Ancient cities of Thailand: Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

So after taking in the beaches in the south and the city life in Bangkok we headed north to take in some history.  Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are ancient city states that helped to build the modern county of Thailand, and are both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

We started in Ayuttaya which is just an hour or so north of Bangkok.  The city is on and “island” formed by the crossing of three rivers, and all over the island are huge, old temple ruins.  The size and amount of temples in one area was truly amazing.

Next, it was off to Sukhothai, which was very similar to Ayuttaya.  The main differences being that the ruins in Ayuttaya are bigger, but the modern city has popped up all around the different sites.  Where as in Sukhothai the new city is 10 km down the road, and they have turned the ancient city into a park.

I enjoyed visiting them both, although the history is better preserved in Sukhothai, I liked Ayuttaya better.  Mainly because I thought the temples there where bigger and more detailed…Well, see you later.