Sukhothai by bike: breathtaking and majestic temples of the first Thai capital

 

One of the most magical places I have visited in Thailand is without any doubt the old city of Sukhothai. Located half way between Bangkok and Chiang Mai the early kingdom of Sukhothai existed between 1238 and 1438. The old capital (now 12 km away from the new city) is in (well maintained) ruins and has been designated as a UNESCO World heritage historical park. Due to the huge area of the park we have opted for a guided bike visit. Miaow, our simply adorable guide from Sukhothai Bike Tours, is a local (born in town) and bursting of knowledge and interesting stories to tell.

 
We had an amazing day starting on the bikes and passing through peacefull rice fields full with storks. Did you know that storks are very loved by the rice farmers as they offer pesticide-free-snail-removal. We also saw locals fishing in the river. Once in the park we had visited the most famous Central part, Wat Mahathat (first picture), as well as the Wat Si Sum (fourth&fifth pictures). Simply fabulous day outdoor in the middle of culture, history and in very pleasant company! I have learned a lot myself and now I know for example that because the kingdom of Sukhothai was prospering most of the Buddhas heads have a subtile smile. And also that the long ears of some of the Buddhas means they are good listeners. Last but not least I can recommend the old capital to everyone and a big Kobkun-kaaa to our great guide:-) .

Elephants (love) in Chiang Mai...

 

I was something like 3-4 years old when my parents asked me the famous question one asks a kid of this age: what is your favourite animal. Imagine their suprised look when I answered (very proudly for an Eastern european kid): an elephant:-))) Nothing common or expected as: cat, dog or may be a donkey... Since then elephants are big love of mine. I have few of them as wooden carving, soft teddybears, etc. around me at home and even at my office. So when I arrived in Chiang Mai in december last year and I started seeing elephants everywhere this made me smile:-) There were elephant statues in most of the streets, sometimes just as simple stone decoration. There were flower pots in elephant shapes, there were wooden elephants and ceramic ones making temple gardens even more charming...Elephants are the inspiration of young Thai artist like Supachet Bhumikarn in the center of ChiangMai, his cute boutique (called ) even has foor handles in elephant shape. By the way did you know that "chaang" is the Thai word for elephant?