SUKHOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK

Sukhothai, meaning ‘Dawn of Happiness,’ was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it preserves the magnificent ruins of this golden age.

It is considered the cradle of Thai civilization, where art, architecture, and the Thai alphabet were born. The park’s serene landscape of lakes and ancient temples offers a profound sense of history.

Central Zone (Walled City)

  • Wat Mahathat: The largest and most important royal temple, featuring the classic lotus-bud chedi, four Khmer-style prangs, and impressive stucco work.

  • Wat Si Sawai: One of the oldest temples, characterized by its three distinctive Khmer-style prangs (towers), revealing its Hindu origins before being converted to Buddhism.

  • Wat Sa Si: Known for its beautiful setting on an island in the Traphang Trakuan pond, featuring a graceful bell-shaped chedi and a large seated Buddha image.

  • Wat Traphang Ngoen: Located by the ‘Silver Lake,’ this temple is famous for its Walking Buddha image and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.

  • Noen Prasat: The ruins of the Royal Palace, identified by its stone platform, where the famous Ramkhamhaeng Inscription—a key artifact of Thai history—was discovered.

  • King Ramkhamhaeng Monument: A bronze statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet and leading the kingdom’s golden age.

  • Ramkhamhaeng National Museum: Located near the park entrance, it houses the most significant artifacts and excavated pieces from the ruins, offering historical context.

  • Wat Chana Songkhram: A modest temple featuring a large, bell-shaped Ceylonese-style chedi next to the Ramkhamhaeng Monument.

Northern Zone

  • Wat Si Chum: Houses the majestic 15-meter-high seated Buddha image, Phra Achana (He Who Is Not Frightened), visible through a narrow opening in the mondop (cubic pavilion).

  • Wat Phra Phai Luang: Thought to be one of the oldest monuments in Sukhothai, originally a Khmer-era temple with three surviving sandstone prangs.

Western Zone

  • Wat Saphan Hin: Meaning ‘Temple of the Stone Bridge,’ this site is on a hill 200m above the plain, reached by a slate stone path, offering panoramic views and a 12-meter-tall Standing Buddha, Phra Attharot.

  • Wat Chedi Ngam: A tranquil forest temple with ruins reached after a walk through the greenery, featuring a large chedi.

  • Wat Pa Mamuang (Mango Forest Monastery): An important temple where a Buddha image was enshrined, known for its royal connections.

Outer Zones & Associated Sites

  • Wat Sorasak: Located outside the city wall, known for its main chedi supported by 24 elephant statues at the base.

  • Wat Chang Lom (in Si Satchanalai): Although located in the associated Si Satchanalai Historical Park, its chedis surrounded by elephants are a highlight of the Sukhothai style.

  • Si Satchanalai Historical Park: A quieter, associated satellite city (50km north) with numerous ruins, including temples built on hills and ancient kilns, ideal for a full day trip.

  • Wat Traphang Thong: A still-active temple located just outside the Central Zone wall, reached by a wooden footbridge over the pond, often used for morning alms.

  • Thung Thalay Luang: A large, modern heart-shaped reservoir outside the historical city, part of a royal project for water management.

  • Loy Krathong Festival: If visiting in November, the historical park is the main venue for this annual festival, with floating lanterns and a light and sound show.

Cycle Through the Central Zone: Rent a bicycle (approx. $1/day) and pedal through the heart of the park. Marvel at the most significant ruins, including the iconic Wat Mahathat at sunrise or sunset.

Admire the Giant Buddha at Wat Si Chum: Visit the Northern Zone to see the awe-inspiring 15-meter tall seated Buddha image, Phra Achana, which appears to peek through a narrow entrance.

Witness the Morning Alms Round: Wake up early to observe the traditional alms giving ceremony to the monks at the picturesque Wat Traphang Thong (The Golden Lake Temple).

Explore Si Satchanalai Historical Park: Take a day trip to the quieter, sister historical park, known for its well-preserved ruins and ceramic kiln sites, best explored by bicycle or scooter.

Learn to Make Local Pottery: Visit a local workshop or the ceramic art quarter (Sangkhalok Street of Art) to see the process of making traditional Sukhothai-era ceramics and perhaps participate in a class.

Take a Countryside Cycling Tour: Join a guided bike tour that ventures outside the main park to explore the surrounding rural life, passing rice paddies, local villages, and small industries like rice mills or mushroom farms.

