Escaping the hot temperature of Kanchanaburi...

          We’re stuck for where to go for the long weekend, which is from the 15th to 18th of July. We fancy somewhere that is different – somewhere less commercialized, a fun-filled experience or a cultural city break. We have plenty of ideas as to where the best places are but considering the distance we were having difficulties to decide. To escape the warm temperature of Kanchanaburi, going to the north was the best choice.. But where? We’ve already been to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao and we wanted to visit places we’ve never been until a friend suggested Sukothai province situated on the lower northern region of the country. 

Departing kanchanaburi on July 14 at 7:30 PM, we arrived at the north-eastern terminal (Mochit) almost 10:30PM.

Three more hours before the bus departs for Sukothai Province..

At last.....It's 1:30 AM..

 

Traveling more than 7 hours from Bangkok, we reached Sukothai bus station at 8 o’clock in the morning. According to our source, when in Sukothai, we must have to stay in the old city as almost all the attractions are found there.

Since the old city is located almost 15 kms from the station, we rode in a songtaew (a passenger vehicle) in which the driver sent us to the guesthouse he recommended.  

 We were then very hungry so the first thing we did after checking in was to find for a place to eat. 

  



Some said that Sukothai noodles is very delicious…Well, it tastes good... the same thai noodles  we tasted in Kanchanaburi...But maybe for them...they can differentiate the tastes of noodles from each province...

They said that Sukhothai Province's main attraction is its historical park which brims with some of the most visited ancient ruins in Thailand. And there…just opposite our guesthouse is the park. Because of the great amount of money they offered to take us around, we declined. Instead, since cycling is available we just chartered a bicycle…And the best thing is that we can use it in one day. We traveled by bicycle, so that was a great way to get around –dropping off from one place to other pre-historic remnants.

         The park is open daily. Places of interest that suitably describe the thai history are found inside the park. We circled the inside the gate and the Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat, King Ramkhamhaeng Monument, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Traphang-Ngoen, Wat Tra Pang tra Kuan, Wat Sa-Si, Wat Traphang Thong were among the places we set our eyes on.

Even outside the walls of the historical park, there are still many others places to visit.

The Buddhas Footprint 

Still continuing our journey....We passed through the park trying to discover the other places outside the walls of the historical park. We’ve been to Wat Saphan Hin (approximately 20 mins by bike from the inside gate), Wat Si-Chum, Wat Phra Phai Luang..

Climbing the top is slightly easier due to the stone pathway. Wat Saphan Hin is set on top of a hill overlooking the old city.  

While on top, you can feel the cool breeze which is a good place to just sit down and unwind.

We want to orbit the historical park however time didn’t allow us to.

Instead, we proceeded to Tak Province the following day..We went to Maesot..

After checking in a guesthouse near the station we got off, we went around looking for an ATM. The first one we saw is not working so they advised us to go to TESCO lotus (easier to ask). Surely there are ATM’s there. On our return, we passed the wrong route. Asking the way back, they were directing us to a station that is 4 kms away. We were surprised since we just walked 15 mins until TESCO. We end up going around a loop. Almost 1 hour was wasted trying to find our way back (too tired already..) Asking where the guesthouse is suddenly popped up in my mind. And there it was…It’s just 300 meters away…The thing is, the place where we got off..they said it’s not a station..they have another name for it and we didn’t have any idea about it. Well, we thought it’s a station since some songtaew, vans and buses were parked there.
.
Nonetheless, we still carried on to the plan of going to Moei. According to the folks at the station, it’s a place worth a visit – lots of souvenirs and very cheap items. Furthermore, a beautiful river bordering Thailand and Myanmar van be viewed. There is no passenger vehicle (cheaper) going straight to Moei. Riding a motorcycle is the only option considering that the vehicle going to Moei is outside the city.

We returned to our guesthouse without buying anything… No souvenirs and the items are the same as those in the shops found everywhere…And the beautiful river??? I bet it’s the opposite..

Starving from the long walks we had, we tried a Canadian Restaurant where we passed. We considered that the foods are great since there are lots of customers mostly foreigners.

 And yes..at last..we were satisfied!! The tacos and tortillas are tasty...

Capturing a photo before leaving the guesthouse at 8:00 in the morning...

 

The trip was over.. We arrived back in kanchanaburi at 8 PM really exhausted. We had at least experienced the cool breeze of the north.. Same as home (Phil)