Wednesday 15 September 2010

WAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT SUKHOTHAI?

The ancient city of Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital, is a four-and-a-half hour ride south of Chiang Mai. Despite a long road trip from 6.30 am to 10.30om, it was worth every minute of the visit. If just to wander among its ruins, and ponder on the great civilisation that came and went...

Panorama of Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai's most important temple.

Viharn (assembly hall) of Wat Mahathat
with lotus-bud domed chedi in the background.

The central chedi complex and
standing Buddha at Wat Mahathat

Sitting Buddha at Wat Mahathat
Another vista of Wat Mahathat
Standing Buddha and north madapa
at Wat Mahathat

Wat Si Sawai with its
three Khmer-inspired prangs.

Detail of Wat Si Sawai

Walking Buddha at Wat Sa Sri
Sitting Buddha and chedi
at Wat Sa Sri

Brick chedi at Wat Phra Phai Luang

Single-standing prang
at Wat Phra Phai Luang

The mandapa housing a sitting Buddha
at Wat Si Chum, one of Sukhothai's
most photographed spots.

Serenity at Wat Si Chum

The massive standing Buddha
at Wat Saphan Hin The hilltop standing Buddha at Wat Saphan Hin
has a commanding view of Sukhothai.

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