A Mini-Guide to Sukhothai, Thailand

If you are craving 12th and 13th century Khmer ruins in Thailand–and just aren’t feeling Ayutthaya–Sukhothai is just the place for you.  Beautiful wat (temple) ruins seem to be scattered somewhat haphazardly throughout town in fields, and in the middle of small neighborhoods.

Sukhothai is not really a tourist destination and that’s just what I like about it.  It’s just an old town with friendly locals, and tons (I mean tons) of wild dogs.  For about US$1 you can rent a bike for the entire day.  Be sure to check out back alleys and marvel at the small pathways that suddenly lead to beautiful temples and full fields of cattle.  After a couple of hours biking head out to the “Coffee Cup Cafe” right on the main strip for a bite of the most delicious pineapple curry I have ever had.

If you are lucky and its Saturday–head back to the temple between  6 and 9 pm to see the central ruins illuminated.  The giant Buddhas, dark pathways, and wild dogs make for an almost “Indiana Jones” experience.  Most people come to Sukhothai for one day, but if you have a decent bike and a taste for quiet adventure–you may realize a week has passed before you are ready to move on.

-Safe Travels

Photograph by: Rylan Thompson