Sukhothai, meaning "Dawn of Happiness", was the ancient capital of Thailand in the 13-14th centuries. The Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of Thai and Khmer temples, and Buddha statues from this period, and is now a World Heritage Site. Though most of it is broken and ruined, it has been preserved in the state it was found in, without much modern intervention.
The Park is enclosed by three walls and moats, which are often invisible because of forest growth. There is a gate facing each of the four directions. It costs 100 Baht (3$) to enter the Park for a day, and it is easy to get around on a bicycle, which can be hired almost anywhere in Sukhothai.
How to get to Sukhothai: Air Asia's land transfer deal goes from Bangkok Airport right upto the Park entrance! There are buses from Bangkok and Chiang Mai as well.
Where to stay: Lots of hotels, resorts, guesthouses at 5-10 minute cycling distance from the Park. You can see fireflies in some of the rice fields nearby at night!
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There are moats and ponds all over the Park, where you can see beautiful reflections at dawn or dusk
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Wat Mahathat is the central and biggest temple in Old Sukhothai
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Beautiful tree-lined roads for cycling, have tourists and local children from nearby schools
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Sunrise and sunset are the best time to visit, to see the light playing on the ruins and to escape the unbearable heat
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The central temple, Wat Mahathat and its moat
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Sun setting on the Buddha statue at Wat Mahathat
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Ruins, statues and ancient trees
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Sunset on the western face of Wat Mahathat
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Sukhothai's Buddha statues are unique, because of their curved anatomies and postures. According to a local guide, this was reflective of the people's happiness and prosperity of the old Sukhothai kingdom.
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Wat Sa Si is situated in the middle of a reservoir. A beautiful, serene place to sit after dusk.
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Local dance performance, depicting the rise of King Ramkhamhaeng in the Sukhothai kingdom
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Light and sound show at Wat Sa Si
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Wat Si Chum has a beautiful, partially hidden statue of Buddha, and is often approached even now for good luck and blessings
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The "perfect hand" is flowing, graceful and without visible joints and bones. Little golden leaves are stuck on it to ask for good luck.
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Full circle of a rainbow over Sukhothai
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Countryside with its rice fields, rich colours, quiet and peaceful
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Walk upto Wat Saphan Hin, which has a solemn-faced Buddha statue that overlooked the ancient Kingdom. The statue is in the pose of "stop fighting". It was also used as a viewpoint to spy on approaching armies.
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