Sukhothai Travel

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Sukhothai is from November to January where the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thai's northern climate making it much more enjoyable to cycle around Sukhothai Historical Park.

March - April is the hottest and humid period of the year so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to rain.

Check the below table for the general idea of Sukhothai weather throughout the year.

Sukhothai’s current weather and 7-day forecast

SUKHOTHAI WEATHER

Many of the best things to do in Sukhothai can be enjoyed self-guided over the span of a couple days; just grab a bicycle and go! 

Sukhothai is older than Ayutthaya, making the surviving ruins there all the more impressive. The Thai system of writing was developed in the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1283. The modern alphabet still looks much like the original stone inscriptions found on ruins around the park!

1. Visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Yes, opting to spend time indoors under fluorescent lighting isn’t easy when so many archaeological treats are waiting in the Sukhothai Historical Park, but learning a little of the history of Sukhothai will greatly enhance your experience there. Without a bit of understanding, all the Buddha statues and restored sites will blur into one big archaeological mess.
You should get to the museum soon after arriving in Sukhothai. If time is short, perhaps consider exploring the ruins filling the Historical Park in the morning (the best time to do so, anyway) then hide from the day's heat in the museum. The time spent in the museum will help you understand what you’ve seen that morning. After it closes in late afternoon, go back to exploring temples and choose a good spot for sunset.

The Ramkhamhaen National Museum is open until 4 p.m. The entry fee is 150 baht and you’ll need to leave your backpack in a locker.

2. Rent a Bicycle and Begin Exploring

Although you can definitely explore the historical zones by foot, having a bicycle greatly increases your range. Many guesthouses will lend bicycles to guests for free. If not, rent one from the shops near the main entrance to the Sukhothai Historical Park.

The bikes may have seen better days, but rentals are inexpensive (40-50 baht per day). A bicycle will allow you to see fringe sites without the added responsibility that comes with driving and parking a scooter.

If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in decades, or feel like being lazy in the heat, jump on the electric tram that circulates the park. Guided tours are only 60 baht.

3. Visit the Sangkhalok Museum

If you thoroughly enjoyed the Ramkhamhaen National Museum, or maybe need a place to duck inside during the rainy season, the Sangkhalok Museum is another good choice.

As with the Ramkhamhaen National Museum, a visit to the Sangkhalok Museum will expand your understanding of the many ruins in the area. The museum is home to a large collection of ancient ceramics — a must for anyone interested in pottery. Admission is around 100 baht.

4. Explore Wat Mahathat

Considered the most important temple in Sukhothai, the “Temple of the Great Relic” is thought to have housed relics from Buddha. Wat Mahathat was constructed between 1292 and 1347; it served as the primary temple for the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Wat Mahathat is the biggest and most visited of all the temple ruins in Sukhothai. Arrive either early or late in the day — doing so will help you avoid most of the tour groups that descend upon the temple. You may also catch a break when they go for lunch.

Note: The name “Wat Mahathat” is used for several temples throughout Thailand, including a popular temple in Ayutthaya.

5. Experience the Magic of Wat Si Chum

Wat Si Chum is one of those sites that brings out the inner Indiana Jones, much like some of the vine-entangled temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Second only to Wat Mahathat in popularity, Wat Si Chum is very photogenic.

The real allure of Wat Si Chum is glimpsing the 50-foot-tall Buddha statue through an equally tall slit at the entrance. The fingers pointing downward have been rubbed with gold. Engraved slates along a corridor depict the life of Buddha. These works of art are considered to be the oldest examples of Thai drawing.

As with Wat Mahathat, visiting early and beating the tour groups is essential for capturing the magic — and good photos — of Wat Si Chum.

6. See the Elephants at Wat Chang Lom

Chang means “elephant” in Thai, and that’s exactly what you’ll see at this beautifully restored temple. The 32 stone elephants that encircle the bell-shaped stupa stand at attention.

Wat Chang Lom is a little outside the usual temple circuit. Find it behind the legendary Sukhothai Hotel and once you've gotten your fill of the temple there're plenty eating and shopping opportunities nearby.

Note: There is another Wat Chang Lom an hour north of Sukhothai. If you’ve hired a driver, make sure they understand which one you wish to visit!

