Siam Society is holding a three-day study trip to explore the magnificent ruins of the Sukhothai period at Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks, from Aug 6-8.
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat at Si Satchanalai Historical Park. photo courtesy of Siam Society
The three venues were put on the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1991.
As Thailand's first capital, Sukhothai flourished from the mid-13th century to the late-14th century. The Sukhothai kingdom is viewed as the "golden age" of Thai civilisation -- religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai style.
During this period, the Sukhothai kingdom received Theravada Buddhism from Sri Lanka and Singhalese artistic influence appeared in Sukhothai art, especially in architecture rather than sculptures.
On the first day, the trip will take participants on road from Bangkok to visit a few ancient ruins in Nakhon Chum which is located at the mouth of Suan Mak canal on the west bank of the Ping River, opposite Kamphaeng Phet old city; ancient monuments at Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park; and also Kamphaeng Phet National Museum.
The itinerary for the second day includes Sawanvoranayok National Museum in Sawankhalok district of Sukhothai, Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, Wat Chom Chuen and Wat Chao Chan, as well as many temples and historical buildings at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, historical monuments on the hill and Ban Pa Yang Kilns Site.
The last day includes a visit to ancient monuments within and outside the City Wall of Sukhothai; and Sukhothai National Museum within the Sukhothai Historical Park before participants proceed to Phitsanulok Airport to take a flight back to Bangkok.
The fee is 22,000 baht (21,000 baht for members). Email supanut@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470--3 ext 504 and 506.
