The Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai historical parks amount to one of the world's biggest open-air museums. Enamelled ceramic and celadon ware in ancient styles ready for the market behind Wat Trapang Thong, Sukhothai Historical Park. But besides the impressive architecture, sculptures and art objects that reflect the prosperity of the Sukhothai period seven centuries ago, many more recent attractions await today's visitor. Most journeys, though, still begin at Sukhothai Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Sitting under a shady tree among the ancient ruins, two elderly women sell traditional Thai desserts.
Some local visitors laugh in admiration at the marketing skills of the vendors.
The famous stone inscription by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great proclaims that Sukhothai was a free-trade area 700 years ago, and so it is today. Indeed, Sukhothai people have inherited many excellent skills from their forefathers-witness the artisanship of Prapas Masmai in the ceramic factory behind Wat Trapang Thong inside the park. Schools have taught me just the basic knowledge, but the practical skill comes from my home. Here, the villagers share knowledge among each other. Most of the celadon ware and enamelled ceramics from Sukhothai follow the same patterns as those found decades earlier.