Page 57 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL8

Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness), is packed with historical, cultural and natural charmbecome one of the landmarks of Sukhothai.Sukhothai (Dawn of Happiness), is packed with historical, cultural and natural charm. The first capital of Thailand is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Si Satchanalai historical parks, where fascinating archaeological ruins and objects tell the story of the Kingdom’s past. It is the land that gave birth to the Phoom Khao Bin, or Bua Toom (lotus bud), stupa shape and the gentle Suk- hothai-style Buddha images, models of religious art that would later be adopted into other styles.The majority of Sukhothai residents are farmers who live self- sufficiently harvesting rice, tropical fruits and the best quality banana and tobacco leaves in Asia. A few are master craftsmen, producing some of the finest gold and silverware and woven cloth in Thailand. TheSukhothai jungle is fertile, able to nurture all orchid species so far discovered. Khao Luang (Grand Mountain), a favourite with trekkers, has abundant supplies for all kinds of herbs. Being off the tourist radar, it is a province perfect for visitors seeking a more slow-paced retreat.After checking in at Baan Tong Na and sipping rice tea at Krua Sukho, the group set out to explore Sukhothai Historical Park, 12km from New Sukhothai town. The centre of the park forms a rectangle of 2km east-west and 1.6km north-south, with 193 temple ruins rising above manicured gardens shaded by giant trees. Most of the temples were constructed with laterite delivered by slaves on foot from Si Satchanalai nearly 100km away. The Khmer and Ayutthaya temple architectures remain as the latter took over from the former in the ancient Sukhothai kingdom. Big and small reservoirsElite+ 55