Key Takeaways
Sukhothai Historical Park
Overview
Sukhothai Historical Park is a significant ancient site in Thailand that should not be missed by history enthusiasts. This historical park was the ruling center of the Sukhothai Kingdom 6-7 hundred years ago, covering an area of more than 70 square kilometers. The park is located in the Sukhothai city wall, which is about 2 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide. Within the park, there are about 70 important monuments that still bear traces of royal palaces and temples. The largest temple in the park is Wat Mahathat, which houses more than 200 pagodas.
Visitor Information
Sukhothai Historical Park is open daily from 06.00-21.00 hrs. Visitors can witness the astonishing lighting at the historic site from about 19.00-21.00 hrs. The admission fee is only 10 THB for Thais and 40 THB for foreigners.
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
Overview
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is another must-visit historical site in Thailand. Situated in a province nearby Sukhothai, this park houses many ancient sites from the same era as Sukhothai. During its time, Kamphaeng Phet served as a major outpost city of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The historical park covers both inside and outside the city walls, offering visitors a glimpse into the city planning of the past. Some notable archaeological sites within the park include Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That, the ancient temple or holy water pond, Shiva shrine, and Wat Klang Nakhon.
Visitor Information
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is open daily from 08:30 – 16:30 hrs. The admission fees are only 10 THB for Thais and 30 THB for foreigners.
Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima
Overview
Phimai Historical Park is a popular historical site located approximately 60 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima city center. This park was the location of Phimai City under the reign of King Suryavarman I, who established Phimai Sanctuary in the 16th Buddhist century, around 1,000 years ago. The sanctuary showcases Khmer art style, surrounded by walls and ditches.
Visitor Information
Phimai Historical Park is open daily from 7.00 – 18.00 hrs. The admission fees are 20 THB for Thais and 100 THB for foreigners.
Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram
Overview
Phanom Rung Historical Park is another significant historical symbol in Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand. Situated in Buriram, this park is approximately 77 kilometers south of Buriram’s city center. Phanom Rung is located on an inactive volcano and features several constructions from the 15th-18th Buddhist century. The site is heavily influenced by Khmer culture and is one of Thailand’s most well-known ancient sites.
Visitor Information
Phanom Rung Historical Park is open daily from 06.00-18.00 hrs. The admission fee is 20 THB for Thais and 100 THB for foreigners.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Overview
Ayutthaya Historical Park is located on the island of Ayutthaya and was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which existed for 400 years. The park encompasses 425 archaeological sites, including the royal palace and various large and small ancient temples. With an area of more than 1,810 rai (2,896,000 square meters), visitors can spend an entire day exploring the park and immersing themselves in the rich history of Ayutthaya.
Visitor Information
Ayutthaya Historical Park is open daily from 8:00 – 18:00 hrs. The admission fee is 10 THB for Thais and 40 THB for foreigners.
In conclusion, Thailand offers a wealth of historical sites, and the five historical parks mentioned above are some of the most significant and well-preserved. From the ancient capital of Sukhothai to the Khmer-influenced sites in Buriram and Ayutthaya, these parks provide a fascinating glimpse into Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in exploring the ancient wonders of Thailand, a visit to these historical parks is a must. So, make sure to include them in your itinerary and embark on a journey back in time.
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