Ok, so it's no Angkor Wat, but the Sukhotai ruins are very National Trust -- being one of Thailand's most impressive World Heritage sites, and all. The beautifully maintained park includes remains of 21 historical sites and four large ponds, full of water lilies, within the old walls.

The most enjoyable way to explore is by bicycle (you create your own wind) . There are so many bike-hire shops outside the gates that's it really easy to find a comfortable ride (there's nothing worse than a bike with a rock hard seat, that constantly veers to the left). And if your budgeting on a shoes string, you can always do-it-like-a-local and ride tandem... Not an option for David and I: neither of us have short enough legs to sit comfortably on the back rack where they've added a second seat.

The massive group of school children, who descended on the park moments after our arrival, had no trouble riding two (or even three) to a bicycle -- often with the passenger shading both with an umbrella.

Thankfully, despite the obvious popularity of the park, it's quite expansive, so quite easy to find some solitude.