Ayutthaya or Sukhothai: Which Ancient Capital Should You Visit?

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Sukhothai? They’re both former capital cities with temple ruins, so they should feel about the same, right?

Wrong! The two couldn’t be more different, atmospherically speaking, and you’ll feel the difference within the first half-hour you’re there. Take it from a Thai person!

I personally think Ayutthaya caters better to fast tourists with a very limited time in Thailand, as well as mass tourists who prefer to tick items off their lists.

Sukhothai, however, is very deliberate. If you have more time on your hands, appreciate the cultures and nuances you get from traveling deep, you’ll like it much more.

Not to mention the distance from Bangkok, which will depend largely on how you’re planning the whole trip. Ayutthaya’s an easy 1-hour ride, while Sukhothai’s an hour-ride… by plane.

I’ll walk you through all these points in detail, from vibes, food scenes, to crowd levels. There will be no room left for vague questions by the time you’re done, only clarity and energy for planning!

Ayutthaya vs Sukhothai: Quick Comparison Table

There are a handful of factors to consider when deciding which of the two ancient capital cities to visit. Judging from how close they are to Bangkok isn’t entirely fair in my opinion.

Here’s a quick look. We’ll dive into all of these factors in depth as well.

Introduction to Ayutthaya

Let’s start with the more famous name most people have heard of.

Ayutthaya’s Historical Significance

Recognized as the second capital city of Thailand (then Siam), the Ayutthaya Kingdom was founded in 1351 and later became one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia.

For 416 years, it stood as the main trading hub, attracting merchants from around the globe, from China to Portugal. Alas, the more powerful a kingdom is, the harder it falls.

Ayutthaya was burnt to the ground when it lost its second war against the Burmese in 1767. The ruins you’ll see today are literal remnants of an ancient war.

How to Get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok

Located just 80 kilometers from Bangkok, Ayutthaya will forever have an advantage over Sukhothai for how easy it is to reach.

It works perfectly as a convenient day trip from Bangkok for those who have significantly less time in Thailand. You can easily get there via a rental car, or air-conditioned van, or join a quick day tour.

Local Food in Ayutthaya

Thanks to its central location, the food of Ayutthaya has made its way to other places in the country, including Bangkok.

Chances are, you may have seen these dishes before visiting Ayutthaya. However, the original always does them best.

There’s the boat noodle, small bowls of rice noodles served with thick, flavorful broth.

Then you have the giant river prawns, delicious with the green spicy seafood dip.

Lastly, Roti Sai Mai, is a Thai-style cotton candy wrapped in very thin sheets of Roti.

Vibe and Atmosphere in Ayutthaya

Majestic temple ruins, streets bustling with bikes and foot carts, and beautiful sunsets over the river are some of the popular shots photographers like to capture of Ayutthaya.

Ah! There’s also the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots. You’ve probably seen that, too.

Introduction to Sukhothai

Not to be biased, but my favorite ancient city is the oldest one.

Sukhothai holds a bigger place in the hearts of Thai people as the birthplace of our culture. But I get that being five hours from Bangkok and another five from Chiang Mai can make it less popular.

Sukhothai’s Historical Significance

The Sukhothai Kingdom, established in 1238, is recognized as the first capital city of Thailand. Its name means “the Dawn of Happiness,” and you’ll feel it when you visit.

It was originally an outpost of the ancient Khmer Empire (A.D. 802-1431) until a general led the Tai people to rebel against their leader and establish their own state.

This means that Sukhothai was the start of Thai civilization. It laid the foundation for our language, script, art, and architecture.

Sukhothai was always a peaceful state because it prospered before times of regional wars.

When you do visit, notice how the Buddha statues in the city are either slightly smiling or look at peace, unlike the graver-looking ones in Bangkok and Ayutthaya.

How to Get to Sukhothai from Bangkok

As the furthest northern province of the central region, Sukhothai takes a bit more effort and time (or money) to reach than Ayutthaya.

This is where most travelers are turned away from a potentially magical weekend here.

Driving takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. A bus ride can take up to 8 hours, and a flight takes 45 minutes but costs more money, usually around US$200, sometimes less.

In my opinion, it’s perfect that you can’t make a day trip to Sukhothai because there’s no way you will leave satisfied only after a day. You need at least 2-3 days here!

Local Food in Sukhothai

Sukhothai Noodles are super famous among Thai people, but you’ll never come across it in other provinces. I’ve tried a few “Sukhothai Noodles” closer to Bangkok, and they weren’t it.

These are best eaten without broth. They’re served pretty with all the toppings, pork, long beans, peanuts, and lime, covering the noodles. Squeeze the lime on and mix well before eating.

Another famous dish is the ancient-style omelet stuffed with bean sprouts and pork, eaten with a sweet and spicy cucumber sauce.

And in Si Satchanalai District, you’ll find “Khao Perb,” a dish with flat, fabric-like noodles you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

Vibe and Atmosphere in Sukhothai

Sukhothai also has majestic temple ruins, but it will offer a more secluded, peaceful vibe to the shots taken. Sunrises in this province are more beautiful, especially if you’re up on a mountain.

If it rains the day before, there will be cloud inversions, too!

Deciding Based On Your Schedule

Ayutthaya fits short trips and spontaneous plans from Bangkok. I’ve seen people decide today to book a tour to Ayutthaya tomorrow.

As a local, it’s wild to see decisions being made in a heartbeat among tourists, but that’s what’s possible with Ayutthaya. Follow my weekend itinerary if you have more than a day.

Meanwhile, those who want to visit Sukhothai need to factor it into their planning process. A genuine curiosity for the Thai culture and a love for serene, countryside escapes is a must.

If you want sunrises over cloud inversions and afternoons reading in a rural cafe, start planning for Sukhothai.

Cost and Crowd Comparison

Ayutthaya can get very crowded, especially on weekends, because of its proximity to Bangkok.

Many local hotels have also adopted more modern designs to accommodate luxury travelers. This means a higher cost overall, even though still affordable compared to Bangkok.

Sukhothai is quiet and peaceful, and even quieter in Si Satchanalai, where even fewer people go. The cost is much lower than Ayutthaya, with many hotels being more bed-and-breakfast style.

Everything You’ll Need For Thailand

As you’ve seen, the two cities offer very different things apart from temple ruins. Whichever you choose, triple check the information below and make sure you have everything you need.

All visitors need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no longer than 3 days before their trip to Thailand. Don’t forget to also check your visa requirements!

• Must-have Apps: Grab, Papago AI Translator, Google Maps, TagThai
• Make sure you have travel insurance. I always use SafetyWing or Heymondo.
• Stay connected in Thailand (and Asia) with this eSIM

I recommend learning some local phrases and some cultural dos and don’ts before you arrive for a better experience.

Don’t forget to keep cash on you. The smaller the notes, the better!

Find more guides to support your planning process on my Thailand Cultural Travel page!

Grab My Thailand E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

FAQs: Ayutthaya vs. Sukhothai

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