Wat Mahathat is one of Sukhothai’s best templesCompleted during the 13th century Wat Mahathat served as the royal palace and administrative capital for the Sukhothai Kingdom. It still remains the largest of all the ruins in Sukhothai’s Historical Park. When visiting Wat Mahathat approaching from the front is visually impressive as the still moat waters in front of it reflect the ruins behind. This moat was said to represent the outer wall of the universe.  There’s a lot to explore around Wat Mahathat which comprises of Mai Chedi, a large red brick stupa. The assembly hall which are now no more than stone pillars. An ordination hall and four large chedi’s in each of the complex’s corners. Around Wat MahathatThere are also nearly 200 smaller chedi’s scattered throughout the site. Two huge sitting Buddha’s from the halls. The two huge standing Buddhas near the main Chedi which measure over 12 meters in height are known are known as Attharot.  Today Thais still visit the Buddha images to pray. Yes, these are active ruins and still held in high regard. Insense is still burned here and small offerings are made. There is however a shortage of monks at Sukhothai. They seem to occupy monasteries and temples on the outskirts of the park rather than pray within any of the ruins. It’s not that you won’t see any, but rather they are few and far between.  The ruins also double as popular gathering places with many a family coming for an afternoon and simply sitting around a chedi or behind a statue. There’s no disturbance here as everyone is quiet and respectful. The assembly hall of yesteryearIn case you were wondering what Wat Mahathat would have looked like back in the 13th century then here’s a look.  As you can tell the Assembly hall was fully roofed. The Chedi was covered in plaster. White washed most likely.  Chedi’s at Wat MahathatThe chedi’s around Wat Mahathat are lotus bud-shaped while the main chedi is Khmer prang style. The main chedi has 168 stucco works running around it’s base showing people Buddhist disciples walking and holding hands together  The tall standing buddhaBeside the main chedi is a tall 20 meter standing buddha. There are two at the site on either side.  The standing buddhas are on raised platforms making them even taller. It’s well worth looking around at the small enclaves near the standing Buddhas for hidden Buddha statues that are very well preserved. Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai is Thailand’s answer to Angkor WatIt’s a boldish headline but if you’ve visited other Thai ruins and Cambodian ruins you’ll see the similarities in terms of scale of Sukhothai’s historic park. Yes, Angkor Wat itself is larger and better preserved but that doesn’t detract from Wat Mahathat’s splendor and open space to explore.  If you are looking for the best ruins to visit in Thailand you’ll find them at Sukhothai’s historic park and Wat Mahathat is the definitive highlight. You can read more on my guide to Sukhothai Historical Park.
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It’s a shame our country did not preserve its past. Thais must have so much to explore.
Thailand still holds its past in great respect. I think that is a key motive over tourism.
Beautiful photos Dave. It looks like such an exciting place to visit. Giant Buddha statues must be so fun and mesmerizing to roam through.
Sukhothai really is a great place to visit on so many levels!
Such a great description. I preferred Sukhothai to Angkor what. Just a lot more peaceful without the gangs of young backpackers around. I guess that’s because there’s no Siem Reap around with lots of bars. I hope this continues!
Very true about their being less people at Sukhothai compared to Angkor. Another great reason to visit … quietly :)
Nice one mate. Great to see there are still places like this on the planet.
Yea, I’m pretty chuffed that I spent so much time there. I like it a lot.
Wonderful to see so many ruins intact in Thailand. We are doing a tour of archeology sites in Asia next year. Is there an organisation in Thailand involved? Particularly Sukhothai?
Hi Charles. I did ask around for you but there’s very little information about archeological digs in Thailand. I’ve not seen any myself. Nor repairs to ruins. I would suggest contacting the Thai Tourism Authority or government website. Better yet an organisation you are affiliated to at the moment as they might have listings.
I’m a new avid subscriber who is really enjoying and soaking up all this information for our own trip planning. Thank you.
I do have a question. Do we have to pay for every section of Sukhothai everyday, or just for the places we visit?
Thanks for subscribing Derek and welcome on board!
You only pay for the places you visit on the day. There are ticket offices at each section.
Love these big photos. The sitting buddha looks amazing. So huge. Is it possible to touch the statues?
Thanks. Yes you can touch all the statues. Though I would not do that if there are people praying there. Or taking photos ;)
Such a lovely looking place. Devoid of backpacker hoards that we found in Angkor Wat. They really spoiled it for us and we were there for two days.
You’ve certainly put Sukhothai on out map for later in the year.
Wow, backpackers in Angkor seem to be ticking a lot of people off these days. There are a few in Sukhothai but nothing annoying!
This is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks so much for sharing Dave.
You are very welcome Ivy!
Your pics look amazing. Looks like an exciting place to be.
Thanks, yes it’s an exciting place if you are into ruins.
What a gorgeous place. My sister would go absolutely crazy taking photos on it.