7. See Khmer Architecture at Wat Si Sawai

Wat Si Sawai is different from the rest of the temples in Sukhothai because it was originally a Hindu shrine. It’s also one of the oldest temples there.

Anyone who has already visited Angkor Wat will immediately notice the distinctive, Khmer-style architecture inside the moat. Numerous statues of Hindu deities have been found in the area and are now on display in the national museum. Wat Si Sawai was converted to a Buddhist temple sometime in the 14th century.

8. Watch Sunset at Wat Sa Si

Wat Sa Si is small when compared to the other temples around the historical park, but the serene setting makes up for the size. The temple is surrounded by water and and makes for beautiful sunset photos. With some luck and good lighting, you can get photos with the reds and oranges reflected in the temple lake.

The stupa at Wat Sa Si is round with a point on top, the same style seen throughout Sri Lanka. The chedi is said to house the ashes of a former king of Sukhothai.

9. Take a Day Trip to Si Satchanalai

The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is about an hour's drive north of Sukhothai. Established in 1250, the ruins of the “City of Good People” is like a miniature Sukhothai Historical Park. You’ll find impressive temples, Buddha statues, and the remains of city defenses meant to keep out Burmese invaders. The temple ruins are every bit as impressive as the ones in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

10. Go See the Thuriang Kilns

If you’ve already explored enough temples to experience “wat burnout,” consider driving north to the remains of the Thuriang Kilns. The dozens of ancient ceramic kilns weren’t discovered until the end of the 20th century.
Many kilns are protected from the elements with roofs, making the site a good choice for getting out of the sun or rain for a short while. The nearly 15-foot-long kilns once cranked out ceramic bricks and pottery at the peak of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Budget options

Naracha Resort 

Add: 343/8, Moo 10, Muangkao, Muang, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Offering air-conditioned accommodation located just a few minutes’ walk off the wall of the Sukhothai Historical Park, Naracha Resort features a restaurant, a luscious garden and massage treatments. During the stay guests have access to free parking space on site.

Featuring garden and mountain views, each room comes with a cable TV, a seating area and a patio. The dining area is fitted with a refrigerator and an electronic kettle. Barbecue facilities are also provided. A shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries are standard in all rooms. Guests can select to stay in a cement or earthen unit.

At Resort Naracha, guests can make use of the available facilities including luggage storage and a shared lounge. The property also arrange shuttle service to the airport or local attractions at additional costs.
Local specialists are served at the on-site restaurant. Special diet menus are available upon request.

Blue House Sukhothai 

Add: 295/31 Moo 7 Sirisamaran Rd, Muaeng, 64000 Sukhothai, Thailand

Offering a restaurant, Blue House Sukhothai offers comfortable rooms and complimentary on-site parking. Free WiFi access is available in all rooms. Trairat Morning Market is about a 6-minute walk from the property.

Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with free toiletries.

Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge.

Space Ben Guest House @ Muangkao 

Add: 499/2 Moo 3, Mueang Kao, Muang, Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Located a short walk from the Sukhothai Historical Park, Space ben Guest house @ Muangkao offers free WiFi access.
Rooms at this guest house provide air conditioning, a refrigerator and a flat-screen cable TV. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries and towels.

Other facilities offered at Space ben Guest house include a shared lounge. Drivers enjoy free parking.

Baan B&B Sukhothai 

Add: The City of Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Located 1.9 km from Sukhothai Historical Park, Baan B&B Sukhothai boasts comfortable accommodation in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by greenery. Free WiFi access in all areas and free private parking are both available.

The Thai-style rooms come with cable TV, air conditioning and a spacious balcony with outdoor furniture and views of the garden. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

At Baan B&B Sukhothai guests can opt for a relaxing massage or take a walk around the garden. Services such as bicycle rentals and shuttle services are also available for those who want to explore the city's famous attractions.

Mid-range options

Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort 

Add: 95/10, MooBan Hemalak, Moo3, T.Muangkao,A. Muang Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Offering free WiFi throughout the property, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, shared lounge and garden, Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort is set in Sukhothai. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a children's playground. Free private parking is available and the resort also offers bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the resort all rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Sawasdee Sukhothai Resort offers a continental or buffet breakfast.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.

Sukhothai Garden 

Add: 119 Moo3, Muangkao, Muang, Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Located in Sukhothai, Sukhothai Garden features free bikes, shared lounge, garden, and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation provides room service, valet parking and luggage storage for guests.

Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. All guest rooms at Sukhothai Garden include air conditioning and a wardrobe.

Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Guests at Sukhothai Garden will be able to enjoy activities in and around Sukhothai, like cycling.

Scent of Sukhothai Resort 

Add: 95/14 Moo 3, Khirimas Road, Muang kao, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Situated a 1.1 km drive from the Sukhothai Historical Park, Scent of Sukhothai Resort is a peaceful resort with comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi access is available in the rooms.

The accommodation provides guests with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV and a balcony. There is also a safety deposit box, an electric kettle and a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, the en suite bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.

Guests staying at Scent of Sukhothai Resort can rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding or unwind with a pampering massage. The property offers free parking.

Pottery Street House 

Add: 357/1 Moo 3, Muang, Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Located in the Mueang Kao district of Sukhothai, Pottery Street House provides a garden and a terrace. This 3-star guest house offers luggage storage space. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a desk and free WiFi.

All units at the guest house are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a bidet. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

A continental breakfast is available daily at Pottery Street House.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.

Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort 

Add: 95/8 Old City, Amphoe Muang, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Offering rooms with traditional designs, Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort is 1.5 km away from Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas and the guest rooms.

Built around small gardens, rooms at Thai Thai Sukhothai have wooden furnishings and private terraces. Each room is equipped with a cable TV and fridge.

Guests can relax and enjoy sunbathing by the outdoor swimming pool, rent a bicycle and ride through the park and Muang Kao Market, or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage in the comfort of their rooms. Airport shuttle pick-ups, laundry services and free parking can be arranged.

Happiness Resort Sukhothai 

Add: 558 Moo 8 Old City Amphoe Muang, Sukhothai , 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Boasting views of the mountain ranges, lakes and rice fields, Happiness Resort offers accommodation in Sukhothai. One of the World Heritage Sites, Sukhothai Historical Park, is set right behind the property with its main entrance just a couple minutes' drive away. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the resort and free parking is available. The on-site restaurant serves delectable foods all day.

Each bungalow is individually designed in traditional Thai style. Featuring an air conditioning, the units come with a fridge, a private balcony and an en suite bathroom with shower facilities.

Guests can relax at the resort's tropical garden or enjoy a special relax session provided. Bike rental service and local excursions are offered for guests to explore the area. A surcharged airport shuttle service can be arranged.

Deluxe options

Sriwilai Sukhothai 

Add: 214/4 Moo 2, Mueang Kao, Sukhothai, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Located 1.8 km away from Sukhothai Historical Park, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sriwilai Sukhothai offers local experience surrounded by lush greenery landscape and adjacent to Wat Chedi Sung. There is an infinity pool providing a calm space and a spa to suit all guests' needs. Delectable Western and authentic local Sukhothai dishes are served at the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the property and private parking is available, free of charge.

Rooms are decorated with handmade crafts. Each suite and deluxe room feature a private balcony overlooking endless rice fields. All units are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The en suite bathroom comes with shower amenities.

Guests can engage in a wide range of activities. Free use of bicycles is also offered.

Legendha Sukhothai Hotel 

Add: 214 Moo 3, T. Muangkao, Amphoe Muang, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Sit on the banks of Mae Rampan Canal, Legendha Sukhothai Hotel is just steps to Wat Chang Lom (Ancient Elephant Temple) and 1.1 km from Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring green landscapes, the hotel offers a cooling outdoor, surrounded by sun loungers and deck chairs, free WiFi access in all areas, an on-site restaurant, and a spa. Guests can opt in a wide range of activities, including Buddha amulet making, almsgiving, Sukhotai style handicraft weaving, traditional Thai cooking class.

Featuring classic Thai design, all air-conditioned rooms feature a private balcony overlooking the canal, temple or courtyard. Added amenities include a cable TV, tea/coffee maker, and hairdryer. En suite bathroom comes with shower facility, and branded bathroom amenities.

The Legendha Hotel offers free onsite parking and bicycle rental services.

Overlooking the Mae Rampan Canal, Nam Khang Restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant and serves Thai dishes.

Guests can enjoy Thai classical dance performance while enjoy their meals.

