A day in Thailand's first capital.

Sukhothai opens up a journey to touch upon nearly 800 years of heritage, where morning rituals, ancient temples, and community life blend together to create a vibrant cultural tapestry that captivates visitors.

Vietnamese tourists sit by the lake, admiring the heritage sites in Sukhothai Historical Park during autumn.

Located in northern Thailand, Sukhothai is not only the first kingdom of the Thai people but also a place that preserves the rich traditional cultural values ​​and ancient temple system.

Here, visitors feel as if they are traveling back in time, stepping into a land nearly 800 years old, where heritage, cuisine , and community life blend together, from Sukhothai Heritage Park to Ban Na Ton Chan community tourism village.

Touching the heritage

A new day in Sukhothai begins with the Sai Bat (morning offering) ceremony on the "Bridge of Merit" in front of the temple island. In the thin morning mist, locals and tourists stand along both sides of the bridge, holding trays of offerings such as rice, dried goods, fresh flowers, or drinks. All are reflected in the tranquil lake as the brilliant dawn breaks on the horizon, creating a solemn scene rarely found elsewhere.

At exactly 6:20 AM, monks in dark yellow robes gently crossed the bridge, alms bowls in hand. They slowly received offerings, occasionally pausing to chant or clasping their hands in return. The peaceful morning scene, with the solemn procession performing the ritual, helps visitors understand more about daily Buddhist life – where faith and reverence are present in everyday life.

Locals and tourists perform the Sai Bat ritual – one of the important charitable traditions of Thai Buddhists, demonstrating a simple lifestyle and reverence for Buddhist teachings.

The exploration continues at Wat Si Chum, located within the 70-square-kilometer Sukhothai Historical Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hidden behind the four plaster-covered brick walls of the shrine is an 11-meter-tall statue of Phra Achana. The early morning light filters through the gaps, casting brilliant rays upon the statue, leaving everyone in awe of the sacred scene.

Along the walkway leading up to the side of the Buddha statue are faded paintings, over 700 years old, and on the ceiling are more than 50 intricately carved stone slabs illustrating scenes from the Jataka (stories of the Buddha's previous lives).