Sukhothai; The Dawn of Happiness

This past weekend I traveled with my group to Sukhothai, Thailand known for its beautiful ruins remaining from the first kingdom of Thailand established 800 years ago. Sukhothai literally means, "Dawn of Happiness," and walking through the ruins, chedis and buddha statues, built from 1238 to 1257, you feel an instant peace and belonging in this tranquil area in Lower Northern Thailand.

Beginning in the 12th century, a people from Yunnan in China settled in the northern regions of the Khmer state (what is now Northern Thailand). Known as the Thai (free men), they organized themselves in small communities. A Thai prince married a Khmer woman, then rebelled against the central power and created the first Siamese state, calling it the kingdom of Sukhothai after the name of its capital city. Ramkhamhaeng (or Rama the Strong), second son of the founder of the state (c. 1280-1318) was one of the most important Thai sovereigns, for he brought his state extensive territory through his military victories. He invented the Siamese alphabet (Khmer script) and imposed strict observance of the Buddhist religion and instituted a military and social organization copied from his vanquished neighbours, the Khmers.

The great civilization which evolved in the kingdom of Sukhothai was a tributary of numerous influences and ancient local traditions, but the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged, in record time, what is known as the Sukhothai style.

Because of the distance between the ruins it is suggested to rent a bicycle or motorcycle to see the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples that sprung up from the lush park. I felt the joy I did when riding my bicycle as a child, hands out, eyes closed; free. The wind blowing away our worries as we rode from one historical site to the next. We dipped our toes in the "Silver Lake," meditated at the tree shrine and paid respects to the buddha statues that towered over us. As if this wasn't enough, we stumbled upon the nicest people in Thailand who fed us the best meal I've had in Thailand; their kindness is the kind of thing that puts hope back into humanity.

Indescribable with words so here are some pictures!

Buddha Statue at Wat Mahathat

Wat Taphan Hin

Wat Sa Si

Tree shrine at Wat Si Sawai

Wat Si Sawai

Biking to the ruins

Me at the Elephant Chedi (Wat Mae Chan)

Phra Achana, Wat Si Chum

Best meal in Thailand (photo taken by nicest people in Thailand)