The Ultimate Visiting Guide to Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai may not get the same hype as Ayutthaya or Chiang Mai, but it absolutely should, and most people have no idea why. That’s where Thai history and script were born!

Growing up a Thai kid, and hating history classes just like kids do, I never paid any attention to it. But when I finally visited for the first time, I was blown away by the majestic ruins, serenity, and the kindness of the locals.

One of the reasons why it’s so underrated is probably because it’s so far from Bangkok. You’d need to drive five hours, or take a quick flight to get there. But is it worth it? Absolutely!

The highlight of the province is Sukhothai Historical Park, but don’t skip a night or two in Ban Na Ton Chan, a peaceful homestay village just an hour north of town.

Now since you’ve decided to check it out, let’s look at how to get there from Bangkok, what to do, what it costs, and how to make the most of your time in Thailand’s oldest capital city!

The Cultural Significance of Sukhothai

Although it may be known to the world as a UNESCO Heritage Site, it has been known to Thai people as our first capital city.

Both reasons should guarantee a worthwhile visit for any cultural traveler.

The name “Sukhothai” means “The Dawn of Happiness,” coincidentally reflective of the peace and quiet its people got to live in before the times of war that followed in Thai history.

Today, it is separated into 2 parts: the modern-day town of Sukhothai, where the locals and their lifestyle spots are, and the Historical Park. The two are about 10 minutes apart by car.

First: How Sukhothai Became Thailand

Sukhothai was once a military outpost within the ancient Khmer Empire.

Then, in 1238, the Tai tribes rebelled against the Khmer governors in the city and established the outpost as an independent Tai state.

This rebellion marked the beginning of Thai history, where traces of modern-day Thai culture started to consolidate.

Over the next century, especially during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (1279-1298), Sukhothai expanded and became a powerful kingdom in Southeast Asia. By 1290, the Thais had a script of their own.

After the death of Ramkhamhaeng, however, Sukhothai began to lose its power, with vassal states backing out one by one and submitting to the rising Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767) instead.

When Maha Thammaracha IV of Sukhothai passed away in 1438, an Ayutthayan prince was sent with his troops as a viceroy. Thus, Sukhothai became a part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Getting to Sukhothai from Bangkok

There are officially 5 ways to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai. I’m only going to list out 3, as I highly recommend not using the train.

Unlike the sky trains in Bangkok, these trains are not in the best state.

You’ll find yourself sitting on hard wooden seats, sweating from the hot outside air, and still having to make transfers and get on more rides from the city to the park.

Method 1: By Bus

The bus is obviously the most economical option, but it will take 7 hours, so consider it only if you have time to spare.

Taking off every hour or two from Bangkok’s Mochit Bus Terminal, which you can easily get to by the sky train, it will take you straight to Sukhothai for roughly 400 Baht ($12).

Method 2: By Plane

For those with a less limited budget but VERY limited time, I suggest taking the plane, which will take you no longer than 2 hours, including check-in and everything else.

It costs $50-60 to fly from Don Mueang Airport. Even if you’re less lucky and have to fly out from Suvarnabhumi, still around $87-140.

Method 3: By Rental Car

Disclaimer: Unless you’re VERY comfortable with driving on unpredictable roads with unpredictable drivers, don’t go with this option.

Thailand’s Car Rental Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have had a driver’s license for at least a year
• The driver’s license must have an English translation
• Must always present a passport with a license
• NOTE: I recommend getting an International Driving Permit. I do it when traveling, too.

Driving there will take you from 5-6 hours. The better part is you have the car to yourself for the whole trip (if you feel safe driving, of course).

Rental cars start at surprisingly low rates here, around $190 per week, not including gas and insurance.

Where to Stay in Sukhothai

I was looking at a couple of top options and ended up staying at Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort, which completely exceeded my expectations.

Points to note: Most, if not all, of these hotel concierges will gladly call a ride for you to go to the park. The ride costs around 60-80 Baht (US$ 2-3) depending on the distance.

Tier 1: Legendha Sukhothai Hotel

• Room pricing here ranges from 2,900-7,000 Baht (Approx. $83-200) with the most expensive being a two-bedroom villa.

Tier 2: Sriwilai Sukhothai

• A block or so further away from the park, this is the mid-tier option.
• Price ranges from 2,800-4,300 Baht (Approx. $80-124), unfortunately, no villa option here.

Tier 3: Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort (Recommended)

• Rooms and villas ranging between 900-2,000 Baht (US$ 26-60).
• The staff was very attentive, quick to respond, and very polite throughout our stay.
• The bed was also to die for. So comfortable it was hard to get up in the morning!

