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ancient ruins and aura of this magnificent civilisation
can be experienced at one of Sukhothai's main draws: the
Sukhothai Historical Park. The most impressive temple
in the park is Wat Maharat, which occupies a 200-square-metre
site surrounded by brick walls and a moat. |
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| A
lotus bud tower standing on a large platform surrounded
by Khmer-influenced prang and Singhalese-style
stupas dominates the site. In front of the tower is seated
a quiescent Buddha image. |
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| Other
temples to visit while in Sukhothai include Wat Chang
Lom, otherwise known as the Elephant Shrine, located off
highway 12 one kilometre east of the main park entrance.
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| A
museum was also established and can be found just before
the park's main entrance. Exhibits at the Ramkhamhaeng
National Museum, explained in Thai and English, include
a weapon collection featuring silver swords and daggers
as well as spears, lances, and knives. |
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| Other
exhibits include mural paintings, terra cotta bas-relief,
elegant statues of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu, and
magnificent samples of Sukhothai Buddhas with their oval
crowned heads, plain torsos, and placid smiles. |
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