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The great civilization which evolved in the kingdom of Sukhothai was a tributary of vanquished influences and ancient local traditions, but the rapid assimilation of all�@ these elements forged, in record time, what is known as the “Sukhothai style.” The three old towns nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List by the Thai government were the principal centers of the kingodm of Ramkhamhaeng: Sukhothai (the capital), Si Satchanlai (second royal residence), and Kampheng Pet.
In their architecture (they are built of brick with decorations in stucco and wood), they offer a great variety and skillful mixture of elements inspired by the Singhalese or Khmers.
The great meeting rooms with the massive chevet decorated with a monumental portrait of Buddha are specific to Sukhothai architecture and subsequently influenced all Thai art.
Among the statuary the first Thai style is distinguished by�A the particular physical features of the Buddhas: a long, fine nose, a flame　like protuberance on the head (Singhalese influences) and a double line around the mouth (Khmer tradition). Buddha is often represented upright (walking), his clothing clinging to his body, with an almost haughty attitude.

The historic town of Sukhothai lies a dozen or so kilometers from the modern town and still has a large part of its fortifications. The principal monuments include the monastery (wat) Mahathat with its royal temple and its cemetery; Sra Si Wat with its two stupas, their graceful lines reflected in the water of the town’s biggest reservoir; and an impressive prang (reliquary tower typical of Ayutthaya art) from a somewhat later period.
The site has been excavated and studied since the middle of the last century. A project for an international campaign was adopted�B by Unesco (1977) and a 70 km2 area was declared a historic park (1988).
Unfortunately�C, a modern road was built that cuts the site in two. The historic town of Si Satchanm is separated from the modern town by the river Yom.