Sukhothai "the dawn of happiness' was the first independent Thai kingdom , founded in  1238 by two Thai chieftains.   They ushered in times of peace and prosperity and in retrospect this is considered the golden age of Thai history.  By the late 14th century Sukhothai was in decline and  eventually, due to the rise of religion over military power  was superceded by  Ayuthaya.

The temple was founded by the first king of the Sukhothai dynasty and was remodeled some hundred years later.

Around the base of the main tower is an unusual stucco frieze of walking monks.

Any man can enter the monkhood and many young men spend part of their lives as monks.  Traditionally, during the rainy season, they will spend  from 2 weeks to 6 months studying their religion, giving sermons and atoning for their sins.  They are allowed no personal possessions and like the regular monks are fed and clothed by the local community.