Sukhothai Old City Community,Thailand-3 Days

King Ramkhamhaeng’s stone inscription is not the only evidence of the rich cultural heritage left behind by the ancient Sukhothai civilization. While over 700 years have passed, the root of the kingdom’s arts, language, culture and traditions can still be seen by taking a look into the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the original area. Sukhothai’s old community today has enough to satisfy any tourist or weekend visitor, offering a fascinating insight into what life was like in the past. Traditional Sangkhalok pottery, carved wooden birds and Buddha images, as well as locally popular sweets like Khao Tak Nga – roasted pounded sticky rice with sugarcane syrup – are as readily available as they ever were. Residents still practice traditional Sukhothai and Burmese dances passed on to them by their ancestors. In some ways, exploring this part of Thailand is similar to delving into an interesting history book or documentary. But instead of being sat at home or in a library, you’ll be learning about ancient civilization and the local’s well-preserved traditions first-hand, which is always going to be more rewarding and insightful.

Day 1

9.30 am        Meet at the assembly point at the entrance of the Sukhothai History Park

10.00 am      Arrive at the Mueang Kao, Sukhothai. The best way to explore the area is by bicycle, allowing you to see the sights from two wheels dotted around Sukhothai Historical Park. Take in the fresh green scenery along the way.

  • Listen to the history of the most important historical sites and temples, such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Traphangngoen and Wat Sra Si.
  • Admire the highly-respected monument of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great.

12.00 pm      Lunch served up in a traditional ‘Pinto’ style under the ‘bodhi’ tree, Ko Klang at Wat Traphangtong.

1.00 pm        Have fun as you get to understand more about the villagers’ way of life at Mueang Kao, Sukhothai. Learn how to make Mueang Kao’s ‘votive tablets’ at Ban Phra Pim Luk Mon Slip. You’ll be told all about the different patterns of Sukhothai Buddhist art, as well as prepare the clay to mold Buddha patterns. A firing technique is used to perfectly harden the clay.

3.00 pm       Learn how to make pottery at Usa Sangkhlalok. From the ancient remains, many pieces of ‘celadonware’ were found in the area that featured unique patterns depicting fish and black sharks (similar to carp). This is evidence of the plentiful and prosperity that Sukhothai enjoyed when it was the ancient capital of Siam.

            Consequently, some households in the area have carried on the tradition of making pottery and this can be seen at several locations dotted around the Old Town area of Sukhothai.

  • Learn how to write ‘Sangkhalok’ patterns on the celadonware.

4.00 pm       Return to the homestay with leisure time before dinner.

6.00 pm       Dinner with local traditional food dishes at the homestay.

 

Day 3

 

8.00 am        Breakfast at the homestay and check-out

9.00 am        Say good bye to the community and travel onwards to Phitsanulok

10.00 am      Stop by to admire the Buddha Chinarat at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Wora Maha Wihan, in Phitsanulok.
Buddha Chinarat is a highly-respected Buddha in Phitsanulok and widely accepted as one of the exquisite most Buddha images of its type.

11.00 am       Lunch

12.00 pm      Travel back safely

 
 

Day 2

6.00 am        Experience villagers’ way of life as you go shopping around the community’s morning market at Wat Traphangtong and offer morning alms to the monks at Wat Traphangtong.

8.00 am        Breakfast at homestay

9.00 am        Travel around Sukhothai Historical Park to reach the ancient ‘Tao Thu Riang’ which is used as a ‘Sangkhalok’ kiln. See how the pottery is made in the kiln and learn about its history.

10.00 am      Travel to Wat Si Chum, a temple where the “Phra Atchana” Buddha is installed.

  • Search for answers from the legends of the ‘Speaking Buddha’
  • Learn how to make traditional woven Thai craft fish and small baskets with palm leaves under the guidance of an expert.

12.00 pm      Lunch, with the opportunity to try making “Khao Poep”, a popular food dish of Na Ton Chon community.

1.00 pm        Learn how to make a wooden quail at the Wooden Handicraft Center at Ban Nok Khum, which is considered an auspicious object that protects the city and homes and maintains peace. Learn about the local wisdom of Mueang Kao’s villagers as well as how to hammer the wooden pattern by yourself.

  • Learn about the history and beliefs that have been passed on from generation to generation.
  • Learn about wood-engraved handicrafts.
  • Learn how to engrave the pattern onto the wooden quail with the experts

3.00 pm       Return to the accommodation and leisure time

6.00 pm       Bring your DIY basket made with palm leaves to float on the water at Wat Traphangtong as an offering to Buddha.

6.30 pm        Dinner and leisure time