Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Be there promptly at 6:30 a.m. when the gates open. That's the key to this place. The light is soft, the heat hasn't yet set in, and the lotus-bud chedis of Wat Mahathat are reflected in the water, almost deserted. By 11 a.m., you'll be wandering among the ruins in the blazing sun, wondering why you didn't set an alarm.

This was the royal capital of one of Thailand's earliest kingdoms in the 13th and 14th centuries, and its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List is absolutely justified. Palaces, temples, large seated Buddha statues, moats and ponds, and tree-lined pathways stretch across a vast area. The ruins in the center are the most significant. Three outer zones extend further, giving visitors the option of spending half a day instead of just two hours. You can explore the site on foot, take the tram, or rent a bicycle near the main entrance, which I would recommend over the other two options. The distances are considerable, and cycling between the temples is a real treat.

Every November, the Loy Krathong Festival of Sukhothai takes place in the park. Candles flicker among the ruins, krathongs adorn the temple ponds, and each evening visitors are treated to a captivating light and sound show. Sukhothai is considered the birthplace of the festival and is the most atmospheric place to experience it outside of Chiang Mai. Therefore, book early if your travel dates coincide with the full moon.