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Sukhothai was the capital of the Thai kingdom for approximately 120 years. Founded in 1238 by two princes - Pho Khun Pha Muanh and Pho Khun Bang Klang Thao - Sukhothai literally translates as “Dawn of happiness”. The two princes established the capital after combining forces to fight the Khmers and drive them out of Sukhothai. At its peak, the kingdom stretched from Martaban, Burma to Luang Prabang, Laos.
  Eight kings ruled over the city, with a gradual decline of the city occurring during the reign of the last two kings. The end of the kingdom officially came in 1365, when it became just a state of the new capital, Ayuthaya.
  Under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai enjoyed its most prosperous period, and it is Ramkhamaeng who is credited with designing the Thai alphabet, which is still in use today, more than 700 years later. He also opened relations with China, making two trips there. The first time he met with Kublai Khan, and then again after Khan’s death he returned with Chinese artisans, and the art of pottery, which he taught to Thais. He also promoted Theravada Buddhism and culture, and through his efforts inspirational faith gave birth to classic Thai religious arts.
  In cooperation with UNESCO, the Fine Arts Department have worked tirelessly to restore and preserve the architectural monuments, the old Royal Palaces, temples, city gates, walls and moats.
  The Phra Mae Ya Shrine at the front of the City Hall is highly respected by Sukhothai residents, supposedly built during King Rammkhamhaeng’s reign as a dedication to his late mother. The King Ramkhamhaeng Monument is situated to the north of Wat Mahathat, a bronze statue with a base relief recording his life.
  Today, the capital of Sukhothai Province lies approximately 430km north of Bangkok. The new town of Sukhothai is a few kilometres from the old city, where the majority of hotels and restaurants can be found.