Sukhothai

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Left early morning for Sukhothai. Due to fog, it was delayed for an hour. However, Bangkok Airways, Asia’s boutique airline, provides a lounge for all passengers which includes lattes, orange juice, internet service and sticky rice and black bean curd in banana leaves. NICE! Flew to Sukhothai on turbo prop and landed at Sukhothai airport which was fantastic. The airport has been given environmental and tourism awards. Sukhothaii is a very small city next to the 13th century Siam historical park. Arriving at the airport was like we were arriving at a resort. It was so beautiful! When getting off the plane, riding in open air trolleys next to grazing cows, beautiful ponds and fountains and welcome drinks. We picked up our luggage at the 10 foot square baggage claim area. Definitely not SFO!

We are staying at the Orchid Hibiscus which has a very Thai garden feel. All teak bungalows with beautiful garden areas and the sound of hundreds of birds. Paolo, the Italian owner is very personable and helpful with all questions. Just wish the bed was not so hard! Seems to be a common theme in Thailand. We shared a guide/driver for a tour of the historical park with an English couple which was nice with his knowledge of all of the sites. The park is quite large and can get pretty warm, so for 1200 Baht it was well worth it. Most people use bikes, but Promuen’s expertise was much appreciated. The sites are well preserved and are from the historical capital Siam empire in the12th -13th century and can easily take a full day to see.

On the first Saturday of the month, there is a light and sound show which should not be missed. Six of us shared a tuk-tuk to the park and fortunately we did not break it. The show includes a depiction of life during the Sukhothai kingdom with costumes, music, fireworks and gorgeous floating lanterns into the night sky.

We also saw Sri Satchanalai, approximately 55 km away. It is somewhat smaller than the Sukhothai historical park and has less visitors.
We can not ceased to be amazed at how inexpensive it is here. 800 Baht for a guesthouse. Lunch is about 250 Baht and dinner runs about 400 to 500 Baht for two persons. The beer scale of economics is about 70 Baht for a 660ml bottle. (35 Baht/1 dollar). As far as dishes, Leona’s favorite dish has been shrimp and coconut palm tips in green curry. Frank’s has been Singha beer and cashew nuts. We are now heading to Chiang Mai via a 5 hour bus ride. We are appreciating the AC on the bus however the pink and purple motif is wild.

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Photos

Sukhothai Airport
Beautiful gadens, fountains and ponds.

Wat Si Chum
This was huge!!

Sri Satchanalai Historical Park
Check out the elephants.

Tuk Tuk
Six to a tuk tuk. Five in front and one behind the driver!

Comments

[Roxane]

Wat is a wat?
Actually, I know what a wat is, but wat the hell, I couldn't resist! I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to do this blog -- what a great gift it is to your friends! I'm enjoying it enormously, savoring it, in fact. Dare I say it is almost as delicious as shrimp and cocount tips in curry? Washed down with Singha, of course. More, more!!

[Nancy]

Questions re: Sukhothai.
Hi there. We are flying in on the 21st of Dec. How did you find your guide...Promuen? Also, did he meet you at the airport or did you go to your hotel first? Also, how did you get to your hotel and approx. how much was the fare? I think our hotel told our husband it was like $18 pp for a ride. I think that sounds excessive, but just trying to guage the market. Thanks for any help you can offer. Also, your post was great and the pics were even better! Sounds like fun! Can't wait!