Thai Wat - Sukhothai - Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat is the largest and most important Thai Wat in the ancient city of Sukhothai. Comprising over 200 structures, it is believed that Wat Mahathat was founded around the middle of the 13th Century by King Sri Intaratit. Wat Mahathat is located in the Sukhothai Historical Park which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

Sukhothai was the capital of the first Thai Kingdom and was a major centre for commerce, arts and culture.

Surrounded by 8 smaller Chedi, the main Chedi of Wat Mahathat is built on a high plinth and has a lotus bud filial, an art form unique to Sukhothai. Around the base are stucco figures of disciples in worship. The layout of the main chedi with its 8 satellite chedi symbolizes the 9 peaks of Mount Meru. Wat Mahathat has many Buddha images including at both the North and South points of the Temple, standing Buddha images known as Phra Attharot, however many of the images are fairly recent reconstructions. The large Viharn to the East of the main chedi used to house the largest bronze seated Buddha image in Thailand but this, like many other Thailand treasures, has been moved to Bangkok and can now be seen in Wat Suthat.

The Sukhothai Historical Park is open Daily, 8am to 5pm.

See other Sukhothai Temples
For accommodation in Sukhothai see Sukhothai Hotels