Sukhothai is located in Northern Thailand and is the most neglected historical city in the country. Although it is a popular area, far fewer travelers come to Sukhothai to see the city and the historical park. This is because to get to Sukhothai you have to travel many hours. Worth? yessss. Keep reading that I tell you much more.
Sukhotai Historical Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, but apart from knowing the historical park, the city has other interesting places to visit.
In this post you have a complete guide to Sukhothai, how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay, how many days you should spend in Sukhothai and much more.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISIT SUKHOTHAI
HOW TO GET TO SUKHOTHAI
There are several ways to get to Sukhothai, depending on where you are coming from.
How to get to Sukhothai from Chiang Mai
You can get to Chiang Mai by plane from any airport in Thailand, or even with international flights. Once in Chiang Mai to get to Sukhothai you can do it by private taxi, bus or rental car.
The journey from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai is about 4.30 hours going with private transport and about 6 hours if you go by bus.
Personally, the best way to get around Northern Thailand is to rent a car. It is quite cheap, there are offers for about 10 euros a day (reserving a week) and it will give you the freedom to visit Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phi, Sukhothai... and all the places you want, because you can stop wherever you want.
How to get to Sukhothai from Ayuttaya
Another way to get there is from Ayutthaya by bus or private transport. The route is more or less the same as from Chiang Mai. About 4.30 hours if you go by private transport, and about 6 hours if you go by bus.
If you decide to rent a car and go on your own and go to Sukhothai from Chiang Mai, take the opportunity to take the route that crosses two beautiful national parks in northern Thailand. The landscapes along this road are lush and full of vegetation. With some viewpoints along the route. You may even see elephants on the road.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO VISIT SUKHOTHAI
Although it is possible to see the historical park in one day, Sukhothai has many places to see. If you can add at least two nights to Sukhothai better. This way you will not only get to know the historical park, but you can get to know the city, its temples, the market... (I'll tell you about it below).
GETTING AROUND SUKHOTHAI
Sukhothai is divided into two zones: the new Sukhothai and the historical part or old Sukhothai. Most of the important temples are located in old Sukhothai and can be explored on foot. You can also rent a bike to go faster for about THB30-40 for the whole day. There are hotels in Sukhothai that have paid bicycles and some offer the service for free.
To see all the temples outside the wall, it is best to rent a motorcycle, a car or hire the services of a tuk-tuk, since the distances are longer.
PRICES AND SCHEDULES OF SUKHOTHAI TEMPLES
In the historical park of Sukhothai, unlike Ayutthaya, the prices you pay are not for each temple, the most outstanding areas are:
Sukhothai Historical Park (archaeological park within the walls): THB 100 per person (+THB 10 if you are cycling).
Areas outside the wall: 100 THB each per person. These areas are outdoors so many temples are not guarded and you will not find anyone to whom you can pay the ticket.
The Sukhothai Historical Park opens every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although on Saturdays it closes at 9:00 p.m. so you can enjoy them at night and watch the sunset from here. I advise you that if you have little time, first visit the area that is inside the walls (The Historical Park) since the other temples outside the walls have free entry and are rarely guarded.
WHAT TO SEE IN SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK
Sukhothai has a historical park full of temples that were declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. This city was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai.
Sukhothai Historical Park is divided into several areas and covers an area of about 70 square km. This surface can be differentiated in the temples located within the walled enclosure (with an area of about 3.5 square km), where you can visit approximately 15 temples and the temples located outside the walls, which are concentrated in 4 areas, north, south, east and west and there are about 20 temples approx.
For this reason, I recommended you to spend at least two days in Sukhothai, it is impossible that in a single day you can visit all or almost all of them.
My map of the historical park had a little accident during our trip, so I'll add the one I found at the tourist office.
SUKHOTHAI TEMPLES
In the Sukhothai Historical Park there are many temples to visit, making the tour inside or outside the walls you will find them as you go. However, there are some that you cannot miss:
Wat Mahathat
This temple is located in the central part of the archaeological park and is considered the most important temple in the Historical Park. It was built from the year 1292 and the date is not very well known. This temple stands out for a Buddha of more than 9 meters and a central stupa surrounded by smaller stupas. Is awesome!
Wat Traphang Ngoen
Located in the walled area, right next to Wat Mahathat. Among other structures, the most remarkable is a stupa with a lotus flower and an impressive sculpture of Buddha, located in a prayer room surrounded by columns.
