Today we are up early to try to get to the ruins before the mid afternoon heat again.  Sukhothai, which means “rising happiness” was the first capital of Siam after breaking away from the Kmer kingdom in 1238.  This beautiful capital flourished from the mid 13th to the late 14th century and was the center  of THeravada Buddhism.  This period  is regarded as the golden age of Thai civilization.  This 200 years spanned the reigns of 9 kings before being absorbed by Ayuthaya.  The Sukhothai ruins were never razed by war, so are more intact–no chopped off Buddha heads here.   They are located in a peaceful park setting with coifed lawns and large trees and beautiful lotus ponds.  There are bike and scooter paths only—no cars.  It is a completely beautiful and serene place–totally different feel from Ayuthaya.   We rented bikes again and biked through the entire park.  Here are a few of the highlights

Map of the Sukhothai unesco site

Rare. “Walking Buddha”

Trying to keep up with the teenager

After this beautiful morning, we stopped at a roadside stand for lunch. I ordered spicy noodles–here is what I got

After lunch we headed back for a much needed shower and rest.  It is 96 degrees today and blazingly sunny.

At 4pm we were picked up to go for our “sunset bike tour” through the he local neighborhoods and fields.  We are both a little apprehensive since we have already been biking all morning and have had a lot of sun exposure as well—too late to turn back now

Our guide was a local Thai young man “Paul” who was also a farmer and is growing grapes on his family land.  He told us about the local agriculture and family life.  Largest crop here is rice, and best business crop here is tobacco.  Many fields of chili peppers as well, and sugar cane.  Everyone has a garden and fruit trees—mango, banana, Jack fruit, dragon fruit, lime, and a “smelly” fruit, durian.  Here are some pictures of our sunset ride

Local fishermen

Rice paddies

Tobacco

Our guide paul

After our sunset ride we had a complete fail on dinner.  We had planned to go to a local hot spot for “Sukhothai noodles” and had a driver and directions in Thai and our order in Thai and everything—unfortunately, the restaurant was mysteriously closed on Sat nite, as was our #2 choice.  We ended up at a roadside stand–not too happy with that outcome after our very active day.

Tomorrow we are having a spa day!!  I am trying Thai massage and Sage is having a Thai herbal compress massage—should be interesting!

Temp today 98 degrees, 10,154 steps-4.2 miles walked plus about 60km on the bike!!!