Birthplace of a Nation

Billed as the first truly independent Thai kingdom, Sukhothai - which literally means Dawn of Happiness - was founded in the 13th Century. The restored temples are now a UNESCO world heritage site, and feature Khmer style stupas and Buddhas with uniquely Sukhothai features. This ancient city is where both the written Thai language and the framework for the modern Thai state were born, and I spent a very pleasant five hours cycling around what is left of it.

Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai

There are more than 200 structures in the Wat

Including this white Buddha whose tapered fingers are distinctively Thai-style

The tall Lotus Stupa in the middle is said to contain a hair and a back bone from Buddha himself

Standing Buddha; the hand gesture symbolizes fearlessness, protection & peace

Wat Si Sawai

Do you Khmer often?

Wat Tra Phang Ngoen

Oh hi there. Apparently this ladyboy-like Buddha is a typical Thai style statue.

Elephant stupa at Wat Sorasak

I was on a bicycle but there are other means of transportation around the site

Wat Si Chum

The sitting Buddha inside is almost 15 meters high

Slender fingers showcase Sukhothai style again

Wat Phra Pai Luang

I thought these monks were lamenting all the tourists at this holy site...

...turns out they were actually tourists too.