Wat Sa Si
Another of the essential temples to visit in the central area is Wat Sa Si. It is a small temple completely surrounded by water and lotus flowers, in which the bridge that connects it to the mainland stands out. If you want to enjoy seeing the open lotus flowers, you will have to come first thing in the morning when the sun is not yet scorching.
This temple has its main chedi and was specially built to store the ashes of a king.
Wat Si Chum
It is one of the most impressive temples in Sukhothai and one of my favorites (it is the Buddha that appears in the first image of this post). This temple was built during the 12th century. The original Buddha was fully restored after being found completely smashed. This 15-meter-high Buddha is located between two walls, which in turn serves as an entrance for the faithful.
Wat Si Sawai
In the southern part of the central area is Wat Si Sawai, one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai and notable for its three incredible central prangs, which were built during the rule of the Khmer empire and dedicated to Hindu gods. Later it became a Buddhist temple.
Wat Chana Songkhram
This temple is also in the central area of Sukhothai, it was built in the 14th century and has one of the most impressive chedis in the area. You can not lose this!
Wat Saphan Hin
Just outside the walled area is Wat Saphan Hin. This temple highlighted by its impressive Buddha 12 meters high, between stupas.
It is one of the least visited temples on the outskirts. It is quite lodged, and to this we must add that to reach it you will have to climb a steep slope. However, the effort is worth it.
Wat Maechon
In the area is the Wat Maechon. It is a small temple that stands out for its Buddha located in an elevated area, making it stand out.
Wat Soraak
To the north of the ancient city of Sukhothai is Wat Sorasak. This temple was built at the beginning of the 15th century and going up to it is one of the best things to do in Sukhothai, without a doubt.
Noted for having elephant statues lining the base of the chedi. They are very well preserved and it is a beautiful temple.
Wat Khao Phra Bat Noi
This temple is known to be the place where 4 footprints of Buddha were found, in this temple you will see a couple of ruined chedis, reminiscent of the temple that once existed.
Wat Chetuphon
This temple located to the south of the historical park, it is estimated that construction began around the year 1412, and was rebuilt years later. Particularly noteworthy is the main structure and the two images of Buddha. There are ruins and remains of columns from the temple.
Wat Phrapai Luang
Wat Phrapai Luang is located in the northern area of the Sukhothai Historical Park, it is an impressive temple, but at the same time, it is one of the most in poor condition. It has a special charm and you can quietly get lost among its ruins without realizing that time passes. As it is not so well preserved, not many people visit it, which adds even more charm.
Hidden Route
Walking a bit aimlessly around the outskirts of the walls, we find a route that leads to the Ramkhamhaeng National Park. One of the most beautiful natural areas in this part of Thailand. Once you enter a road full of vegetation on each side, you find some of the temples of the Sukhothai Historical Park, more hidden and less popular in the whole area.
In this area is the Wat Sephan Hin, which I have already told you about before. Following the same route you will arrive at Wat Aranyik, in the middle of the forest. Don't forget to stop at Wat Chedi Ngarm, Wat Tham Hip Bon, Wat Tham Hip Lang, Wat Mangkorn and Wat Phra Yuen.
WHAT ELSE TO DO IN SUKHOTHAI
It is the newest area of the city and where the most central hotels, restaurants, bars are concentrated. In this area you can walk through its streets, visit the Buddhist temples of daily ritual, visit the local market...
In Sukhothai you can also visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Although it is not in the new part, but right next to Wat Traphang Tong. Inside you can see some of the original artifacts that were found in the excavations of the ancient city of Sukhothai. Although not all were found here, some were found at Si Satchanalai and other historical areas in Thailand.
Visit Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai
If you still want to visit more temples, you can take an excursion to Si Satchanalai. It is well worth visiting this historic site. The only thing you should add one more day to your travel route.
It is about 60 kilometers away, and you can get there by taxi, rental car or bus.
If you want to go by bus you must go to the modern Sukhothai station and buy tickets for 50 baht (€1.30) with the company WinTour.
Si Satchanalai is a very quiet historical park and little visiting. It is surrounded by nature and is not as arid an area as Sukhothai. Once you are there to explore the complex on your own and free, you can hire a bicycle. It costs about 100 baht (2.60 euros).
WHERE TO STAY IN SUKHOTHAI
In Sukhothai you have several options. Not very luxurious, yes, but there are very cool hotels that are very cheap. I give you some recommendations:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Thailand very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss the next destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!