Tharaburi Resort 

Add: 321/3 Moo3 Old City, Muang, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand 

Tharaburi Resort offers a cultural and tranquil retreat away from the city. Set amid a lush tropical landscape, Tharaburi offers comfortable accommodation with friendly service.

Tharaburi Resort is 1.5 km from Old City and 2 km from Historical Park. Sukhothai Airport is 42 km away.

Rooms at Tharaburi are decorated in an Asian contemporary style. They are equipped with a private balcony and a flat-screen television with a DVD player. En-suite bathrooms are spacious and are fitted with a hairdryer and a spa bath with a separate shower room.

Unwind with a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or soothe your tired muscles with a massage. There are several activities that the friendly staff are able to organise including biking and tours to cultural attractions and a Thai cooking class. Internet access is also available.

After a long day, enjoy a meal at Tharaburi's on-site restaurant offering delicious Thai favourites and a variety of beverages.

Dorm of Happiness by Tharaburi Resort 

Add: 321/3 Moo 3 Muang Kao , Muang, 64210 Sukhothai, Thailand

Dorm of Happiness by Tharaburi Resort features a restaurant, free bikes, a bar and shared lounge in Sukhothai. Featuring a garden, the 4-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Free private parking is available and the hostel also offers bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area.

At the hostel, every room has a desk. The units feature a wardrobe.

Guests at Dorm of Happiness by Tharaburi can enjoy a continental breakfast.

The accommodation offers a terrace. The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at Dorm of Happiness by Tharaburi Resort.

Sukhothai has a decent amount of eating options to choose from though overall New Sukhothai has a better range of places than Old Sukhothai and we recommend you to stay in New Sukhothai if food plays a big part in your holiday.
Generally most places to eat are cheap and offer authentic Thai dishes, from day and night markets to food courts and restaurants, there are many different selections to pick from.

The speciality food in Sukhothai is their twist on noodles called kuay tiao sukhothai, which blends noodles, beans, peanuts and lime juice and is something you will see all over the city. The second dish not to miss is also noodles, namely the local version of the famous pad thai. Both have a very specific flavour and are a step up to our opinion compared to their ubiquitous prototypes.

Food markets in New Sukhothai

In New Sukhothai, the cheapest places to eat at are found at the day and night markets, with former unfolding along Jarod Vithithong and the latter on Nikorn Kasem road on Saturday night. Here you can try a whole host of vendors and taste delicious Thai dishes including various curries, soups, vegetarian dishes, stir fries and much more for around THB50 a meal.

Just around the corner from the Saturday night market is an open-air food court that opens every day, day and night. It is located around Wat Ratchathani and is a really great and cheap place to have your bite any time of the day, especially in the evening. We found similar dishes to those found at the markets but there were different options like fish and some Chinese-style food stalls too. You can drink beers whilst watching soccer and seeing the world go by from here. Some stalls have English menu what actually facilitates a lot the process of ordering your meal.

Thai restaurants in New Sukhothai

For more upscale places in the new area, try Fueng Far which is located by the Yom River and serves various fish dishes including some interesting ones like tom yum hua bla (fish head, THB300) and non-fish dishes like kob phat kra pao (stir fried basil frog, THB400).

Kru Eew is one of the most celebrated noodle restaurants in the city and is famed for its Sukhothai noodle meals but also cooks up various exquisite Thai and Vietnamese dishes as well as divine deserts.

Western and international food

The new part also has a good amount of western places like Chopper Bar, which is set on a rooftop and has live acoustic music and supplies western and Thai dishes and these start from THB40. Dream Café offers Italian and other European cuisines as well as Thai meals for around THB120. Other places we suggest include the Poo (means crab) restaurant for the curries and Felice for a range of Thai and Italian dishes.

Where to eat in Old Sukhothai

If you decide to go to the old part of the city then don’t expect as many cheap places to choose from. There is a line of vendors just outside the historical park where you can get all your favourite Thai dishes and they stay open pretty much all day until around sunset and even later on Saturdays.

Otherwise we suggest trying Ta Pui on the main street which has a good reputation for its pork dishes including roasted pork, pork satay, pork balls and pork flour dumplings. Most dishes are around THB250 and they have a good range of desserts.

In terms of non-Thai places, the Ali Baba Indian Restaurant is one of the most popular places and we tried the gorgeous chicken vindaloo, lamb madras, coconut rice and roti and this only came to THB700.

