Mae Ping River Cruise

Often forgotten or dismissed, the northwestern region of Thailand offers ideal terrain for those looking to other destinations outside of the crowd. Partly because of the relative inaccessibility and partly due to a lack of marketing, the region has certainly useful tourist sites and offers a lot for the more adventurous traveler. This lack of exposure is to the benefit of all those who make little extra effort it takes to visit Mae Sot, Tak, Kampaeng Phet and the gateway to the region, Sukhothai.

The ancient capital is well mapped and accredited, but the position he occupies as a starting point for the trip diversion to the northwest that captures the interest. Historically, Sukhothai enjoyed a position of solidarity in the country's progress both socially and physically, and is the geographical and administrative gap between the northern and central plains of the country. It is now located on the Asian Highway in Myanmar in Mae Sot (Tak province), west of Chong Mek (Laos) to the east and along with nearby Pitsanulok, still dominates as center of commerce, transportation and communication. The importance of its geographical position was highlighted by Bangkok Airways' choice of it as an important hub connecting the ancient cities of the region: Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Mandalay and Chiang Mai.

However, the reason most visitors choose Sukhothai as a cessation of its well preserved ruins and its historical position of the first Thai kingdom in the peninsula. Sukhothai was founded in 1238, reducing some 140 years later with the establishment of Ayutthaya as the new capital of Thailand. The Thai alphabet, almost intact today, was invented here by King Ramkamhaeng.

None of this is visible on any visit to Sukhothai, but what we can visualize the setting up of a large city the focal region and the number of sites are large in number. Historical Park Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai National Park are the main attractions and if you are "templed out" or "ruin" the head of RamKanhaeng National Park, a great alternative to high hills and steep cliffs with a multitude of diverse flora and fauna and numerous waterfalls in its 340 square km.

There is much information available on arrival at Sukhothai, but for those looking for something different special reference should be made to the two centers held celadon kiln. The oven Thuriang in the north of the site of Sukhothai and Ban Ko Noi Celadon study center of the oven, five miles north of Si Satchanalai represent celadon in perfect condition. The center of it was dug more than 500 kilns.

The annual Loi Krathong festival in November is an impressive sight among the ruins, but book in advance.

Flights to Sukhothai Bangkok Airways has daily flights to Phitsanulok Thailand or have regular departures. By train, the recommended route is by train to Phitsanulok Sprinter, 0810 from Bangkok and arriving in 1300. Sukhothai is a transfer of 40-60 minutes depending on your mode of transportation. front ends to the north may be taken in 1300, arriving in Chiangmai in 1900, or the night train leaving at around midnight to Chiangmai. Many see this as a cheap alternative to the aircraft while enjoying the countryside along the way and make a stop with Sukhothai hassle or backtracking. The real bonus comes with a stop over visit to Sukhothai and take a visit to Mae Sot and Kampaengphet, before continuing the journey north.

Kampaengphet can really be considered an extension to a visit to Sukhothai for its main attraction is the ruins again. Yet he also parks that provide relief for pleasure, like the park Ramkamhaeng. T.