Visit Sukhothai

The birthplace of Thai civilisation

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    Step back in time to the foundations of Thai culture, at the UNESCO World Heritage site Sukhothai Historical Park in Sukhothai province, Northern Thailand. The ancient city of Sukhothai, the former capital of Siam and birthplace of the Thai alphabet and many elements of Thai culture, transformed into this historical venue, covers an area of about 70 square kilometres and contains more than 190 ruins of historical sites complete with fortification and a moat that existed during the golden age of Thai civilisation around the 13th to 14th century. Guests are welcome to enjoy the Sukhothai hotels, the quiet coolness of the rainy season in the province and the rice fields that can be found in rural parts of the country.

    There are five zones inside the area, each requiring an admission ticket. If you plan on visiting all the zones, it’s more convenient to buy combination tickets. You should, though, as omitting a visit to the historical location in your list of things to do in Sukhothai province, will be one regret to your Sukhothai holiday.

    From Sukhothai Airport to the park takes 42 minutes and costs around 148 baht per person. As can be seen in any Sukhothai map, there’s only 41.3 km between these two sites, using either Route 125 and Route 1195.

    Things to do in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

    Temples and Sights in The Sukhothai Historical Park

    Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)

    At the Central zone right in the centre of Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Mahathat Temple ruins, the largest and most important temple of the empire and the ruins of what was once the royal palace. Throughout the area, you will see architecture reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, representing the Khmer empire and their Hindu beliefs that ruled over this region until the 13th century. After Siam gained independence, Theravada Buddhism swept through the kingdom, replacing Hinduism as the practised religion and influencing the spiritual practices of modern Thailand.

    Dated in the 13th century, Wat Mahathat temple, founded by Sri Indraditya, the first king of the Sukhothai empire and was built following the Mandala concept, the ancient Hindu symbol of the universe. The original Wat Mahathat was small and later enlarged by subsequent kings.

    Wat Sri Chum (Wat Si Chum)

    A popular temple in Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Sri Chum with its huge seated Buddha image standing 15 metres tall that you can catch a glimpse of through a narrow vertical opening at its entrance. A secret passage was found leading up to the Buddha’s head but the purpose of this remains unknown. Wat Si Chum translates to “temple of the bodhi tree.”

    Wat Phra Pai Luang

    The 13th century Wat Phra Pai Luang in Sukhothai Historical Park is on the original site where the Sukhothai Kingdom was believed to have been founded. It features a mix of Khmer-style architecture and Lopburi classic decorative motifs which is reflective of the period when Sukhothai was transforming from ancient Khmer-Hinduism to Theravada Buddhism- which still stands today. This architecture features towering corn-cob like structures called prangs- originally four Khmer style prangs, with only one remaining intact.

    Wat Sri Sawai (also Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sri Savaya)

    Originally located outside the city wall of the Sukhothai Historical Park Central Zone, Wat Sri Sawai features strong Khmer-style architecture with classic three corn-shaped prangs but decorated with art featuring stucco reliefs of dancing apsaras in Lopburi costumes and floral motifs that are reflective of Sukhothai’s craftsmanship.

    Its beautiful ruins date from the late 12th to early 13th century before the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom, Wat Si Sawai is one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai.

    Wat Sa Si

    Wat Sa Si Temple, meaning “Sacred Pond Monastery” is set on two small moat islands and located in the middle of a large reservoir called Tra Phang Tra Kuan. It has a bell-shaped chedi, a vihara and the ordination hall in the middle of the reservoir, making it one of the most beautiful sites in Sukhothai. There is a wooden bridge that leads to the ancient stupa.

    In front of the temple is a beautiful lotus pond filled with colourful lotus flowers, a lovely sight to behold in the early morning!

    Wat Saphan Hin (Temple of the Stone Bridge)

    The Wat Saphan Hin Temple is a small temple built on a hilltop facing Old Sukhothai. Known for its large 12-metre tall standing Buddha (known as Phra Attharot), Wat Saphan Hin is located near the West zone entrance gate. The name “wat Saphan hin” is for the slate stone path leading to the top, from which visitors get to see the beautiful surrounding areas.

    The Phra Attharot Buddha is mentioned in stone inscriptions and is believed to have been worshipped by King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, riding on his white elephant to the temple.

    Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

    From 1913 to the 1960s, Thailand’s Fine Arts Department through its Division of Archeology conducted a survey and excavations for the restoration of the ancient city of Sukhothai. With the artefacts found, the government decided to create a national museum to preserve Thai cultural heritage. Thus, from 196o-1963 the museum was built and established with the name of King Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.

    The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is one of Thailand’s official national museums and is one of the popular Sukhothai attractions, being right opposite the Sukhothai Historical Park. At the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, visitors will find artifacts and antiques discovered after a series of excavations in the aforementioned location and the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park in the 1960s.

    The Ramkhamhaeng Museum collection includes archaeological artefacts from Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Kamphaeng Phet and Petchabun and art collectables such as stucco reliefs Buddha statues (regarded as the most beautiful Buddhist images in Thai history). But besides the Buddha statues, there are also inscribed stones, Chinese porcelain evidencing the prosperity of the Sukhothai Empire, Hindu bronze sculptures and Sangkhalok ceramic wares from the Sukhothai kingdom period. The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is the national museum in Sukhothai province.

    The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is 150 baht per person. This should definitely be on your list of things to do in Sukhothai!

    Sukhothai Night Market

    Sukhothai is also a great destination to tour with kids. Families can explore the historical park in a tuk-tuk, hopping on and off at points of interest. This is a safe and fun way to discover fascinating sites together. The Sukhothai Night Market comes alive on Saturday evenings. Grab some local dinner on the array of street food choices and even have a dance on the purpose-built dancefloor or enjoy a local concert performance. This night market is not in the city centre but within the Sukhothai Historical Park Central zone.

    The Sukhothai Saturday Night Market is on Nikorn Kasem Road, next to the park and after the Phra Ruang Bridge. In the late afternoon, the street gets transformed into a walking street with the street food stalls lining both sides. You can get the best Thai food from these stalls.

    Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary

    Among the things to do in Sukhothai with your family would be an excellent day trip to learn about Thai wildlife. About 1.5 hours north of Sukhothai is the Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary that takes care of rescued and retired elephants who live in the 750 acres of forested and protected land. Here elephants live with dignity and respect without being subjected to any work or entertainment duties. This is a great place for your kids to learn about these gentle giants within their natural habitat.

    What are the other attractions of Sukhothai Province, Thailand?

    Si Satchanalai Historical Park

    The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is another Thai historical park in Sukhothai province. The 45 square metre park includes the ruins of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang. Si Satchanalai, meaning “City of Good People,” was founded in 1250 as the second centre (after Sukhothai) of the former Sukhothai Kingdom and home to the crown prince during the 13th-14th centuries.

    A Sukhothai holiday is incomplete without a visit to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. It now contains the structures of former palaces, temples and homes. The main attractions are: 

    1) Wat Phra Si Mahathat – or Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat or Wat Si Mahathat Chaliang. The biggest and most important of the Sukhothai temples in the Si Satchanalai-Chaliang district.

    2) Wat Chang Lom. Built upon the order of King Ramkhamhaeng in 1286 after a Buddha relic was discovered in the site. The temple’s name comes from the 39 standing statues of full-size elephants on the first tier of the stupa. 

    3) Wat Chedi Let Taew. The name refers to the seven rows of stupa. Located in front of Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Let Taew is considered unique because of its 32 stupas of varying sizes and styles. Moreover, the giant temple signifies that it was built for the royal family. 

    4) Wat Chom Chuen. Near Wat Phra si Ratana Mahathat, there is a vihara, a circular laterite stupa, as well as a mandapa, a laterite gable-roofed structure with 2 niches in front and one at the back. Archaeological excavations exposed 15 skeletons in front of the vihara, believed to be from the 4th-century Dvaravati period. 

    5) Wat Khok Singkharam, an ancient temple in the late Sukhothai to early Ayutthaya eras. The southern wall is the old town wall of Chaliang.

    6) Wat Nang Paya. Meaning ‘Temple of The Queen,’ the local legend attributes the temple to Pasuja Devi, a daughter of the Emperor of China, although no archaeological evidence supports it. The stupa and the vihara remains are typical of Sukhothai and Lanna architecture, with beautiful stucco reliefs on the vihara wall. 

    7) The Thuriang Kilns. Ruins of the old celadon factory, is 5 km north of Si Satchanalai old town, where since the 13th century, Sukhothai celadons were produced, making these probably the oldest kilns in Thailand. There are ceramic wares of bowls and jars on display which had been studied by a group of Thai-Australian archaeologists from the University of Adelaide and concluded to have been produced more than a millennium before the Sukhothai Kingdom, which contradicts the general view that the craft was introduced by the Chinese in the 13th century.

