The sun mellowed on a serene evening as we rode into the old world town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO world heritage historical park. The first capital of Thailand, Sukhothai which means 'The dawn of happiness' exudes the charm of the old world with numerous temples, pagodas and buddhist statues. Carpets of green are spread out everywhere with lots of trees and lotus ponds, and amidst all this wonderful landscape stands silently the ruined city of Sukhothai.
More than 700 years ago, Sukhothai was the capital of the flourishing Sukhothai kingdom which ruled post the Khmer rule from mid 13th century to mid 15th century. It was under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng that the kingdom reached its prime. The kingdom did not last for long and lost its power to Ayutthaya kingdom leaving its numerous temples in ruins.
Wat Mae Chon |
Wat Sorasak |
Wat Mahathat |
Wat Mahathat |
Wat Mahathat |
Wat Traphang Ngoen |
Monument of King Ramkhamhaeng the great. |
One can hire bicycles or take a tram to go around the park. Si Satchanalai Historical park, 82 Kms from Sukhothai is another interesting place of visit with numerous temples. Sukhothai also boasts of Thailand's two best national parks- Ramkhamhaeng and Si Satchanalai.
Signing Note- Lose yourself amidst stupas, shrines and serenity...!!
Distance- Bangkok to Sukhothai- 442 Kms (Route 117)
P.S.- I was riding across northern Thailand with Ride Thailand on an invite from Tourism Authority of Thailand.
indeed....beautiful!!
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Glad you liked it.
DeleteWould want to visit Thailand just to get lost in these magnificent ruins. Serene.
ReplyDeleteSerenity prevails all over.
DeleteGreat place to visit!
ReplyDeleteIt undoubtedly is.
DeleteFascinating ruins at Sukhotai - tells the story of a magnificent era that has gone by. Reminded me of my recent visit to see the ruins at Nalanda University in Bihar.
ReplyDeleteNalanda, Sarnath, Sukhothai- all look quite similar and brilliant!
DeleteGreat shots from historical town.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteBeautiful captures and in such lovely light. So this was the first capital! It looks grand.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yeah, a grand capital!
DeleteVery beautiful and enchanting
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Glad you liked it.
DeleteYou didn't see wat Si Chum?
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha there is the most mesmerizing one.
I found every statue and stupa to be mesmerizing.
DeleteGlad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteSomeday -- I hope I'll get the chance to walk among these structures.
ReplyDeleteYou sure had a great trip. :)
It was a lovely walk through those stupas. :). You must visit this place.
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