Sukhothai - History and New Year celebrations

December 30th/31st: After almost 5 hours in the ice-cold air-conditioned train heading north and another hour in the taxi, we reached Sukhothai, which is considered the first capital of ancient Siam. The ruins of the Historical Parc are a World Heritage Site and are very impressive. We spent the turn of the year 2012/13 here 11 years ago - now it has happened again.

This time our accommodation is very close to the park entrance. There are festivities here over New Year's Eve, the first morning started at six with music and prayers from the loudspeaker... In the evening there is a street market and music from stages, you can let out paper lanterns (donation for the monastery). Part of the central park's ruins and Buddhas are lit by hundreds of large candle bowls - creating a magical atmosphere. We had already taken a lot of photos in the park back then, but this illumination made us pull out the camera again.

The guesthouse has a pool and during the day we are there in the shady wooden shelters and work or read. It's very quiet there because all the tourists are out... We decided against New Year's Eve celebrations, but despite earplugs we woke up at midnight to the banging and a seemingly endless litany of prayers. At some point everything calmed down until the alarm clock rang at 5 a.m.: We had decided to experience the first sunrise of 2024 in a special place!

January 1st: So we got on the bike and rode in the dark without lights through the already surprisingly busy streets to Wat Samphan Hin, which is a bit out of the way. There on a hill about 300m high there is a large Buddha statue facing east. We were the first there shortly after six - the turn of the year had just taken place in Germany... A few early risers joined us. It was a wonderful and special atmosphere... The younger Thais and the Westerners were taking photos - a few older Thais had come with offerings to the Buddha and were praying.

It was a wonderful start to the new year and well worth the effort of getting up early!