Most restaurants sit along the main street (route 12) so you will find something that suits you and there a lot of hotel restaurants that offer Thai and western meals.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

If you fancy a coffee shop or bakery then definitely go to New Sukhothaiwhere you will find the majority of coffee related places dotted around the centre. Our pick was Nuan Bakery as it has a great range of cakes, sandwiches and breakfast snacks.

Get in

By plane

Bangkok Airways has daily flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Sukhothai Airport (THS), which then continue on to Lampang (LPT). Fares from Bangkok start from 1,700 baht (1 hour 20 minutes), from/to Lampang: from 1,100 baht (around 40 minutes).

Air Asia has daily flights from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Phitsanulok airport (PHS). You can book a combined ticket with Air Asia to travel from DMK to Sukhothai. This consists of the flight (1 hour), transfer to ground transport (30 minutes) then the road trip Tharaburi Resort in Sukhothai (1 hour 40 minutes).

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

Take the (express) train (7 hr from Bangkok or Chiang Mai) to Phitsanulok and go by bus from there (1 hour). A tuk-tuk to the bus station costs 60 baht.

By bus

Sukhothai only has a small bus station, but the old and new city can be easily reached from all points. The bus station is out of town and should cost you 50-60 baht to get into town by tuk-tuk (40 mototaxi). From the new city bus station it costs 15 baht via the local shuttle to reach the new city center.

From Bangkok

There are direct buses from Bangkok Mo Chit Terminal (at least hourly 07:00-13:30, some in the afternoon, every 30 min 20:00-22:30, see schedule). The journey takes 7-10 hrs, including some stops at bus terminals of major cities on the way.

First class air-con buses are operated by Wintour Travel (378 THB) and Phitsanulok Yanyon Tour (from 328 THB).

From Chiang Mai

Buses from the main bus terminal take about 4 hours. The cheaper 2nd class buses make many stops and take about 5 hours and a half 

From Mae Sot

Minibuses run regularly from the station behind the market. The journey takes about 3 hours, passing through Tak on the way. 

From Phitsanulok

Be clear about whether you want Old Sukhothai or New Sukhothai as there are buses to both (and they don't go to both destinations).

Air conditioned buses operate approximately every hour from the main (No 1) bus terminal 06:00-18:00 and take about 1 hour for the 58-km trip. These can be crowded or virtually empty. 

Minivan from main (No 1) bus terminal.

If you're feeling rich you can get a direct tuk-tuk. It costs 1,000 baht from the train station (one of the fixed prices posted on a sign in front of the station).

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Get around

It's an easy 15-minute walk from the 1 Bus Station into New Sukothai town along a dirt path in front of the bus station (although the tuk tuk drivers will tell you that it is not possible to walk). To find it, exit the front of the station and walk straight (west) for a few meters until you reach the shops in front of the station. There will be the 2 dirt path leading off to your left (south) that passes by some fields and houses. Follow the path for 350 m and you will hit a concrete road; continue straight along this road for another 320 m, where you will reach "No. 4 Guesthouse". Turn right and after 200 m you will hit Jarodvithi Thong (Charodwithitong), the main street with many guesthouses.

Tuk-tuks will try to get 600 baht out of you for a trip to the Old City (main ruins) some 15 km out of town. The correct price is 300 baht and this is for at least a couple of hours. When you have seen the part you are at and want to move further in the same area, the driver takes you there. 600 baht is a fair price for a full day.

Scooters can be rented from Chopper on Prewet Nahkon Alley, just behind 3 Bar 64000 near the bridge of New Sukhothai. The bikes are pretty new and well maintained. Rates are 60 baht for 1 hr, 250 baht for the day (return at 20:30), 300 baht for 24 hr.

Purple #1 songthaews run the length of Charodwithitong Rd and also serve the bus station. Without the shortcut, the trip is 3 km and should cost 10 THB.

Songthaews to Old City

Large blue songthaews to Old Sukhothai leave from the Bus Station and well recognisable roadside 4 Bus Stop to Old Sukhothai on Charodwithitong Rd, approximately opposite of a 7-Eleven (there is a bus stop sign), about 200 m west of the bridge. They stop right outside the entrance to the central zone of the historic park. 

On the return blue Songthaew trip tell/check with the driver where you want to get off as some drivers ”adapt” their route.