2/40.- Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai

The Sukhothai Kingdom existed from 1238 to 1438. The kingdom's decline led to the abandonment of the royal city of Sukhothai, leaving spectacular ruins which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.

Unlikely Ayutthaya, another ancient Thai capital nearer to Bangkok, this site was not sacked and destroyed by invaders and is therefore somewhat more intact. Wat Mahathat, the royal temple complex, covers a relatively large area, with plenty of chedis, Buddhas, carvings, columns, etc.

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