Sukhothai Historical Park: Visitors’ Information

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Admission Fee: 100 Baht (US$3), 110 Baht if entering with a bike
• Bike Rental: A handful of rental shops are right outside the park gate. Rental on average is 30-50 Baht per day (US$1-2).

There is no strict dress code like in the operating temples, but I recommend treating the park as if everything were still in operation.

Wear sleeved tops that cover your shoulders and skirts or pants that cover your knees. Keep it light so you can withstand the heat while you explore.

My 8 Favorite Sights in the Historical Park

Sukhothai Historical Park is a perfect place for a few slow days on your Thailand trip.

There are 150+ ruins scattered around the park. Twenty-six of them are temples.

Eight of the temples are inside the actual “park” area where you can easily cycle or walk around with not much car traffic. I’ll call this the “central zone.”

About 10 more are outside the park but inside the old city wall. The rest are further away but still considered close with other means of traveling, other than walking. (Hint: Rent the bikes!)

I tried my best to narrow things down to the top eight for you. If you end up with extra time left, then by all means, SEE EVERYTHING!

1. Wat Mahathat (Central Zone)

Entering the park gate along the main road, this will be the first magnificent sight that greets you to the left.

Wat Mahathat is the biggest temple in the park.

It served as the kingdom’s royal chapel (like what Wat Phra Kaew is to Bangkok today) for 200 years and was where important religious ceremonies were held for the kingdom.

2. Noen Prasat (Central Zone)

Don’t miss out on the inconspicuous platform across the street from Wat Mahathat’s entrance.

It may look like nothing today, but this is the base of the old royal palace where the kings resided. It was also here that Ramkhamhaeng the Great first inscribed the Thai script on a piece of stone.

3. Wat Si Sawai (Central Zone)

As a history lover, this was one of my top favorites in the park!

Wat Si Sawai is one of the only three structures in Sukhothai known to have been standing since before the Thai rebellion. It could very well be over a thousand years old. Plus, isn’t it beautiful?

4. Wat Sa Si (Central Zone)

Known as the most beautiful temple in the Sukhothai Kingdom, Wat Sa Si faces a lake and looks absolutely impressive from the other side.

I’d suggest visiting in the morning to see the light shining onto the temple. But if you go right before sunset, you’ll get beautiful silhouetted shots of the main stupa.

5. Wat Trapang Thong (East Zone)

This is the only working temple in and around the historical park area. The ancient stupa is still standing, but you’ll see new sanctuaries built for practical purposes as well.

The most iconic thing about Wat Trapang Thong is its “Sapan Boon,” meaning “bridge of merits” that leads visitors over the lake to the temple.

Every day at 6:00 am sharp, Thai people would line up on this bridge to make food offerings to the monks, a longstanding Buddhist tradition.

It is known as something you must do when visiting Sukhothai.

If you’d like to join the locals and go all in with your Sukhothai trip, be in line at the bridge in polite attire (long pants, sleeved tops) by 5:40 am.

There will be plenty of vendors selling food nearby for the offering.

6. Wat Chang Lom (East Zone)

The name means “temple surrounded by elephants,” and you’ll see why!

In ancient Thai culture, elephants were seen as strong enough to move rocks and defend cities (old kings fought wars on the backs of elephants).

So they became a symbol of physical and mental strength, used to stand guard outside temples where peace and faith are stored.

Since there’s another Wat Chang Lom in Si Satchanalai Historical Park as well, don’t confuse the two! And yes, that one is also surrounded by elephants.

7. Wat Si Chum (North Zone)

After Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum is easily the biggest attraction in Sukhothai, even for locals. Only the Mondop structure is left intact.

Inside the Mondop is a Buddha image that’s 11.3 meters in width, and with a height so magnificent, you just have to see it in person.

The disintegrated roof also exposes the Buddha and its spectators to natural light, making the sight much more impressive.

8. Wat Saphan Hin (West Zone)

Apart from the unique “bridge of stone” you need to hike to get up, not much is left of Wat Saphan Hin apart from a very old standing Buddha statue.

But the stone bridge is worth a picture or two, and this particular Buddha image was so significant that it was mentioned in the first Thai inscription!

Ways to Get Around in Sukhothai

In addition to rental bikes, below are the two most common ways you can get around town.

Sukhothai Tuk-Tuks

I honestly love how the old capitals of Thailand all have their own version of Tuk-tuks. You’ve probably seen the highly commercialized Bangkok ones. Ayutthaya‘s also got its own version.

