Wat Thawet, Sukhothai

A very different temple from the classic ruins of Sukhothai: a garden of hundreds of handmade concrete statues telling the story of the Ramayana, scenes of Buddhist heaven and a graphic depiction of hell, where sinners are punished in gruesome ways. The statues were started by a monk who dreamed of them, and his work has been continued over decades.

It's free to enter (donations welcome), quiet and rarely visited. If you're 'templed out' after the Sukhothai Historical Park, it's a perfect break.

It's an easy bike ride of about 7 km from New Sukhothai or a short ride from the historical park. Ask at your guesthouse for directions, as it's down small country lanes.