Method to the madness

Despite Phits being the pits, there was a sound rationale as to why we chose to stay there.

Not far from Phitsanulok is the historical park of Sukhothai (meaning rising happiness). Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means Dawn of Happiness) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The superb temples and monuments of this city have been restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruins of the royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds, canals, and the water dyke control system, which was the magical and spiritual centre of the kingdom, are now preserved or have been restored.

As we meandered around the historical ruins of past glory, we watched as the Thai's were setting up for the Loi Krathong Festival (November 24 - 26) where they'll set small tea-lights afloat on the waterways across Thailand. “Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.

What can we say? After the hell that was Phitsanulok (or more specifically The LiThai), Sukhotai offered an amazing relief or respite. Its tranquility and monuments are awe-inspiring! To be able to walk in the shadows of past kings with no barriers to the experience was magical. You could literally touch 30 foot tall Bhudda's that are centuries old, sit on ancient stupa's and wander through ruined chedi's. It was all, literally, at your fingertips. And an added bonus - no hawkers!


To get some idea of what we experienced, just click on the Si and Nik Photos link in the right hand column... we took MANY photo's of Sukhothai. Loved it!! Highly recommended!!