Temples at Sukhothai

Dave and I took leave of Chiang Mai once more before Christmas and headed to Sukhothai. The town itself isn't much to look at, but the surrounding croplands are lush and beautiful. We enjoyed the landscape in a cycling tour run by a Belgian-Thai couple. They introduced us to Cobra-Scorpion whisky...it smells and tastes like dead cobra.

Sukhothai is also home to the Sukhothai historic ruins and the nearby Si Satchanalai ruins. The Sukhothai Dynasty was at its height in the 13-14th centuries and the kingdom was extensive. Without a proper guide Dave and I had some trouble figuring our way around the ruins, but perhaps there really wasn't much to tell about the temples. But if anything it was a beautiful place to bicycle around near sunset and many Thais were out with a picnic. I think more reading is needed into the history of the Sukhothai Dynasty.

Dave and I also took a motorbike trip up to Si Satchanalai. I don't travel well on motorbikes and Dave was new at maneuvering Thai traffic. He did well and we made it to these 11-15th century ruins in one piece. The most interesting were the kilns were pottery was made. There are ruins of about 200 kilns and pottery rejects can be dug up all over the area from as far back as the 10th century. Another interesting site were the excavation of 3rd-4th century human skeletons. Excavations are still going on around, so we got to have a quick look.

The last place we saw near Sukhothai freaked me right out. Wat Thawet must be the work of a bored monk. Statues created from a combination a dream the monk had and buddhist religious stories seemed a little bit too creepy for my liking.