Sukhothai Heritage
SUKHOTHAI…City of Legend…Capital of ancient Siam…was one of the most beautiful cities on earth.
Situated on the banks of a busy river, Sukhothai was originally just a small insignificant village. Just before B.E. 1700, several smaller villages were strategically incorporated into a small town. Sukhothai had the advantage of being on vital trade and commuting routes that joined a number of states via the Yom and Nan rivers. The city thrived and news of its beauty and magnificent style and architecture spread far and wide. Much of the décor in this world-famous hotel derives from that wondrous city whose name we proudly bear.
KING RAMKHAMHAENG
The Kingdom of Sukhothai flourished during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng. Because of free trade and the non-existence of taxes, the city became a major trading hub of great cultural diversity. It was about this time that the ancient currency, Pod Duang, was introduced. Besides, Ramkhamhaeng, who was very gifted and was credited with the prosperity of Sukhothai, also invented the Thai alphabet and composed famous stone inscriptions. In the temples of Sukhothai, emphasis was put on their stupa and chedi as these were the primary components of a temple. Buddha image halls were usually much bigger than monastery buildings, with graceful shapes and small apertures in the walls instead of windows. The palaces of Sukhothai maintained an incomparable design and distinct style that typify the Sukhothai style of architecture. Symmetrical colonnades, reflection pools, open-air arcades, combined with the best natural materials - bronze, teakwood and marble - together with fine fabrics and mirrors. The graceful and elegant Sukhothai is imbued with the essence of this golden age in history.
