Sukhothai

This previous 13th to 15th century Thai kingdom was the next destination.  The Northern bus terminal wasn't explicitly mapped out, so we had some trouble locating it.  We asked two young-looking guys for directions, and they said: "ah, far..."  Laden with backpacks on a hot day, it must have been a sorry sight, because minutes later, a small pinkish car pulled up, and it was the same guys offering a ride to the terminal.  Thank you.

We arrived at night, seven hours later.  Moving 

away from the touts, we walked to the city center (which ended up being 4 km away).  About a fourth of the way, I noticed a quickly moving shadow advancing on us.  I turned around - Hello! - and it was this nice German lady traveling solo, just seeking company and security of others in an unknown place.  So, together, we went looking for a decent guesthouse to stay.  For 250 Baht (around 7 dollars) the TR Guesthouse was very nice.

In the morning, we rented a motorbike and drove the 60 km North to check out some of the further off ruins.  The ride was long and freezing cold in the morning, but was well worth it. Hardly anyone there amongst the mostly unrestored temple ruins.  That afternoon, we returned to see the closer central Sukhothai temples.  Many of the 7 meter tall buddhas were narrowly enclosed in the temples.  The setting sun made the park especially atmospheric.  We met up with the German girl Stephanie for dinner at one of the street food stalls.  The Pad thai was good.  All the flying bugs and mosquitos were extra.