Sukhothai
Showing posts with label Sukhothai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sukhothai. Show all posts

Baan Suan Chezpom: Your Rice Field Citadel

It's been ages since the last time I updated this blog. I was preoccupied with so many stuff at school and my own personal affairs. By the way, have you noticed the changes in this blog? Its original title of "swirling cultures" was changed to "Land Drifter." The template design was changed, too. Why? Well, I just found the former title more appealing and the design a lot nicer.
To kickstart the drive for more travel posts, allow me to tell you what I know about Baan Suan Chezpom in Thung Saliam, Sukhothai.
I was invited as a trainer two years ago at a teachers' conference in Thung Saliam district in Sukhothai. We left Phitsanulok a little past 6 am and we arrived at Baan Suan Chepom after about two hours. The view was amazing, passing what seemed to be an endless greenery of rice fields on both sides of the road. 
Upon arriving, my eyes feasted to the nicely decorated landscape and the cuteness of the bungalows before me. There weren't a lot, probably less than 10. And since I was told that we would stay there for three days I was like, "this is the place.Yahoo!" 
We waited for the organizer and she arrived a little less than 10 minutes. Not much of a formality happened, just a simple "good morning" and a little talk with my Thai colleague and she was once again out of our sight.
The receptionist later reappeared out of nowhere and handed us both the keys. At first I thought me and my colleague will be staying together in one bungalow. But to my happiness, I was given my own key. I immediately got inside and savor the short moment alone in this amazing place. After a 15-minute rest, off we went to the conference.

Anyway, Baan Suan Chezpom is located 7 km from Wat Thungsaliam Luangpor-Sila. It offers bungalows with balcony about a stone's throw away from the rice fields. What do you expect in a little remote district? It offers free Wi-Fi but a bit slow at the time. Hoping it's now been fixed.

It is about 15 km from Chaoram Cave and features a shuttle service and meeting facilities. Free public parking is possible on site. Bungalows are fitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen cable TV and refrigerator. Shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy Thai food all day at the on-site restaurant. It looks so classy but do you know how much the room per night is? Just a mere 500 baht. It's comfy and elegant-looking yet won't hurt your pocket.
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Si Satchanalai, the park I never knew existed

Sukothai is home to two historical parks originally built hundreds of years ago. This was new to me until I got an invitation from our department head to accompany the officials working at the excise department in downtown Phitsanulok, opposite the night bazaar. I've been to the famous one called Sukothai Historical Park located in downtown Sukothai many times in the past. Therefore, hearing my boss that there's another one in the district called Si Satchanalai got me even more excited. 


 We took the university bus and arrived at Si Satchanalai in a two hour trip. It could have been an hour and a few minutes had we not stopped somewhere to pick some of their friends up. 

 Read my post about the one in downtown: Sukothai Historical Park

Si Satchanalai temples are more preserved-looking compared to the famous one in downtown Sukhothai. As you can see from the photos, they looked more like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The park doesn't have a wide land area as oppose to the one found in downtown where you need to have a bicycle to cover its entirety. But still, the temple designs (ancient) and the landscape (modern) of the park are amazing. 

So if you have time, please do visit this place. It's a guaranteed time-travel.
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Visiting the old Thai Kingdom of Sukhothai

One of the most memorable trips I had was in January 2011. Just before my sister left for Italy, we brought her to the amazing architectural ruins of Sukhothai; one of ancient kingdoms that controlled much of present day Thailand.

 Although it can't compete with the great Angkor of Cambodia, the ancient ruins of Sukothai which date back to the 13th century are amazing just the same. It is regarded by many as the birthplace of Thailand. Seeing the ruins gives a feeling of being transported back time.

The Sukhothai Historical Park

 The Sukhothai Historical Park is divided into five zones; north, south, east, west and central zones. The central zone is the largest and houses the most ruins including Wat Mahathat, the most famous and most important temple. 


 On December 21, 1991, UNESCO declared Sukhothai as a World Heritage Site. This 70 square kilometer area halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai receives thousands of visitors each year. Tourist tour the massive park either on foot or a bicycle. I recommend riding a bicycle costing only 30 baht which can be rented from the stalls outside the entrance.

Park Admission

 Entrance fees for foreigners are different compared to the locals. Foreigners are charged 100 baht per zone as opposed to 30 baht for Thais. However, you can purchase a pass to all five zones for 350 baht but it's only good for one day.

How to get there?

 Bangkok and Chiang Mai have regular buses that stop in Sukhothai. From downtown, it's another 12 km drive to the old city via a songthaew (a pick up truck turned shared taxi), tuk tuk and motorbike taxis.

 If you're staying for a couple of days, it is best to rent a motorbike which you can use to go to different places like the old city, bus station, hotel and other places of interest for only 250 baht a day. Renting is more convenient and way cheaper than commuting as well.

 Where to stay?

 Nothing is more economical than looking up online as to where you plan to stay and which restaurant to eat before making your trip to Sukhothai. If you want to stay close to the old city, there are guesthouses which aren't that pricey and only takes about less than 5 minutes of walk. Apart from that there's an evening market where you can order different foods - fresh ones and made to order.

 We didn't stay for a night when we visited Sukhothai. I live in Phitsanulok which is only an hour away. But if we did, the Old City Guesthouse which is only 250 baht a night will be on our list. It doesn't have air-conditioner but it has a private bathroom with soap, towels and water.

 We had so much fun. I would gladly do it again if given a chance. How about you? Do you fancy seeing Sukhothai?
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