In Sukhothai, you’ll easily see these lined up in front of the park visitor center.

They look like a hybrid between a Bangkok tuk-tuk and a golf cart, painted in vibrant colors like blue, red, or orange.

These local drivers are super friendly and tend to pack heaps of knowledge about Sukhothai, so they can guide their passengers.

They usually charge by the hour, between 250-350 Baht each hour (US$7-10).

Hire one of the tuk-tuks to get you around the 26 temples, or from the park to the bus terminal if you’re doing a day trip elsewhere!

Motorbike Passenger Trucks

If you think they sound weird, they are.

They look like a hybrid between a Bangkok tuk-tuk and a Songtaew (open-air passenger truck). There’s a driver in front with a motorbike… which is hooked up to, uh, a Songtaew bogie.

These hold around 4-6 people at a time, with 2 rows of 2-3 each facing each other.

A quick 10-minute trip from one of the nearby hotels to the park would cost you only 60 Baht (US$2) on these. If you ask your hotel concierge to call you a ride to the park, it’s very likely going to be one of these bike trucks.

But hey… You haven’t been to Sukhothai if you didn’t hop on one!

Local Dishes in Sukhothai

Of course, all Thai food is delicious. The two I’ve listed here, however, are the ones you will NOT find anywhere else in the country. It has to be here in Sukhothai, and HERE ONLY. Don’t miss out!

Sukhothai Noodles

This is another variation of Thai rice noodles but without soup. The sauce is “Spicy Pork Tom Yum,” so be prepared to sweat a bit.

The unique element here is instead of traditional noodle veggie choices like kale or celery, you get sliced-up yard-long beans instead!

I was skeptical at first, but oh boy, did it go so well with the taste.

You can order it with soup or without, but I recommend trying it the traditional way first, which is without.

Where to Eat the Best Sukhothai Noodles

• Ban Rak Mai
  • Location:92/10 Thani, Mueang Sukhothai, Sukhothai 64000
  • Contact: +66-81-400-9584 or FB messenger
• Mai Klang Krung (The most famous one, but I personally prefer Baan Rak Mai’s taste)
  • Location: 139 Jarodvithi Thong, Thani, Mueang Sukhothai, Sukhothai 64000
  • Contact: +66-55-621-882

Sukhothai Omelet

Officially known in Thai as “Khanom Bueang,” this is not to be confused with the generic Khanom Bueang or Thai crepes you find at street stalls.

This dish is actually an omelet! Stuffed with pork and bean sprouts, enjoy it with Thai Achar (pickled vegetable sauce) and maybe a cup of jasmine rice if you have a big appetite.

Where to Eat the Best Sukhothai Omelet

• Ban Rak Mai
  • Location: 92/10 Thani, Mueang Sukhothai, Sukhothai 64000
  • Contact: +66-81-400-9584 or FB messenger

Recommended Trips from Sukhothai Historical Park

While the main historical park has a lot to offer and I recommend basing yourself there, below are two spots in the surrounding area that you shouldn’t miss, either.

Trip 1: Si Satchanalai Historical Park

An “Associated Historic Town” to Sukhothai and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Si Satchanalai is about an hour north and an easy day trip.

There are about 25 temple sites and monuments to see inside the city wall, and a handful more in the surrounding area. Sounds like a lot, but one day is more than enough.

While Sukhothai was the King’s seat and the administrative center of the kingdom, Si Satchanalai was the crown prince’s quarter and the spiritual center.

Taking a walk around this park today, you can still feel its spiritual power. Well-covered under trees with rays of light shining through, you’ll find yourself in a mystical forest with beautiful castle ruins hidden in between.

How to get there from Sukhothai Historical Park

Take a Songtaew (passenger pick-up truck) from Sukhothai Historical Park to the Sukhothai City bus terminal for about 60 Baht. (US$2)

Then take a bus from Sukhothai up to Si Satchanalai for 50 Baht. (US$2)

NOTE: I recommend getting to the city bus terminal by 9 AM at the VERY LATEST. There are no such things as bus schedules there. The later you arrive, the less chance you have of getting a bus.

Visitors’ Information

• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Admission Ticket: 100 Baht (US$3.5)
• Bike Rental: 50-60 Baht/Day (US$2)

Trip 2: Ban Na Ton Chan Community

If you have 2 days instead of one, I highly recommend getting out of Sukhothai City and visiting this local community for a night or two.

Ban Na Ton Chan is not one single resort, but a community of locals working together to run a cultural immersion program for visitors.

