Sukhothai

We arrived in Sukhothai from Chiang Mai and found a place to stay over night in New Sukhothai, which lies about 12 km from the old city. We rented bikes and the next day we were suffering our way (it was a really hot day) towards a new thai cultural experience...
Sukhothai literally means "Dawn of Happiness" and was founded in 1238. It was the capital of Thailand for approximately 120 years, in the 13 and 14th cent.
A characteristic feature of Sukhothai temple architecture is the lotus-bud chedi. It features a conical spire finial on a square-sided structure on top of a three-tiered base.
Inside the city walls are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples. Wat Mahathat occupies the largest section. Many original Buddha images are still present among the ruins, while the original of the "Walking Buddha" (one of the few images of non-sitting or reclining Buddha) is kept in Bangkok National Museum.

















Wat Mahathat
















The walking Buddha in Sukhothai historical park
















Phra Atchana at Wat Si Chum