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Historic Sukhothai
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Having had enough of Bangkok for the time being, and realizing I'd be back there again a few more times on the way to other SE Asia destinations, I headed for Central Thailand via 2nd class train. After befriending some Australian backpackers in the train station, I was convinced to tag along to Sukhothai, the old capital of Thailand filled with over 219 wats, or Buddhist temples. The company on the train was great, and made some friends from various countries along the way. However, the trek to Sukhothai involved a changeover to an "ordinary" bus, i.e. no air-conditioning and numerous random stops on the way to pick up hailing pedestrians. After 2 hours of pain, we finally got to the city.
I found a great $15 guesthouse in the countryside (Mountain View Guesthouse), surrounded by greenery and hills, not mention a luxurious swimming pool and deck right outside my room. Deciding to make the most of my quick visit right away, I rented a bicycle and explored the core historic "Old Sukothai" as the sun set. It was peaceful and idyllic--a welcome break from chaotic Bangkok. There were several meditating monks and rice paddy farmers going about their business calmly, and I even had a 30-minute conversation with a 17yr old training monk who came over from Burma to escape the political instability.
3 hours and a drenched t-shirt later, I called it quits, happy to kick back at the guesthouse with a couple cold beers in front of the pool chatting with some fellow British guests. After an electrical storm that shut off power and forced me to recall my 1st grade Cub scout camping techniques, it was about time to end the day...off to Chiang Mai tomorrow on a 5 1/2 hour journey.
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