When you book a homestay through their Facebook page ($30/night/person), they’ll put you up in one of their 16 beautiful homes with a host who’ll live in a completely separate part of the house from you.

The host will greet you when you arrive and bring you traditional meals for dinner and breakfast.

Special Activities

Below are 2 very special experiences you can do here for a very small extra fee.

Evening Cultural Tour

Starting at around 4 PM, a local guide will pick you up in a traditional truck. They’ll drive you around to explore the local culture with multiple stops.

You’ll get to taste the local lime and honey snack, walk in a rice field, see the other homes, and try your hand at a traditional fabric-making machine.

Price: 450 Baht per person (US$13)

Sunrise Cloud Inversion Hike

Even if you’re not a morning person, don’t miss out on this one. And don’t forget to ask your host for some coffee for “tomorrow’s hike” the night before. Bring the coffee with you.

Your guide will pick you up at 4 am sharp to hike up to the village viewpoint.

The 1 km hike takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness. And it’s in complete darkness, so bring a headlamp.

Once you’re up there, your guide will prepare the coffee you’ve brought and serve it to you in a bamboo mug. Yes, the actual, freshly-cut bamboo trunk. It kicks up an aroma like nothing else.

As you enjoy your coffee, watch the sunrise over cloud inversions. Magical, right?

Price: 450 Baht per person (US$13)

Getting there from Sukhothai

Take a tuk-tuk from the park to the Sukhothai City bus terminal for 100-150 Baht (US$3-4)

Buy a ticket for an air-conditioned bus to Ban Na Ton Chan for 50 Baht (US$2)

Ask the bus conductor to let you know when you’ve arrived at the correct stop. Some would even go as far as calling a motorbike taxi for you.

Take a motorbike taxi from the bus stop to the village for about 160-200 Baht (US$5-6)

Estimated Travel Budget for Sukhothai

Below, I’ve gathered all the prices I mentioned earlier and put them into a list so it’s easier and more accurate for you when planning.

Note: Everything is listed on the higher end and for one person.

Starting with the big bucks like travel to and back, and accommodations first, I’ll assume a 7-day trip.

Pre-Trip: Transportation Bookings

• Bus: $15 x2 = $30
• Plane: $140 x2 = $280
• Taxi: $230 x2 = $460
• Rental Car: $190 (for the week)
  • AND Gas: $100 (Estimated distance total: 700 miles)

Pre-Trip: Lodging

With the hotel cost, I’m going with the average point between all 3 recommended hotels. Of course, it goes down if you go with my recommended option!

For 6 nights: $140 x6 = $840

During the Trip: Daily Budget

Below are the little costs that I’ll list for one day. Multiply it by the number of days you plan to stay in Sukhothai, then add that number to the pre-trip booking costs.

Transportation of choice

• Tuk-tuk: $10 x7 = $70 (if you’re not worn out after hour 7, then I commend you…)
• Motorbike truck: $60 x2 = $120 (assuming you’ll travel from and back to your hotel and rent a bike)
• Bike rental: $2

Food

Meals: $5 x3 = $15

Snacks: $10

Tickets

Entrance: $3

During the Trip: Day Trip expenses

If you plan to visit Ban Na Ton Chan or Si Satchanalai, add the numbers from this section to your budget.

Transportation (to and back)

• Songtaew / Tuk-tuk (Sukhothai park-Sukhothai terminal)
  • $2 x2 = $4
• Bus (Sukhothai terminal-Si Satchanalai/Ban Na Ton Chan)
  • $3 x2 = $6
• Motorbike taxi (Village-Bus stop)
  • $6

Homestay

Per night: $30

Tours and Tickets

• Village Tour: $13
• Sunrise Tour: $13
• Si Satchanalai entrance: $3
• Si Satchanalai bike rental: $2

Here’s My Recommended Itinerary for Sukhothai

Not sure how to squeeze all this information into your schedule?

I’ve designed a culture-forward itinerary for four days in Sukhothai, which include the historical park, a quick visit to Si Satchanalai, and a night at Ban Na Ton Chan.

If you also want a real-time commentary from a local as you explore the temples of the main park, this 7-hour biking tour comes highly recommended and can easily fit into day two.

Travel Tips for Thailand

All visitors need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no longer than 3 days before their trip to Thailand. And if applicable, a visa.

I recommend learning some local phrases before coming, since Sukhothai will have fewer English speakers than in Bangkok. Knowing the basic dos and don’ts in Thai culture will help as well.

Don’t forget to always have cash on hand. The smaller the notes, the better!

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!

Common Questions

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