HISTORICAL THAILAND
This region is the heartland of Thai civilization, encompassing the magnificent ruins of the first and second Siamese Kingdoms. This guide invites you to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, revealing a legacy of spiritual devotion, distinctive art, and centuries of royal grandeur.
Why Visit Historical Thailand?
Birthplace of Thai Civilization: Walk among the peaceful, distinct ruins of Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam in the 13th century.
Architectural Grandeur: Explore the massive, awe-inspiring ruins of Ayutthaya, a former global trading capital and one of the world’s largest cities in the 1700s.
Immersive Exploration: Rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the expansive historical parks, offering an atmospheric and unhurried way to travel back in time.
Smart Travel
Cool Season (November–February): This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is significantly cooler and drier, making outdoor activities like cycling around the historical parks very pleasant.
Hot Season (March–May): Temperatures soar, often reaching uncomfortable highs. Be prepared for intense heat, especially during midday. Early morning and late afternoon visits are a must.
Rainy Season (June–October): Expect heavy but usually short afternoon downpours. The landscape is lush and green, and you’ll find the best value on accommodation and fewer crowds.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Sukhothai Historical Park
The first capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom is recognized as the “dawn of happiness.” Its ruins are characterized by a unique “lotus-bud” chedi style, reflecting a distinct art and architectural legacy. The park is vast and best explored by bicycle, particularly around sunrise or sunset for an incredibly tranquil experience.
Your Smart Tip: Arrive at the park just before sunrise. The early morning light on the ancient temples, often with mist rising from the ponds, provides the most atmospheric and beautiful photography opportunities.
Ayutthaya Historical Park
Just north of Bangkok, this second capital of the Siamese Kingdom (1350-1767) was a magnificent international trading port. Its ruins are grander and more spread out, featuring the iconic prang (towering reliquary) structures and the famous Buddha head entwined in a banyan tree at Wat Mahathat.
Your Smart Tip: Consider staying one night in Ayutthaya instead of a day trip from Bangkok. This allows you to visit the sites in the late afternoon and evening when some of the main temples are dramatically lit up and the daytime heat and crowds have subsided.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Located north of Sukhothai, this was once the second-most important town in the Sukhothai Kingdom. The ruins here are smaller but exceptionally well-preserved and set in a more remote, tranquil forested area. It offers a great sense of quiet discovery away from the main tourist routes.
Your Smart Tip: Combine your visit to Si Satchanalai with the Thuriang Kilns, the remains of an old celadon factory, to appreciate the artistic and commercial side of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is generally tropical, defined by three main seasons. The Cool Season (Nov-Feb) is the most comfortable for travel in the central and northern regions. The Hot Season (Mar-May) is extremely hot and dry. The Rainy Season (Jun-Oct) brings heavy, short-lived rain.
Local Customs And Etiquette
The Wai: The traditional Thai greeting, a prayer-like hand gesture with a slight bow. The higher the hands and deeper the bow, the more respect is shown (highest for monks/royalty). A simple smile is also key—Thailand is the “Land of Smiles.”
Head and Feet: The head is the most sacred part of the body, so never touch an adult’s head. The feet are the lowest and dirtiest; never point your feet at a person, a Buddha image, or a revered object.
Monarchy & Religion: The Thai Royal Family is highly revered. Always show utmost respect. When visiting temples (wats), dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes before entering the main hall, and avoid physical contact with monks.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($10–$20), mid-range hotels ($30–$60), luxury ($80+). Prices are generally lower in the ancient capitals than in major cities like Bangkok.
Food: Street food/local noodles ($1–$3), dinner at a casual restaurant ($5–$10 per person), fine dining/seafood ($20+).
Transport: Local bus/train (very cheap), tuk-tuk/songthaew (negotiate price or use a meter), bicycle rental ($1.50–$3/day).
Activities: Historical Park Entrance Fee (approx. $3–$6 per zone), guided temple tour ($20+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $30–$50 (hostels, street food, public transport/bike).
- Mid-range: $60–$100 (hotels, local restaurants, main attractions).
- Luxury: $120+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A convenient way to travel between Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Si Satchanalai, offering maximum flexibility for exploring remote sites.
By Train/Bus: Efficient, affordable, and frequent bus services connect the major cities. Trains are slower but offer a more scenic experience.
By Bicycle: The best way to explore the historical parks is by renting a bicycle, allowing you to move freely between the ruins. Taxis and local tuk-tuks or songthaews are also available outside the parks.
Must-Try Food
Sukhothai Noodles (Kuay Teow Sukhothai): A famous local specialty, this rice noodle soup is often served with slices of roast pork, crunchy peanuts, and a slightly sweet and tangy broth.
River Prawns (Kung Mae Nam Pao): Ayutthaya is particularly famous for its massive, grilled river prawns, often considered a local delicacy and best enjoyed riverside.
Northern Thai Sausage (Sai Oua): A grilled pork sausage from the Northern region, heavily flavored with herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilli paste.
Massaman Curry: A rich, mild, and relatively dry curry that is an excellent example of Thai-Muslim cuisine, often made with chicken, potatoes, and peanuts.
Red Curry with Roast Duck (Gaeng Phet Ped Yang): A creamy, spicy red curry featuring succulent roast duck, sweet pineapple, cherry tomatoes, and grapes.
Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niao Mamuang): A world-famous sweet dish of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, served with perfectly ripe slices of sweet mango.
Coconut Ice Cream (I-Tim Kati): Often sold by street vendors from small carts and served inside a fresh coconut shell, sometimes topped with peanuts or sweet corn.
Crispy Pork Belly (Moo Krob): Extremely popular, this dish features pork belly that is slow-cooked and then deep-fried until the skin is perfectly crispy.
Thai Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow): A fiery, flavorful stir-fry with your choice of meat (often minced pork or chicken) and Thai holy basil, typically served over rice with a fried egg.
Fish Cakes (Tod Man Pla): Deep-fried fish patties seasoned with red curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, and long beans.
Must-Try Drinks
Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen): A creamy, sweet, and strong black tea infused with spices and typically mixed with condensed milk.
Fresh Coconut Water (Nam Ma-Phrao): Drunk straight from a chilled green coconut, it’s the perfect, hydrating drink for the tropical climate.
Thai Beer (e.g., Singha, Chang, Leo): The most popular alcoholic beverages, light and refreshing for the heat.
Local Fruit Shakes (Nam Phonla Mai Pan): Blended fresh fruit (like mango, passion fruit, or watermelon) with ice, a refreshing and healthy choice.
Thai Coffee (O-Liang): A strong, dark, black iced coffee, often sweetened heavily.
Sugarcane Juice (Nam Oi): Freshly pressed on the street, this is an intensely sweet and refreshing cold drink.