Thailand's Big Little Airline

Arriving at Sukhothai airport is like checking into a five-star resort. Alighting passengers are greeted with fresh orchids, then whisked to a reception hall in a whimsically decorated electric train that wouldn't look out of place in Disneyland. In fact, the whole airport resembles a Disneyfied version of a traditional Thai village. The open-sided buildings?housing baggage claim, reception, tourist information and ground transportation?are supported by massive stone pillars topped with tiled peaked roofs that slope sharply toward the ground. During the two-minute ride from the aircraft, the train passes an organic rice farm dotted with picturesque water buffalo, lotus ponds, statues...

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