Sukhothai, which literally means 'dawn of happiness', is renowned for its splendid historic remains. Cultural expeditions in and around the city can provide visitors with a fascinating travel experience.

Located 427 kilometers north of Bangkok, visitors to Sukhothai are rewarded with idyllic historical parks, art and crafts villages, as well as an excellent choice of comfortable accommodation featuring elements of traditional Thai architecture.

Ruean Thai Hotel is a boutique hotel that offers a particularly exclusive atmosphere, providing guests with a feel for years gone by. It's just a 15-minute walk from the hotel to the city's commercial center, where you can enjoy sample some local shopping treats and a wide range of dining options as night falls.

The hotel has 28 rooms, categorized as standard, superior, and deluxe. In the center sits a luxurious pool for those who enjoy swimming or simply wish to 'cool off'.

The open area, featuring wooden flooring, on the first floor resembles the kind of traditional terrace you would find in the home of a Thai noble.

Standard rooms on the ground floor provide clean and comfortable facilities, while the superior and deluxe rooms, located on the first floor, have been specially designed to emphasize unique Thai touches.

The materials used to create these rooms were actually sourced from traditional Thai homes. The rooms feature teakwood wardrobes and dressing tables. Collectible artifacts from Sukhothai, including earthenware, wood carvings, and woven fabrics are displayed on the walls or elsewhere giving each room its own unique feel.

All rooms feature a King-size bed or two twin beds, satellite TV, a refrigerator, and a snack basket. Prices range from 1,200 to 3,200 baht (US$35-94).

The hotel’s beautifully-manicured gardens include tropical plants, ornamental fountains, as well as earthen pottery containing water flora. White rabbits roam freely around the grounds.

Guests who just can't escape their world of work can get connected by utilizing a computer terminal. There are several, featuring high-speed Internet access, located in the hotel's lobby area.

When it comes to venturing out to experience the area's impressive cultural sites, guests can easily reach Sukhothai Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which is located just 12 km from the new city, in about 15 minutes. Si Satchanalai Historical Park, located in Si Satchanalai district, is 67-km away and takes about an hour to reach by car.