Top attractions in Sukhothai, Thailand

Many travelers think of Thailand as either a shopping haven or a beach bum’s dream, but not looking beyond this is a shame. A mere hour away from Bangkok lies Sukhothai, a place that exudes raw, untainted charm, coupled with the warm hospitability that the Thais are well-known for. This is the place to explore the alternate beauty of Thailand and soak in its history and culture.

If you are looking for a slower pace of life and a change of scenery, Sukhothai is the place to consider for your next Southeast Asian vacation. Here are five places to visit in the province of Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Old City

This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a testament to Thailand's storied and colorful past. Nearly 200 temples were excavated and partly reconstructed here, providing visitors with a chance to get a unique look at what Thailand's early capital might have been like.

In the city's heyday, three earthen walls and two moats surrounded the old center. Twenty-one wats and four ponds were uncovered during excavations. This was the cradle of Thai culture, and archaeologists have found the remnants of artistic and religious works that would define a society for centuries. Foreign visitors will find here an information center detailing Sukhothai activities and self-guided tours, plus display boards in English outside every building.

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Located in the Sukhothai Historical Park area, this museum is one of the regional museums of the Fine Arts Department, which was built in 1960. It houses a wide range of artefacts, from ancient remnants, art objects and antiques that were excavated from the ruins discovered in Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai Historical Parks. These exhibits present a vivid display of lifestyle, customs, traditions, cultural habits, beliefs and art styles that reflect the daily life of people during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.

Wat Sorasak

The 24 exquisitely carved elephants that still guard the decaying chedi of Wat Sorasak are the real highlight of the park. Wat Sorasak was constructed in 1412, toward the end of the Sukhothai Empire. The niches are occupied by statues depicting Buddha sitting in a “western” position, with legs hanging down.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

A visit to Sukhothai will only be complete with a visit to the historical site of the ancient Si Satchanalai City, which was the second largest city after Sukhothai during its glory days. The 45-square-metre park is home to remaining structures of what used to be palaces, temples and homes. The main attractions are Wat Phra Si Mahathat, Wat Chang Lom and Wat Chedi Jet Taew, all of which feature authentic Sukhothai architectural style.

Wat Si Chum

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Visitors to Wat Si Chum will be especially impressed by the mondhop, a huge, windowless cuboid construction that stands on a high pedestal. Built in the 14th century, the temple is easily recognizable because of its 15-meter-tall silver seated Buddha leaning against a brick wall in the open.

A narrow enclosed staircase on one of the southern walls leads to the roof and to beautiful open views of the park. The enclosed stair passage was once home to engraved slates featuring different images of Buddha. Ruins of another temple and a brick building that contains a seated Buddha can also be found in the area.

See more: 6 beautiful destinations outside Bangkok, Thailand

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Top attractions to visit in Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa is one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Thanks to the new shinkansen, it will be easier to get there. Why don't you visit the historic city on your next vacation?

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

This circular and light-filled museum focuses on art produced since 1980 and is heavy on installations, video and mixed-media pieces, much of it playful, energetic and thought provoking. The museum holds a variety of display spaces and function rooms and the museum is spacious enough to absorb the huge crowds that usually fill the place. 

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya is the main entertainment district in Kanazawa. It is a charming area of teahouses much like Gion in Kyoto and has its own community of geisha.

The photogenic streets of Higashi Chaya are perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll with a stop at one of the many cafes or historic tea houses. If you are looking for a special souvenir, there are many craft shops to browse including the glittering Hakuza Gold Leaf Store where you can visit their tea ceremony room completely covered in gold leaf.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station is one of the gates of Kanazawa to visitors. The station has a huge glass dome called the Motenashi Dome. The Motenashi Dome looks like a huge umbrella and it is said that this dome is offering visitors an umbrella as Kanazawa has many rainy days.

There is a huge wooden gate called the Tsuzumimon  in Kanazawa station. A tsuzumi is traditional Japanese hand drum, and "mon" means gate. When you arrive at Kanazawa station, you can feel the welcoming mood and historical atmosphere right away.

D.T. Suzuki Museum

D.T. Suzuki was the Japanese writer responsible for introducing Zen Buddhism to the West. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is the perfect monument to the man and his work. Like Zen, the museum invites you to contemplate and empty your mind of distraction. The water “garden” outside the museum is sublime and do not miss the fine traditional Japanese garden behind it.

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Often overlooked by visitors who rush to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, this fine museum of Japanese art is well worth a visit. The small but excellent collection covers the main fields of Japanese art. And, downstairs, there is a brilliant café where you can refuel with some delicious coffee, tea and pastries.

Omicho Market

Omicho Market has been in the center of Kanazawa for more than 280 years. In the market, there are large numbers of stores including fish stores, vegetable stores, grocery stores, and so on.

In some fish stores, they offer a special sushi where you can taste fresh fish caught in the Sea of Japan. You may also find unique Kaga vegetables grown in the Hokuriku area. Omicho Market is always very crowded, but you must visit.

Read more: Top 5 hot springs in Japan

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Top attractions at Garden by the Bay

Spanning over 250 acres of reclaimed land, Singapore’s awe-inspiring and award-winning Gardens by the Bay is a must-see attraction. Located next to Marina Reservoir, the gardens are home to many unique features that impress visitors of all ages and that are well worth repeat visits.

Flower Dome

Gardens by the Bay takes the traditional conservatory up several notches. One example is the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records. The dome contains plants and flowers from around the world, including a Mediterranean garden, olive grove, South African garden, South American garden, and more.

Supertree Grove

Photo Blue Sky Studio

Looking at one of the Supertrees here at the Gardens of the Bay, you may think it is a thing from the future- but, the vertical garden is here in all its splendour. The Supertree Grove has 12 of these technologically advanced trees, with heights ranging between 25 metres to 50 metres. These superstructures are designed to function exactly like a tree- they harness solar energy with the help of photovoltaic cells and this energy powers up the amazing light and sound show every evening. The trees also absorb and store rainwater that helps its many vines to grow beautifully.

OCBC Skyway

Reach for the stars in the OCBC Skyway as you get an up-close look of the Supertrees in the garden. Walk along the 128 meter-long aerial area like no other. Since it is 22 meters above the ground, the OCBC Skyway is a popular attraction of all ages as you immerse yourself with the heart of nature. During the day, the OCBC Skyway is such a picturesque sight with its surrounding flora. Do not miss the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that comes alive during evening.

Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lake

The Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes are pools of aquatic life in Gardens by the Bay. The lakes are a world of their own with fishes and plants decorating its azure water. Interestingly, all the aquatic flora and fauna in these lakes have made it their natural habitat and they act together to maintain the nutrient composition in the water. These, along with the aquatic reeds are like natural eco-filters. If anything, you should spend some time here just to marvel at nature’s bounty.

Cloud Forest

Need a break from Singapore’s heat? Step into the misty Cloud Forest, a domed conservatory mimicking the vegetation and geology of tropical highlands. As you walk throughout the Cloud Forest, you will spot a barrage of colourful flora and lush plants that will fill up your Instagram feed in no time.

The Cloud Forest spreads out over several levels, giving visitors a chance to catch its sights at varying altitudes. Strolling along the two walkways, the Cloud Walk and the Treetop Walk, offer the most spectacular views.

See more: The best shopping malls you cannot miss in Orchard Street, Singapore

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