Sukhothai - pottering around

DavidFL

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Sukhothai is just on 300 kms south of Chiang Mai & about 3 1/2 - 4 hrs fast ride.

The province is famous for its world heritage site the Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park (Thai: ?????????????????????????? (Pronunciation)) covers the ruins of Sukhothai, which literally means "Dawn of Happiness", capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,[1] in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name.

The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land.[1] There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO, which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot
It currently costs 100 baht to get into the park & bicycles are provided to peddle around, or take one of the park "carriages"

From 6.30 am - 5.30 PM no vehicles are allowed in, but if you go outside of these times you can ride your bike & quickly go around for a few photos. Morning time is best, because in the afternoon you are facing the sun looking at the Buddha images & so don't get such great photos.

The park is 12 kms  north of new Sukhothai city & there are a stack of guesthouses / hotels resorts near the ancient city ruins.

Or you can stay in town, enjoy some good food & a bit of laid back city nightlife, then cruise on out to the ruins in 15 minutes.

Some afternoon piccies I managed to snap after 5PM when I was allowed in through the back gate early & able to cruise around a bit.

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Go in the early morning at first light & it is a surreal scene

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Make the journey it is worth it

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Jurgen

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Nice place for early birds :) ... But even for later starter the compound is worth a call. Since my last visit the driving policy inside the park has changed, probably a good thing to avoid packs of vehicles driving around. Next time I will make sure to wear my walking shoes. Thank you for the updated info and pictures .
 

DavidFL

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Sukhothai - Mae Rim = 326 kms.
R1o1 & R11
Sukhothai - Si Satchanali - "Den Chai" - Lampang - Chiang Mai / Mae Rim.
Here's how the elevation profile looks

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An awesome fast ride & great roads.
The quick travel time data

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Where to stay in Sukhothai
https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/sukhothai-accommodation

Where to eat
https://www.gt-rider.com/se-asia-motorcycling/topic/sukhothai-restaurants
 

DavidFL

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Down in new Sukhothai city is a famous shrine

The Phrae Mae Ya Shrine.
Phra Mae Ya Shrine situated in front of the City Hall. Thanon Nikhon Kasem, by the Yom River, the shrine is highly respected by Sukhothai residents. It houses and idol of Phra Mae Ya, a stone figure with a long face, tapered chin, long halo, and dressed as an ancient queen. The idol is about 1 meter high and is supposed to have been built during King Ramkhamhaeng the Great’s reign as a dedication to his late mother Nang Sueang. In this connections, the word Phra Mae Ya or grandmother in Thai is literally a term of endearment since the local people regarded King Ramkhamhaeng the Great as their fathers. The statue was formerly housed in a rock shelter of Phra Mae Ya Mountain. The Sukhothai residents later relocated it to the present shrine situated in front of the City Hall. The shrine is also believed to house the spirit of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. The Phra Mae Ya Fair is held annually in late February.
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Plus a shrine to the Goddess of Mercy

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blackb15

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David

Great photos and background another one for my list to do in October

thanks and safe riding

Paul
 

DavidFL

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Of note in downtown Sukhothai alongside the river.

The massive  concrete wall for a flood barrier

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a bit sad - no more lovely riverside boulevard to cruise.
 

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