Sukhothai Province
Sukhothai can be translated as “Dawn of Happiness” and is most famous for its historical city of Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam, and in particular Sukhothai Historical Park, with its numerous sites of historical interest it makes up one of the Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Thailand.
Just over one hour’s drive north brings you to the Sri Satchanalai National Park, which literally translates “City of good people”, founded in 1250 as the second centre of the Sukhothai Kingdom, though not on the scale of its Southern family member it is a wonderful place to visit and can be toured by foot or bicycle which you can rent.
From there it is a short 20 minutes’ drive further north to the village of Ban Hat Siao, it is here where the local Thai Phuan people organize their annual ordination ceremony of the Si Satchanalai Elephant Back Ordination Procession or Buat Chang.