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Sukhothai

Popularly regarded as the cradle of the Thai nation, the city of Sukthothai established itself as the capital of Thailand from 1238 to 1376 by finally ousting Khmer rule over the northern plains. Located between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the Kingdom of Sukhothai, which aptly means dawn of happiness in Pali, is reflective of a golden age of Thailand political, social and artistic growth. It also created a legacy of a united Thai people.

Ramkhamhaeng, the third of Sukthothais eight kings, was the most influential; he supplanted Khymer Hinduism by promoting Theravada Buddhism with the help of Ceylonese monks; he encouraged the growth of the ceramics industry by inviting potters from China whilst he is also renowned for designing the modern-day Thai alphabet.

The Sukhothai period is particularly important since classical forms of Thai religious arts began to emerge; the first Thai Buddha images - showing ethereal, androgynous figures of an already enlightened Buddha with an ovoid face and a feline expression were produced at this time while Sukhothai sculptors are credited for having pioneered the walking Buddha. Although this is one of four postures described in ancient Pali texts, it is remarkable since it is without precedent in Thailand.

The old city of Sukhothai is now a historical park open to visitors, which covers an area of over 70km. At its heart stands the royal walled city which encloses the remains of the Grand Palace and 26 temples of which the Wat Mahathat with its lotus shaped chedi is the most impressive. Perfectly preserved life-sized Buddhas enclosed by stone pillars, beautiful lotus-strewn ponds and the excavated artefacts in the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum are particular highlights. Exploring by bicycle is a popular way of getting around, although to see it all, its best to go by car.