The Old City of Sukhothai

Sukhothai Historical Park showcases the first capital city of Thailand -- a period of about 150 years beginning in the late 1200s.  Styles from the Khmer period (Cambodia) remain but many Hindu concepts also appear.  The size and style of the central towers evolves; the look of the Buddha changes.  But water remains a key element and all temples are aligned to the cardinal directions.

Wat Mahathat -- the spiritual epicenter of the ancient city.
The standing pillars held up roofs for various buildings.

Different facial features on the Buddha and note the top "flame"

Thai school children on a field trip.  Temples look like a mini version of Angkor Wat...a really mini version.

Early appearance of the Lotus Bud shaped building dome -- this continually evolved for hundreds of years.

All the tourists rent bikes and ride the Historic Park.  

Statue of King Ramkhamhaeng The Great (1279-1299 or 1316?)
Considered the great king of the Sukhothai Period.  He developed the Thai written language (hence the tablet).
He is obviously still venerated by the Thai people.