Visit Thailand’s ancient capitals to steep yourself in the grandeur of a time long past. Sukhothai and Ayuthaya are today UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monuments to Thailand’s rich history. Although many of the capital buildings are now in ruins, enough remains to illustrate the beauty of these magnificent kingdoms.

A Short History of Thailand’s Kingdoms

People have lived in the area that is now Thailand for thousands of years but the first Thai state is considered to be the Sukhothai Kingdom. Established in the 13th century the kingdom stretched throughout much of what is Thailand today and in 1283 King Ramkangkhaeng ordered the creation of the Thai alphabet. Ayutthaya was founded in the mid-14th century and quickly absorbed Sukhothai. However, in 1767 the Burmese invaded and burned down the Ayutthaya capital destroying its art treasures, libraries, and many historical records. Thailand’s final capital, Bangkok, was established in 1768.

The Sukhothai Historical Park

The Sukhothai capital is in the north of Thailand about 265 kilometers from Bangkok. Covering 27 square kilometers, a walk through the park will reveal stone temples and carved Buddha statues. The walls of the capital are still standing and the moat is still on guard. In one temple there is an impressive seated Buddha statue over 36 feet wide. Also be sure to see the bell shaped stupa surrounded by 32 carved elephants.

A Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is much closer to Bangkok and makes for an excellent day trip. At its height the Ayutthaya capital was impressive producing great works of art and literature. The court also had close contacts with the West, trading with the Dutch, English and French. There are several palaces, temples, and museums at the park. Be sure to find the Buddha head surrounded by an overgrown tree at the temple Wat Mahatat and the 30 meter long reclining Buddha at the temple Wat Lokkayasutha. Also ask about the elephant corral near the ruins where you can ride and feed elephants.

How to Get to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya

Sukhothai is about a 6 hour bus ride from Bangkok’s Moh Chit Bus Station. However, Thai Airways and trains from Hualomphong Station regularly head to the town Phitsanulok. The bus ride from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai is about an hour.  Buses from Moh Chit and trains from Hualomphong also head regularly to Ayutthaya. A bus ride should take about a two hours while a train ride should take an hour and a half.