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If you are planning to visit Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand, you will find this site very useful. It offers comprehensive information on hotels, flights, activities and transport options for your trip. You can be directed to the best places to book transport, hotels and tours. This site will help you make the most of your Sukhothai experience.
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Fast history
Sukhothai is said to be the origin of the Thai people, a local tribe (for lack of a better word). Here, the Thais were under Khmer rule but broke free to set up a kingdom called "Sukhothai," which many years later was swallowed up by the Ayutthaya empire, which was primarily a financial takeover and not forced. Then, after a Burmese invasion, some of the people of Sukhothai managed to flee to Ayutthaya, near Bangkok. Then, after a Burmese invasion of Ayutthaya, the people who survived set up the new kingdom in Bangkok and became powerful across Siam again, with Bangkok as the capital. This is a fundamental story. See the link for a more detailed history!
The best way to experience the historic town of Sukhothai is by bike; there are many places to rent bikes near the historical site for extremely cheap, about 30 Bhat (less than £1 or US $1), or else you'll have a big walk to do. Try to avoid the midday heat and take water! Cover Yourself too!
The temples here date to different periods; the oldest is a 12th-century temple, Khumar temple, look for the cone shapes.
Sukhothai is also known for its pottery, the green pottery that is hand-made in Sukhothai is very traditional Thai in appearance, and it is well worth getting if it fits in your suitcase. The pottery is still made the same way as it was in the Sukhothai period.
Try to come here on the weekend to check out the weekend night market next to the historical park; the picture at the very top of this page of the sunset next to the lake is where that weekend night market is, not to be confused with the night market in town, although I'm sure that is also good. Lots of great food and bands, as well as a seating area and goods (T-shirts, etc.), are available at the weekend night market.
There is a new modern town in Sukhothai, so you can still get whatever you would expect from a town and sleep in comfy accommodations.
The more modern town of Sukhothai is located about 12 kilometres east of the historical park, where the ruins of the ancient capital can be found. The town is a convenient base for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the region, as well as enjoying some local cuisine and handicrafts. Sukhothai is also known for its annual Loy Krathong festival, which celebrates the full moon of the 12th lunar month with floating lanterns and fireworks.
For Sukhothai, you should watch my short YouTube video to get a better idea of the place and its information, or even better, lots of great informative tours are available in Sukhothai. After looking around, I believe Get Your Guide has the most options when booking a guided tour of Sukhothai, so I have added a link to them below; just click on the tours tab to skip down there.
TRANSPORT
If you want to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai by public transport. You can choose between the bus and the plane.
Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Sukhothai Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 7 hours. You can book your tickets online or at the bus station. The buses are air-conditioned and have reclining seats, but they may not stop for breaks along the way.
There are daily flights operated by Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sukhothai Airport, which take about an hour and a half. You can book either of these options with the link below.
There are several options for public transport between Chiang Mai and Sukhothai, depending on your budget, time and comfort preferences.
The most convenient and fastest way is to take a direct flight from Chiang Mai International Airport to Sukhothai Airport, which takes about an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which takes about 5 hours.
Some minivans operate between the two cities, which are slightly faster and more comfortable than buses, but also more expensive and less frequent. The minivans take about 4 hours.
Finally, you can also take a train from Chiang Mai Railway Station to Phitsanulok Railway Station, and then transfer to a bus or minivan to Sukhothai.
Use the link below to book these.
ACCOMMODATION
Here are some of the main areas to stay in Sukhothai:
- Old City: This is the area where you can find the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The Old City is ideal for history and culture lovers who want to explore the temples and see the pottery of Sukhothai. There are many guesthouses, hotels and resorts in this area that cater to different needs and tastes. There are many resorts where you are surrounded by nature near here.
- New City: This is the modern part of Sukhothai that lies about 12 km east of the Old City. The New City is where you can find more shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife options. The New City is also convenient for transportation as it has the main bus station and the airport. The New City is suitable for travellers who want to enjoy more amenities and services while staying close to the historical attractions.
TOURS
If you are looking for a unique way to explore the ancient city of Sukhothai, Thailand, you might want to consider a cycle tour. Cycle tours are available in Sukhothai for different levels of fitness and interest. You can choose from half-day, full-day or multi-day tours that will take you to the most impressive historical sites, scenic countryside and local villages. You will also get to learn about the culture and history of Sukhothai from your knowledgeable guide. Cycle tours are a great way to enjoy the natural beauty and heritage of Sukhothai while staying active and healthy but make sure you're ready for extreme heat! Cover up or you will burn!
Ayutthaya
Lop Buri
Nakhon Sawan - Bang Mun Nak
Phitsanulok
Sukhothai
Lampang - Chao Son
Chiang Mai
Driving option: Khao Yai
If you are looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience, you might want to consider customising your own tour to the north of Thailand. This tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the historical and natural wonders of central Thailand, before ending in the lively city of Chiang Mai.
You will begin your tour in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where you will marvel at the ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries that testify to the glory of the past. Then, you will travel to Lop Buri, a city with a unique Khmer-style temple and monkeys that live among the locals.
From Lop Buri, you will head to Nakhon Sawan and visit Bang Mun Nak, a town that preserves the traditional wooden architecture and culture of Thailand. You will enjoy the authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality as you explore this quaint town.
Your next destination is Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. You will visit Wat Maha That, a temple that houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Then, you will continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Siam, where you will admire the beautiful ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
After Sukhothai, you will visit Lampang, a town known for its exquisite ceramics and rich heritage. You will learn about the history and culture of this region and see how the locals make their pottery.
Your tour will conclude in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. You will explore the vibrant city and its historic temples, as well as enjoy the nightlife and shopping options.
This tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of central and northern Thailand. You will discover the amazing history, culture, and nature of this region and create unforgettable memories.
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