The Sukhothai Historical Park best explored in the early morning when the heat and the light are kinder to photographers. However, it is worth returning at sunset.

One of the temples best positioned to capture the sinking sun is around Wat Mahatat.

The park is also a venue for regular light and sound evenings, performed to the backdrop of Wat Sasri.

The 90-minute show  by students from a local performing arts college is very professionally done and ends with a dramatic burst of fireworks behind a chedi. Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand,  the monthly show will be held on 8 March, 12 April, 10 May, 14 June, 11 July, 9 August, and 13 September at Wat Sasri. Admission to the show is free. You can find more information here.

Last week I was in northern Thailand, exploring the fabulous Sukhothai Historical Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Thailand’s finest cultural treasures

Sukhothai is located 427 kilometres north of Bangkok and 300 kilometres south of Chiang Mai. Home to magnificent temples ruins and monuments, the park draws thousands of visitors every year. The park is divided into five zones that can be explored by bicycle.

One of the most impressive temples is Wat Sri Chum with its monumental seated Buddha image. The temples is located just outside boundary wall of the main site at the northwest corner.

The image, which is 15 metres high and 32 metres wide at the base, sits within a square mondop, and when first approaching it along the pathway is glimpsed through an opening in the front wall.

The enormous right hand of the Buddha has been covered by gold leaf by worshipers.

Sukhothai and the surrounding area  has so much to offer visitors and is a great place for a weekend of culture, beautiful countryside, and delicious regional food. Bangkok Airways have one flight a day. I’ll post more images from Sukhothai over the next couple of weeks.