16 January 2024
Sukhothai Shenanigans: Trains, Tuk Tuks, and Time Travel?
Our day began with the rooster’s alarm clock (aka sunrise), and we hit the road with enough pep in our step to rival a cup of the strongest Thai coffee. Our first pit stop, however, wasn’t quite Sukhothai. We found ourselves in Phitsanulok at 10 am, just in time to witness a train pulling into the station. It was like stepping into a scene from a Wes Anderson film, perfectly symmetrical and strangely calming.
Next, we braved the bustling local markets. The tuk tuk here are quiet unique, these ones had beautifully crafted painted panels and fitted out with luggage racks and fancy rear compartments – perfect for hauling your shopping (or maybe even a small elephant?). These things were seriously luxurious!
By 11 am, we reached Wat Chan Sawan Tok, a brand new temple under construction. It’s already shaping up to be a real unique building. The progress since our last visit was undeniable – this place is gonna be epic!
Finally, at noon, we arrived in Sukhothai! Our rumbling tummies led us straight to BigC for a well-deserved lunch refuel. Now fortified, we ventured to the Sukhothai Historical Park at 1 pm.
As luck would have it, we stumbled upon a local school parade right outside the gates. Let me tell you, the young adults went above and beyond with the costumes – some serious dedication there!
After all that excitement, we retreated to our accommodation for a quick power nap (because exploring historical wonders is tiring work!). Rejuvenated, we returned to the park in the evening for the night markets and a delicious dinner.
And to top it all off, we spotted a real-life Avenger Camper at 5 pm! We’d been admiring these beauties for a while online, so seeing one in the flesh (or should we say, metal?) was a true highlight.
As the day drew to a close, we ended it with a breathtaking sunset over the Sukhothai Historical Park. Talk about a picture-perfect finale!
17 January 2024
Sukhothai Shenanigans: Chess Wizards, Fire Elephants, and Dignitaries
Let’s face it, adventuring is exhausting! So, the next day started with a well-deserved slow roll. We treated ourselves to a steaming cup of coffee at the Check In Cafe – the perfect elixir to kickstart our sightseeing adventures. Feeling recharged and relaxed, we decided to take it easy for a bit.
By 3:30 pm, we were ready to conquer the Sukhothai Historical Park again. This time, however, we stumbled upon a scene straight out of a history book.
There was a parade in full swing, featuring traditionally dressed administration workers. Let me tell you, they looked like they’d stepped out of a time machine – absolutely stunning!
Next on the agenda was a truly unique spectacle: a giant Thai chess game with local students from the theatrical society acting as the living chess pieces! Talk about creative! Sadly, the game started a bit later than planned, and we had to tear ourselves away halfway through for another incredible event – the opening ceremony of the King Ramkhamhaeng the Great Festival, which began at 6:30 pm sharp.
And let me tell you, this ceremony did not disappoint! It delivered everything we’d hoped for and more: majestic elephants (because, well, Thailand!), over 200 performers putting on a dazzling show, fireworks that lit up the night sky, and the quintessential Thai hot air lanterns floating gracefully upwards. It was a truly magical experience.
The best part? We snagged a spot right next to the VIP section, rubbing shoulders with politicians and dignitaries.
Not a bad way to end an epic day in Sukhothai.
18 January 2024
Sukhothai Shenanigans: Wat Wonderings, Farewell Feasts, and Early Nights
Our Sukhothai adventures continued with a trip down memory lane (or should we say, temple lane?). We decided to revisit one of the Wats we’d explored with Neil and Connie on a previous visit – Wat Phiphat Mongkhon. Nestled about 60km northwest of Sukhothai, it wasn’t too far of a drive.
We rolled up around 11 am, ready to reacquaint ourselves with this magnificent temple complex. However, we were met with a surprise. Since our last visit, Wat Phiphat Mongkhon had undergone a serious growth spurt.
The once unique charm seemed to have gotten a bit…diluted. The expansion felt like a case of “more is more,” with similar-looking temple buildings crammed onto the site. Construction was still in full swing, hinting at even more expansion to come. Don’t get us wrong, it was still undeniably impressive, but a part of us missed the original character.
After a quick lunch refuel from our trusty 7-Eleven, we headed back to Sukhothai for a mellow afternoon. By 4:30 pm, our rumbling stomachs led us to the vibrant food markets – a feast for the senses (and the belly!).
Back at the hotel, we decided to wind down with Rathada and Paul. We descended to the hotel restaurant, eager to share all our travel tales and photos. Over a cold beer, we devoured a delicious spread prepared by Paul himself – a heavenly combination of Paenang curry and chicken fried rice.
As the night deepened, it was time to say our goodbyes to Rathada and Paul. With a touch of sadness but a heart full of memories, we retreated to our room for an early night.