"City of historical treasures and ancient Thai grandeur"

Sukhothai

Sukhothai, a journey through time via its ruins and rich cultural heritage.

Here is your guide to discovering Sukhothai. You will find essential information you need to know before visiting, such as must-see sites, areas of the city, and tips to make your trip easier.

How many days should I stay in Bangkok?

Frequent areas among female travelers

Viajera en Tailandia Tips for Viajera en Tailandia

Sukhothai is a historic city in northern Thailand. It was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, considered the origin of Thai civilization. Founded by King Ramkhamhaeng, the kingdom flourished in art, architecture, and Buddhist religion.

The historic district of this city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is home to ancient temples and monuments. Today, this city is a popular destination for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a fascinating glimpse into Thailand's past.

How many days should I stay in Sukhothai?

I would recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in this city to get the most out of the experience. This will allow you to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park, which has numerous ancient temples and monuments, with enough time to appreciate their architecture and historical details.

With two or three days, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and cultural richness of Sukhothai at your own pace and capture the essence of this fascinating historical destination.

Frequent areas among female travelers

These areas are a sample of what Sukhothai has to offer, combining history, culture, gastronomy, and nature in a truly enchanting destination:

Historic Area of Sukhothai
Also known as the "Old City," this is the city's main attraction and home to the ancient ruins of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I recommend staying in this area, where the historical park is located, as it's the most convenient way to save time and money.Here you’ll find impressive temples, Buddhist statues, and fascinating architecture that will transport you back in time.

The New City of Sukhothai
It's located about 10 km from the historic district and is a small town where you can experience Thai life like a local, but I don't recommend staying in this area.

Must-sees in Sukhothai

Historic park

Exploring the ruins of the old city in Sukhothai Historical Park is fascinating. This site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is undoubtedly the main attraction and reason why people visit this city. Its incredible ancient temples and ruins make it a unique place in the country. It is perhaps less well known than Ayutthaya because it is in the central part of the country and is not a stop that many travelers make. Among the temples that you cannot miss in the historical park and its surroundings while riding a bicycle are Wat Si Chum, Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Khao Phra Bat Noi, Wat Chedi Ngarm, and Wat Sorasak.

How to get around in Sukhothai?

One of the most popular and convenient ways to get around is by renting a bicycle. The old town and its surroundings are flat and perfect for cycling, allowing you to explore the temples and archaeological sites at your own pace.

You can also choose to use the services of tuk-tuks and local taxis, which are available in the city and can take you to different places of interest. In addition, walking is a viable alternative, as there are well-marked trails and clear signage in the park.

How to get to Sukhothai?

Sukhothai Airport (THS)

To reach Sukhothai by air, you can fly to Sukhothai Airport (THS), which is located near the city of Sukhothai. However, please note that Sukhothai Airport has limited connections and only receives domestic flights from Bangkok.

The most common way to get there is to fly to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Sukhothai Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour. Now I will show you the estimated travel times and costs from different cities in Thailand to Sukhothai, starting with Bangkok:

Flight (3 hrs)

Once you arrive at Sukhothai Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to the Sukhothai Historical Park area. The flight from Bangkok will cost between $81 and $186.

Bus (7 hrs)

This is perhaps the fastest route by land. Go to the Mochit terminal in Bangkok and buy a ticket to the Sukhothai terminal. This will cost between $8 and $13.

From the north (Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai):

Bus or Minivan (6–7 hours)

From Chiang Mai, take a minivan from Terminal 3. It will drop you off at Sukhothai Historical Park. The cost will be between $28 and $33, but you'll arrive in record time.From Chiang Rai, a bus ticket will cost you around $108-104 USD. Keep in mind that at the end of both journeys, you will need to take a taxi to get to your destination.

Train (8 hrs)

These trains only run once a day, but this mode of transport will allow you to see Thailand in a different light. Once in Sukhothai, the train will drop you off at Phichai. In total, you will have spent around $73–118.