    Located on the Yom River bank almost an hour’s drive from the Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai Historical Park visitors marvel at the Buddha figures, palace buildings, the beautiful garden, and ancient temples. There is an entrance fee of 40 baht per person to this park and it is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It’s a warm place with a rich Thai culture, allowing you to be submerged in Sukhothai heritage.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best outdoor activities in Sukhothai?

    Outdoor things to do in Sukhothai are varied and fun. Self-guided or led biking tours are a fantastic way to take in the marvels of this ancient city at your own pace. Or for an easier ride, you can hire an e-bike or motorcycle to get around. A river cruise along the Yom River is also another lovely relaxing activity available. Because of the warm atmosphere, it’s important to dress comfortably so that you can enjoy the nice place that is Sukhothai.

    Where is the best Sukhothai accommodation?

    You can find the best hotels in Sukhothai, also a boutique hotel, some resorts in the new city (New Sukhothai) and near the old city. Keep in mind that the old city is about 12 kilometres west of the new Sukhothai city. But there are plenty of inexpensive local transport options like tuk-tuks, Songtaews (shared taxis) or motorcycle taxis that can get you around the town easily. Most hotels in New Sukhothai are good value and even offer free pick-up from the bus terminal and free use of bicycles, making access to travel easier for guests. They provide good service from nice staff, along with decent restaurants. This will definitely make you want to stay longer. Rest assured that there is something for every budget in the guestrooms located in Sukhothai. Higher-end resorts and boutique hotels are located closer to the old city. The Sukhothai Bus Terminal is nearer the New Town (New Sukhothai) than the old town where the historical park is located.
    When searching for the best place to stay, like a boutique hotel or a resort or even a simple room where you can have delicious food, then it’s important to know what you want out of your accommodation. Some hotels in Sukhothai are close to restaurants where you can get amazing Thai dishes while other places offer a quiet neighbourhood where you can get up and walk around the area. A resort always offers a balcony or a building close to the beach where you can walk down the shore and admire the view. There are also places that have swimming pools – even an indoor pool – and staff who can give you a great massage. If you want to check out the best hotels, you should read through guest reviews and take note of the rooms offered, the overall budget, the friendly staff and most importantly, if they offer free wifi.

    What does Sukhothai mean?

    The Sukhothai Kingdom (1238 – 1438) was the capital of the kingdom of ancient Siam. Sukhothai means ‘the dawn or raising of happiness.’ Located in Sukhothai is the best place to enjoy a quiet vacation, where you can benefit from delicious food, amazing Thai dishes, a chance to check out other places that are rich in Thai culture.

    How do I get from Bangkok to Sukhothai?

    Sukhothai is approximately 430 kilometres north of Bangkok. The cheapest and most direct transport is by bus which will take about eight hours. A shorter route would be to take a train from Bangkok to Phitsanulok (5 hours) then a bus to Sukhothai (1.5 hours). This is the more comfortable option especially for guests who are travelling with children. The quickest but most expensive option is by plane (1.5 hours). Bangkok Airlines services this route.

    Who was the first king of Sukhothai?

    The centre of Sukhothai heritage is situated in the upper Chao Phraya basin, was founded by Sri Indraditya (1238–60) who became the ruler of the first independent Tai (Thai) state and its people.

    How do I get from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai Thailand?

    The distance is about 300 kilometres. It takes 4.5 hours to drive by car or 7 hours by bus, changing buses at Phitsanulok station then onwards from there (1.5 hours). Another option is a 7-hour train ride to Phichai then a 50-kilometre drive by taxi to Sukhothai. There are no direct flights from Chiang Mai. You must fly to Phitsanulok which takes about 3 hours and 20 mins then catch a ride from the bus stop there. The bus journey takes around 1.5 hours to reach Sukhothai.

    Which is an older kingdom, Sukhothai or Ayutthaya?

    Sukhothai was said to be the ‘first national capital’, followed by Ayutthaya, Thonburi until Rattanakosin or today Bangkok. Thus, the Sukhothai Period was older than the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Sukhothai was originally an outpost during the Khmer empire, called Sukhodaya. During their reign, several monuments were built. Some have survived and can be visited at the historical area– Ta Pha Daeng Shrine, Wat Phra Phai Luang, Wat Si Sawai, among the most popular remaining structures showing Khmer influence.

