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.