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Sukhothai travel guide
Guide me through Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a culturally rich city that served as the country’s first capital from 1238 to 1438. The name „Sukhothai“ translates to „Dawn of Happiness“ in Sanskrit, and the city lives up to its name. It is renowned for its historical park, which features some of the most beautiful temple ruins in the country. Furthermore, this region of Thailand is less frequented by tourists, providing a unique opportunity to experience local life, traditions, and delightful cuisine. When it comes to food, be sure to try Kuaitiao, a local dish consisting of Sukhothai’s signature noodles, which are widely available in both the new and old city areas.
Not yet sure where to travel after Sukhothai?
short temple guide for Sukhothai
short temple guide
The Sukhothai Historical Park is divided into five different zones: Central, North, South, East, and West. Each zone has its own entrance fee for foreigners. You can pay for each zone separately, or purchase a combi ticket for access to the entire historical park. Keep in mind that the tickets expire at the end of the day, so it’s important to decide which temples you want to visit and which ticket option will be most beneficial for you.
The main attractions of Sukhothai are mainly located in the central and northern zones. If you’re primarily interested in these areas, paying separately for each zone is the more cost-effective option. We recommend exploring the Historical Park of Sukhothai, especially the central zone, by biking from temple to temple to fully experience the serene atmosphere.
Central Zone:
- Wat Mahathat host an impressively elegant Buddha seated image and a lotus-bud-shaped chedi
- Wat Si Sawai is the most visited Khmer Style temple
- Wat Sa Si is located on a small island surrounded by a lovely pond of lotus flowers called Traphang Trakuan
- Wat Traphang Ngoen
- Wat Sorasak
North Zone:
- Wat Si Chum – the best Instagram photo spot
- Wat Phra Phai Luang has one of the Khmer Style prangs like Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
West Zone:
- Wat Pa Mamuang
East Zone:
- Wat Thraphang Thong
more fun activities to do in Sukhothai
more to explore
Sukhothai mainly revolves around its historical park and ruins, attracting most of the city’s attention. The town center reflects typical Thai life and offers numerous opportunities to shop at local markets and enjoy high-quality food.
For those who have already explored the ruins in Ayutthaya and seek to immerse themselves in genuine local hospitality, a visit to Ban Na Ton Chan Village, located 88 km (54.7 miles) north of Sukhothai, is recommended. The village is renowned for its hospitality, local lifestyle, and food.
For those who have already explored the ruins in Ayutthaya and seek to immerse themselves in genuine local hospitality, a visit to Ban Na Ton Chan Village, located 88 km (54.7 miles) north of Sukhothai, is recommended. The village is renowned for its hospitality, local lifestyle, and food.
To reach the village, you can rent a scooter or a car for a self-driven experience. Alternatively, cabs are available, but this option is more expensive. The road to the village offers breathtaking scenery, so if you are comfortable, renting a scooter is highly recommended. This beautiful little village sees fewer tourists and has preserved its local traditions and way of life to this day.