Hike to Wat Saphan Hin: Cycle or walk up the stone path in the Western Zone to this mountaintop temple, famous for its 12.5-meter standing Buddha and offering panoramic views of the entire historical plain.

Discover the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum: Before or after visiting the park, spend time in the museum to gain context on the history, art, and artifacts of the Sukhothai Kingdom, including replicas of the Ramkhamhaeng inscription.

Savor Authentic Sukhothai Noodles: Find a local restaurant and try the region’s signature dish, Kuay Tiao Sukhothai, a delicious rice noodle soup.

Attend the Loi Krathong and Candle Festival: If visiting in November, immerse yourself in one of Thailand’s most spectacular festivals, where the park is beautifully illuminated, and floating lanterns (krathongs) are launched onto the water.

See the Heart-Shaped Island: Take a short trip to Thung Thalay Luang, an artificial reservoir featuring a large, heart-shaped island, created as part of a royal initiative.

Getting to Sukhothai: The most common ways to reach Sukhothai are by bus from Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or by flight to Sukhothai Airport (THS) or the nearest major airport, Phitsanulok (PHS), followed by a bus or taxi transfer.

Intercity Transport from Phitsanulok: There is no train station in Sukhothai. If arriving by train, you must stop at Phitsanulok and take a bus (about 1.5 hours) to Sukhothai. Be sure to clarify if your bus goes to the New City Bus Terminal or directly near the Historical Park (Old City).

Transport between New City and Old City: New Sukhothai (where the main Bus Terminal is) and Old Sukhothai (the Historical Park) are about 12 km apart. Shared local buses (Songthaews) connect the two areas for a small fare (approx. $0.80–$1.50). Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available.

Exploring the Park: Bicycle is the best way to explore the large, flat Historical Park and its five zones. Rental shops are plentiful just outside the main entrance (approx. $1/day). Golf carts are also available for hourly rental for groups or those preferring not to cycle (approx. $5.50/hour).

Park Timing is Key: The best times to visit are early morning (6:30 AM) for cool temperatures and beautiful soft light, or late afternoon/sunset when the ruins are often illuminated. Plan outdoor activities to avoid the intense midday heat.

Respect Temple Etiquette: As with all temples in Thailand (Wats), dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove your shoes before entering any temple hall (wihan).

The Three Zones: The Sukhothai Historical Park is divided into a Central Zone (the main walled city) and North, West, East, and South Zones, each with a separate entry fee for foreigners (approx. $2.80/zone, or purchase a combined pass if available). The Central and Northern Zones contain the most famous ruins.

Local Delicacies: Don’t leave without trying the local street food. Besides Kuay Tiao Sukhothai (Sukhothai Noodles), look for local snacks at the Wat Traphang Thong Market or the weekend Night Market near the park.

Language: While English is spoken in major tourist-facing businesses, a few phrases in Thai, such as Sawatdee krap/ka (hello/thank you) and Khob Khun krap/ka (thank you) will be appreciated by the locals.

Hidden Gems:

  • Wat Chedi Ngam: One of the less-visited temples in the Western Zone, known for its peaceful, secluded setting.
  • Wat Chang Lom (Elephant Temple): Located outside the eastern gate, this temple features a beautiful bell-shaped stupa surrounded by 32 elephant sculptures at its base.
  • The Sukhothai-style Buddha Image: Look for the classic “walking Buddha” pose, which is unique to the Sukhothai art style and is one of the most elegant and expressive in all of Thai art.

Jae Hae Sukhothai Noodles [ $5-$10 ] – A very famous, family-run roadside stall (now a shop-house) renowned for serving one of the best authentic Kuaytiaw Sukhothai (Sukhothai-style noodles) with a spicy, rich broth.

Ta Puy Noodle [ $5-$10 ] – A well-established eatery near the New City Bus Terminal, serving traditional Kuaytiaw Sukhothai since 1955. They are popular with locals and offer an air-conditioned section.

Mi Klang Krung [ $5-$10 ] – A charming, slightly-hidden spot with beautiful traditional decor and Thai antiques, serving excellent local noodles and traditional Thai desserts (Khanom Thai).

Baitong Thaifood Restaurant [ $5-$10 ] – A fast, affordable, and convenient local eatery known for delicious traditional Thai dishes, including excellent shrimp fried rice.

Sureerat Restaurant [ $5-$10 ] – A popular, no-frills local spot run by an older couple, known for affordable, authentic, and delicious Thai and Asian dishes.

