Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Sukhothai: Thailand’s First Capital. During our trip through Thailand, we spent a day exploring the ruins of Sukhothai, the country’s first capital and the cradle of Thai culture. Founded in the 13th century, this ancient city marked the beginning of a golden era in Thai art and politics.
The Sukhothai Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, preserves majestic ruins of temples, palaces, and Buddha statues that reflect the glory of that time.
📍 Sukhothai is located about 427 km from Bangkok and 300 km from Chiang Mai, making it an ideal stopover when traveling through Northern Thailand.
The modern town has a population of under 40,000, and most locals live in New Sukhothai, located around 12 km east of the historical city, which is the real highlight.
How to Get from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai
We took a bus from Chiang Mai’s main station, which took about 5 hours. Tickets range from 250 to 350 baht (approx. €7–10 / $8–11), depending on the company.
🔹 Travel Tip: Buses drop you off in New Sukhothai, about 12 km from the historical park. For convenience, we recommend staying near the ruins in Old Sukhothai.
There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels around the historical area, which is the best place to stay if you want early access to the site.
We arrived late and stayed in a basic hotel near the bus station for about 4 euros per person. The area doesn’t have much atmosphere, but it worked well for a quick overnight stop.
What to See in the Sukhothai Historical Park
The park is divided into several zones: central (walled), north, west, and south. Each zone requires a separate 100 baht ticket (~€3).
We recommend starting with the central area, which has the most iconic ruins.
Practical Info
- 🕒 Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- 🎟 Entry: 100 baht per zone
- 🚲 Bike rental at the entrance: 50–100 baht
- ⏳ Ideal visit time: 3–5 hours
Top Highlights
- Wat Mahathat: The most important temple, with a large seated Buddha and a stunning lotus pond.
- Wat Si Chum: Famous for its massive seated Buddha enclosed in a narrow brick structure.
- Wat Sa Si: Set on an island, surrounded by a lotus-filled pond, a dream for sunrise photography.
We spent 3 hours cycling around the site. The peaceful ruins, majestic Buddhas, and serene gardens made it one of the most memorable stops on our Thailand trip.
Tips for Visiting Sukhothai
- ⏰ Go early to avoid heat and crowds
- 🧴 Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat — there’s very little shade
- 📸 Take a camera with zoom to capture the detailed architecture
- 🚲 Bicycles are the best way to explore, though electric carts are also available
- 🛌 Stay near Old Sukhothai for easy access to the ruins
Getting from Sukhothai to Khao Yai National Park
After visiting the ruins, we returned to the bus station to figure out how to reach Khao Yai National Park.
It was quite an adventure. At 6 PM, we boarded a bus to Khurat (Nakhon Ratchasima), a 7-hour ride. There, we transferred to a second, crowded (and unfortunately, cockroach-infested) bus heading to Pak Chong, arriving at 4 AM.
Pak Chong is a quiet town near the national park, and at that hour it felt like the middle of nowhere. We found a small restaurant filled with drunk locals eating at 4 in the morning, they looked at us like we’d landed from another planet.
After grabbing a bite, we searched for a guesthouse. Eventually, a pickup truck took us to one recommended by Lonely Planet. We finally got some sleep at 7 AM and started our tour of Khao Yai National Park at 3 PM.
Final Thoughts & Travel Advice
Visiting Sukhothai is a must for anyone traveling through Thailand. The historical and spiritual significance of the site, combined with its natural beauty, make for a uniquely peaceful experience.
✔️ Perfect for: history buffs, architecture lovers, and relaxed travelers
❌ Skip it if you’re only after nightlife or beach parties
If this guide to Sukhothai helped you, feel free to share, comment, or subscribe for more travel stories. Also check out our Thailand Travel Tips and our guide to The Best Beaches in Phuket. Enjoy your journey through Thailand, and don’t miss the magic of Sukhothai!
