver
*Special thanks to photo courtesy of Glenn Auve*