ร้านอาหารกิมสุน (ตาปั๊ก) (Kim Soon Restaurant) [ $10-$20 ] – A local culinary gem that offers authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on local Sukhothai dishes in a welcoming, un-touristy atmosphere.

Nam Khang Restaurant [ $10-$25 ] – Located near the Historical Park, this reputable Thai restaurant is known for its authentic, refined Thai gourmet food, often set in a pleasant indoor/semi-outdoor space.

Rom Pho Restaurant [ $10-$20 ] – A local favorite that promises the “true taste of Thailand,” specializing in well-executed traditional Thai dishes in a relaxed setting.

Chorphaka Sukhothai [ $10-$20 ] – A traditional Thai restaurant in the area that focuses on authentic flavors and is often cited by locals for its high-quality, classic dishes.

Midnight Sticky Rice [ $5-$10 ] – A highly-recommended late-night spot, perfect for trying authentic Thai cuisine, including its namesake sticky rice dishes.

Poo Restaurant [ $10-$20 ] – A popular, traveler-friendly restaurant in the New City known for large portions of delicious, traditional home-cooked-style Thai food alongside some well-executed Western staples.

Sinvana Thai Restaurant [ $15-$25 ] – A clean, well-run, and spacious restaurant near the Historical Park, offering a wide variety of traditional Thai food with a slightly more modern presentation and ambience.

CHECK IN Eatery เช็คอิน อีทเทอรี่ [ $15-$25 ] – A contemporary eatery blending authentic local flavors with a warm, modern atmosphere, popular for its creative approach to classic Thai dishes.

Maipradit Coffee and Bistro [ $10-$20 ] – A charming cafe and bistro in the New City offering contemporary vibes, fresh coffee, and a blend of traditional Thai meals and diverse breakfast options.

Turban Bistro [ $15-$25 ] – A pleasant establishment in the New City area, known for its amiable host and a mix of well-prepared Thai dishes in a welcoming, slightly upscale-casual setting.

KIRIN Bar & Restaurant [ $15-$30 ] – A modern spot in Sukhothai offering a mix of Thai food and a good selection of drinks, often with a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.

Chopper Bar [ $10-$20 ] – A popular rooftop bar and restaurant (near Poo) offering a mix of Thai and Western dishes with reasonable prices and sometimes live acoustic music, favored by both locals and travelers.

Retro 90’s Sukhothai [ $10-$20 ] – A themed restaurant that adds a creative, nostalgic touch to the dining experience, serving local food with a fun atmosphere.

Sukhothai Night Market (New City) [ $2-$10 ] – A must-visit local experience! Not a single restaurant, but a vibrant market along the river, predominantly geared toward locals, offering a massive, inexpensive variety of street food, snacks, and local sweets.

Sukhothai Weekend Night Market (Old City) [ $2-$10 ] – A unique experience right amid the ancient ruins (Central Zone) on weekend evenings, where stalls offer a wide array of local foods and delicacies at very low prices.

Sukhothai Kitchen Noodles [ $5-$10 ] – A noodle specialist focusing on the region’s famous dish, offering a deeper dive into the varieties of local noodle preparations.

Sukhothai Seafood [ $20-$40 ] – A restaurant that brings fresh seafood inland, offering traditional Thai seafood dishes in a clean, quality dining setting.

Drunken Steak Cafe [ $15-$30 ] – An establishment that blends local flavors and steaks, offering a culinary diversion from purely Thai cuisine in a vibrant setting.

Le Charme Sukhothai Resort Restaurant [ $20-$40 ] – The resort’s terrace restaurant offers memorable dining with a focus on traditional Thai and international dishes, often set on a wooden balcony overlooking the Mae Rampan canal.

Nham Khang Sukhothai Restaurant (at Legendha Sukhothai Hotel) [ $25-$45 ] – Offering a fine dining experience amidst the old town, this restaurant has a long reputation for authentic Thai gourmet, set in a contemporary Thai Village-style atmosphere near the Historical Park.

Khun Det Kitchen [ $20-$35 ] – A kitchen known for its authentic Thai cuisine with an elevated feel, where the dishes are well-presented and focus on quality ingredients.

Kwansiri Restaurant [ $15-$30 ] – A restaurant in the area known for blending traditional Thai flavors with modern hospitality in a comfortable setting.