The Tourism Authority of Thailand is highlighting the presence of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, as well as two sites that have won UNESCO awards of merit. Thailand is proud to have a range of heritage sites that reflect a good balance between nature and culture, covering both historical places, palaces and temples as well as national parks with pristine forests and ecosystems.

Here is the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historical Towns — one of Thailand’s most important tourism attractions, Sukhothai, which literally means the “Dawn of Happiness,” was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries.

A number of notable monuments, which illustrate the beginnings of Thai architecture, can be seen in Sukhothai, a region that had a profound effect on all subsequent Thai political and religious and artistic trends. Its former greatness is reflected in ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples and the extensive infrastructure of days past.

Sukhothai is located 427 kms north of Bangkok or 298 kms south of Chiang Mai. Recommended attractions in the entire vicinity are Sukhothai Historical Park, Sangkhalok Museum, Ramkhamhaeng National Park, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Centre, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Si Sawai, King Ramkhamhaeng Monument and Fish Museum.

Historic City of Ayutthaya — Founded in about 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Located only 72 kms north of Bangkok, the city remains characterised by its “prang” or reliquary towers, and monasteries. Ayutthaya was a capital of Thailand for 417 years. Today, its many ruins include one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha images, several ancient palace and temples, a national museum and an elephant kraal.

Recommended attractions in Ayutthaya are Elephant Kraal Pavilion, Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre, Japanese Village, Royal Palace, Thai Boat Museum, Thai Goldsmith Gallery, Handicraft Aranyik Knife Villages, Ayutthaya Tourism Centre, Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, Gong Khong Market and Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre.

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — Considered the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in Southeast Asia, Ban Chiang was the centre of a remarkable phenomenon of human cultural, social and technological evolution. Discovered in 1966, the subsequent excavations led to significant signs of the ancient civilisation about 6,000-7,000 years old. Exhibitions include skeletons, skulls, beads, weapons, home utensils, etc. The site is located 55 kms from Udon Thani province in northeast Thailand.

Recommended attractions in Udon Thani are Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, Tham Non Sao Ae Cave, Woa Daeng Cave, Chang Cave, and Sung Cave to see the paintings that depict the livelihood of pre-historical community which can be traced back to approximately 2,500-3,000 years ago.

Thungyai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries — Stretching over more than 600,000 hectares along the Myanmar border, the sanctuary abounds with species of almost all the forest formations of continental Southeast Asia. Declared a wildlife preserve in 1972, it is home to a very diverse array of animals, including 77% of the large mammals (especially elephants and tigers), 50% of the large birds and 3% of the land vertebrates to be found in this region. It is located about 219 kms north of Bangkok.

Recommended attractions are Sakae Krang mountain, Pha Rom Yen Waterfall and prehistoric colour drawings at Khao Pla Ra.

Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex — spans 230 km between Ta Phraya National Park on the Cambodian border and Khao Yai National Park, the site is home to more than 800 species of fauna, 112 mammal species, 392 bird species and 200 reptile and amphibian species. The area contains substantial and important tropical forest ecosystems, which can provide a viable habitat for the long-term survival of these species.

Recommended attractions are Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram, Farm Chokchai in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Dan Kwian a village noted for unique pottery widely used for interior and outdoor decoration. The uniqueness of Dan Kwian clay is its durability, pliability and rusty color.

	In recognition of its cultural heritage conservation efforts, the old marketplace of Samchuk in Suphan Buri province, 100 kms from Bangkok, was conferred a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit 2009, beating 48 other entries from 14 countries. The Samchuk market dates back more than 100 years to when Chinese vendors first traded their wares along the Tha Chin River in central Suphan Buri province. The market was renovated over the last five years. Today, it makes for a nostalgic day out with its timeworn wooden houses and authentic food. Recommended attractions in Suphan Buri are Museum of the Descendants of the Dragon, founded to mark the 20th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the China and Thailand in 1996, the Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals and The Wildlife Extension Center.
	Pongsanuk Temple in Lampang Province, northern Thailand won the 2008 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. The restoration of Pongsanuk temple provides an inspirational model of community-led conservation in saving a unique Lanna temple. The project showcases the collective achievements of the monks and the local residents working in close cooperation with traditional craftspersons, local authorities and academic advisors. Recommended attractions in Lampang are Chae Son National Park (a major place for relaxation in Lampang), Doi Khun Than National Park and Horse-drawn Carriages. Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limits. Visitors can hire such vehicles to tour the local markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples. More information on each of these sites is available at the web site http://whc.unesco.org/en/35/

Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org