Out of Norm Travels

The ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai (Thai: สุโขทัย ) - Sukhothai is from Sanskrit sukha (सुख "happiness") + udaya (उदय "rise, emergence"), meaning "dawn of happiness".   According to the Lonely Planet, the Sukhothai (Rising of Happiness) Kingdom flourished from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century. This period is often viewed as the golden age of Thai civilisation, and the religious art and architecture of the era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles. The remains of the kingdom, today known as meuang gòw (old city), feature around 45 sq km of partially rebuilt ruins, which are one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Wat Mahathat translates as “great relic”, and it is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Thailand.      Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai    Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai  Wat Si Chum Temple is a 13 th century temple enshrining the largest Buddha image in Sukhothai measurin...

Ko Kret or Koh Kred aka Pak Kret is essentially an Island in the middle of Bangkok City, Thailand along the Chao Praya River. Interesting to see the Mon tribe residing at this  island which was created back in 18th century when a canal was constructed  and eventually due to widening, created an island. The tribe retained a distinct identity in their version of Buddhism and, particularly at Ko Kret, their pottery. Did a round boat trip with a drop-off at the pottery, local temple and the biggest Buddha by the river.  Although it is within Bangkok Koh Kret is  another world compared to Bangkok as much of the island is what you would imagine rustic Bangkok with wooden planks at your feet and a certain village air where everyone knows everyone stays in the same area come out to greet each other for the day before going about their business. Much of your day there can be spent just walking around - during the weekends, there is a bustling market but during...