Sukhothai

I arrived early evening into Sukhothai and after a short challenge trying to find a reasonably priced bed for the night, I joined forces with another girl to share a two bed room.

Following this I took a walk to find food, and was stopped in my tracks by an amazing view of Wat Tra Phang Thong, a small temple surrounded by a body of water, and a sunset backdrop. A great introduction to the city leaving me with high hopes for the next morning and a full day of exploration.

I was up and into the Historic Park with a rented bicycle by 7am the following day, having been advised that the park was best enjoyed in the early hours before the crowds arrived. I had heard great things about Sukhothai, but having seen a fair few temples by this point in my journey I was not expecting to be amazed. Therefore I was very pleasantly surprised when I rounded the corner to the first, and largest of the temples ruins, Wat Mahathat.

I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my ride around the temple ruins in the central zone, which were interspersed with small lakes, some containing lotus flowers, others now a carpet of bright green moss.

After covering the central section of temples I ventured out to the north and west sites, which were a little further from the historic centre. I viewed Wat Sri Chum of the northern area from a distance, as of course, there was a charge for each separate area you entered. This did look interesting however, as the eyes of the Buddha were bright and sparkling unlike any I had seen before. This is the largest Buddha monument in Sukhothai.

I did pay to go into the western area, and was again rewarded with very few other visitors. Wat Saphan Hin, the main temple in this area, was empty when I arrived, and after the climb up the stone stairs to the top I took the time to sit down and try to really take in the atmosphere and meaning of the temple.

Due to my early start I had visited all the areas I wanted to by around 1pm. I spent an hour of my afternoon in the museum, before a relaxing afternoon in my room. My final objective for the day was to go back to the Wat Mahathat to enjoy the sunset. Although this was far from the most spectacular I have seen on my journey, it was still enjoyable to watch as it sank out of view, creating a wonderful silhouette of the ruins.