Just go, C!
I'm Charity, a proud auntie, wine lover, semi-nerd, and dreamer who can't stay in one place for too long.
Yesterday, I was able to visit Sukhothai Historical Park in the Old City area of Sukhothai. It was incredibly hot, which is typical Thai weather, but it didn't rain, so it was the perfect day to explore a part of the country I'd been dying to see since I first arrived to Tak! A bit of history: Sukhothai was the first official capital of ancient Thailand, established in 1238. This was a very important period for Thailand. Many Thais consider this period to be the official beginning of their history. You begin to see documented historical accounts of religious and political events. The Thai language was officially established during this time. Art and Buddhism flourished during this time, often integrated with each other as is visible today in the Historical Park of Sukhothai. The kingdom didn't have a long life - it dissipated around 1350 when the beloved King Ramakhamphaeng died and the Ayutthaya Kingdom gained power and absorbed the former Sukhothai Kingdom. When you understand the history a little more, you really appreciate what remains today. Living in Tak gives me the convenience of being just over an hour's bus ride to Sukhothai. And, my apartment is only about a 5 min walk to the bus station, so what excuse do I have, really? The bus actually takes you to the bus terminal in the new city of Sukhothai (there is an old and a new Sukhothai), but for only 30 baht (about $1 US), you can take a public songtaew to the Park. It's about a 20 min ride which gives you an opportunity to look around you and enjoy the sights and smells of Sukhothai. Once I arrived at the park, it was around noon, so my stomach told me it was time to grab lunch. I stopped at a restaurant near the park that featured both local and Western food. I ordered what I thought was pork larb (a popular dish in the eastern region of Thailand known as Isaan) and steamed rice. Apparently I need to brush up some more on my Thai because while I did receive the larb, I also received another entrée that was a chicken and noodle dish with a coconut broth. Since I believed it was fate that ultimately decided my meal and not my terrible Thai speaking, I enjoyed both dishes. And, a yummy coconut shake to wash it all down. After I enjoyed my delicious mistake, I walked a short distance to a bicycle rental shop. There are several around the park. Another 30 baht got me a bike rental to enjoy for the full day. If you ever decide to visit the park, I would highly encourage you to rent a bicycle. It's not only cheap, but it's the best way to see the park, in my opinion. I spent the next few hours exploring the park, my mind being blown pretty much the entire time. Please enjoy some of the many photos I took while exploring Sukhothai Historical Park!
2 Comments
Adam
6/25/2017 09:08:29 pm
Love the pics!! Looks like a beautiful place to be! Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Charity Crawford
6/25/2017 11:19:27 pm
Thanks for checking it out! :)
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AuthorHi! I'm Charity. I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I quit my job in October 2016 to travel the world. Archives
June 2022
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