    What are the top things to do or sites to visit in Sukhothai Province?

    1. Sukhothai Historical Park
    2. Ramkhamhaeng National Park
    3. Si Satchanalai Historical Park
    4. Saturday Night Market
    5. The King Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
    6. Taste Sukhothai noodles
    7. Get a History Lesson at Celadon Kiln Site and Study Centre
    8. Help rescued elephants at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary

    What are the five zones in Sukhothai Historical Park?

    The Central Zone is the most visited part of the park with its ruins of the Old Sukhothai, a rectangular old town surrounded by walls and moats. There are several lotus ponds too, along with 21 ancient structures, some of which are precursors to the Sukhothai era, ancient temples, the King Ramkhamhaeng Monument and the National Museum. It’s like walking through a garden stuck in time. Some of the park’s significant temples are here. In the centre is Wat Mahathat, Wat Sa Si and its walking Buddha images, Wat Traphang Ngoen, the elephant-girded chedi of Wat Sorasak. Khmer influence is seen in one of the oldest temples, Wat Si Sawai with its three well-preserved Khmer-style prangs. The Wat Tra Phang Thong contains a 14th-century stone sculpture of a footprint of the Buddha. The 14th century old Wat Traphang Ngoen name means “silver lake temple.” Other temples and shrines here are the Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Tra Kuan, Wat Tra Phang Thong, and Ta Pha Daeng Shrine. The most convenient way of going around this zone is the tram service. If you want to go further, you can rent a samlor or tuk-tuk.
    The West (Western) Zone (called because it is west of the walled old town) is hilly and forested and has around a dozen or so monuments that are not as visited as other sites. There are: Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Aranyik, Wat Khao Phra Bat Noi, Wat Chedi Ngam, Wat Chang Rob, Wat Mangkorn, Wat Tuk, and Thewalai Mahakaset. Guests can marvel at the sight of nature like it’s their own personal garden.
    The East Zone is outside of the walled area of the zone near the Kamphaeng Hak gate in the East wall, thus its name. It has the Wata Chedi Sung and Wat Chang Lom among the most popular, and also Wat Tra Phang Thong Lang.
    The South Zone is, yes, south of the old walled area, accessed through the Namo gate (Pratu Namo) in the middle of the southern wall. Its largest temple is the Wat Chetuphon, a mandapa with four large Buddha images in various postures facing 4 different directions. there is also the Wat Kon Laeng, Wat Ton Chan, Wat Chedi Si Hong, Wat Si Phichit Kirati Kalayaram, Wat Phrong Men, and Wat Asokaram.
    The North Zone is near the north city wall outside of the walled town. In this zone are several ancient monuments, the park’s information centre and some excavated kilns. The most famous of its attractions is Wat Si Chum, for its huge standing Buddha image and the Wat Phra Phai Luang. Others are Wat Mae Chon, Wat Nong Prue, Wat Rong Khwang Tawan, Wat Om Rop, Wat Sangkhawat, and the Sangkhalok Kilns.

    What are the things to do in Sukhothai at night?

    Sukhothai doesn’t have a “real nightlife” to speak of, compared to the cities. But, there are some pubs and watering holes and the best restaurants near the new town. There is a place called Chopper Bar where you can have cheap local beers and delicious dinner to the beat of live music. Chopper Bar serves lunch and dinner and has a vegetarian-friendly menu, too. At the historical park, there is a light and sound show at 7 pm from Friday to Sunday. Or you can walk along Walking street for the food stalls at the night market and savour some local Thai dishes like the Sukhothai glass noodles in tom yum soup garnished with green beans and peanuts. There is also a popular local bar called Fong Bear where you can sit at a table next to a street food alley open until midnight, just in case you get hungry later and are craving Thai dishes.

    Is Pai Sukhothai Resort a good resort?

    There are a lot of factors when it comes to deciding which place guests want to stay in during their holiday vacation in the area. You can check out rooms, resorts or even a boutique hotel. One of the more popular hotels is the Pai Sukhothai Resort. For some, it could be important for them to be welcomed by a nice staff when they book accommodation. Perhaps a room with a comfortable bed is the only thing that matters for certain guests and foreigners, accompanied by a complimentary wi-fi connection

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