Sukhothai was Thailand's first recorded dynasty, founded in the 13th century and lasting a century, and has long influenced Thai culture and Buddhism. Now a World Heritage Site, it is full of monuments you can get up close and personal with. There are far fewer visitors than in other cities.

The Sukhothai dynasty was heavily influenced by the Khmer, and many of the ruins of Buddhist temples look like Angkor Wat from a distance. Perhaps because there are stately and exquisite Buddha statues everywhere, it is quiet and quiet here. It is my favorite city in Thailand at present.

What to watch:

Sukhothai Historical Park

The old city itself is a huge historic site, divided into five districts. If time is limited, the Central District "Sukhothai Historical Park" must visit, the most spectacular ruins are here. The park environment is particularly good, with a beautiful moat and a variety of wildlife. The Sukhothai Historical Park was the seat of the Sukhothai capital from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The kingdom of Sukhothai is the first kingdom in Thai history that can be verified by historical records. I have been to Angkor Wat and Ayutthaya before, I like it very much, and I made a special trip to Sukhothai this time. There are many monuments and temples around the old city of Sukhothai, and it is necessary to plan the route well.

You can't drive in the historical park, basically you can cycle, tour bus or walk. If you visit these two still feel not happy, around the ancient city transfer found that there are many other monuments, these monuments are hundreds of years of history, the preservation is not complete, simply experience the breath of the past.



West Spring Temple
NorWest Spring Templeth must go to the West Spring Temple, there is the largest sitting Buddha in Thailand, is also the only Buddha in Sukhothai open eyes, very shocking. The West Side and South Side have plenty of time to choose from, and the East Side doesn't have much of a presence. Historical Park and West Spring Temple tickets 100 baht per person.

Located in the north of Sukhothai, the big Buddha of Xichun Temple is actually a bit of Yungang flavor, but less solemn and more elegant.

Giant Buddha statues like Sukhothai are made of brick and plastered to create a visual contrast between the plain reddish-brown brick tower and the slender white Buddha statue.Photographing the Buddha from the gap has a charm, the head of the Buddha is the hexagonal sky, you can bathe in the sun. Road trip friends do not miss here, it is well worth a visit.

Ayutthaya House

After nearly eight hundred years of Sukhothai, Thonburi and Ayutthaya dynasties, Rama I ascended the throne, moved the capital to Bangkok and opened the Bangkok Dynasty. Among them, the kingdom of Ayutthaya lasted 416 years, creating the most glorious prosperity of ancient Siam. The Ayutthaya dynasty is derived from the name of the capital Ayutthaya - the Vatican means invincible city, also known as the Great City Dynasty, which began when King Utong founded the country, and rose in the defeat of the Burmese army at Nalixuan, creating the largest territory of Siam and the northern Arrived Ming Empire.

There are many Buddhist pagoas in the city, mostly in the Khmer style of red brick mortar, and the central stupa is shaped like corn, surrounded by square corridors, symbolizing the Buddhist world view of nine mountains and eight seas. However, the city of eternal victory could not remain invincible, the Buddha did not drop the bliss of protection, Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese army, and finally left in ruins.

Taking a train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, once the capital of Thailand, King Uthong annexed the kingdom of Sukhothai and established the Ayutthaya Dynasty after 1350, and the Ming Dynasty of China named him King of Siam.
In 1767, the Burmese army captured the city, set fire to Dacheng, and the kingdom fell. In Dacheng for the first time to feel the strong national history of Thailand. The glorious ancient temple buildings, the leisurely sailing ships in the Zhaopaiya River, and the pace of life are all very nostalgic.


How to play:

① Sukhothai will stay in the old city for at least one day.

② The old city can not use ride-hailing software, Tutu car less, but everywhere to rent bikes, 30 baht a day, I stayed in the hotel provided free bikes and great breakfast, eat full ride roaming very chill. The road is easy, you must remember to ride on the left, and the direction of travel here and in the country is opposite.
3-4 people can rent four-wheel electric vehicles, pay by the hour. Both kinds of cars can enter the scenic spot, but to buy extra tickets for the car, 10 baht/bicycle, electric car with the driver than their own ticket is more expensive. In addition to the historical park, other scenic cars do not go in, the place is not big.

3. Leave early to protect yourself from the sun. You'll get sunburned if you ride without sun protection. Take enough water and food, and when you are tired, find a place to sit. Any large stone has a history of five or six hundred years. It feels wonderful to sit on it.
   ④ All scenic spots here before 6 am, after 18 PM free admission, you can see the sunrise and sunset. There was an alms ceremony before sunrise, but I couldn't get out of bed.
   In the evening, there is a night market in the park, which is cleaner and cleaner than other cities, and will lay a mat on a small table for people to eat and rest, and eat snacks with the local people in the evening breeze.

We came across the last light and firework display of the year in the old Town. It's totally free! There are traditional dance and music display, the production level is not worse than the domestic big scenic spot, the aesthetic is extraordinary, too valuable. The event is held every year, if you want to go next year, you can check the time. Playing in this two days experience is really good, want to Amway to everyone.

Transportation:
It's easy to get to Sukhothai by bus. It takes more than 5 hours by car from Chiang Mai. Make sure you get tickets to the Old Town! Check with the flight attendant as you board! The old city and the new city are 12 kilometers apart, and if you go wrong, you will have a big problem.

I booked my ticket online in advance, but I can get it at Chiang Mai arcade2 before departure.
Wintour VIP cars have their own toilets, TWT regular cars do not have toilets, but they all have air conditioning and bottled water. There will be a long stop in the middle of the TWT, so you can go to the water.