Sukhothai, which means “the dawn of happiness”, was the first capital of Thailand from the 13th to the 14th century. It is considered the cradle of Thai civilization, where the Thai alphabet, art, and architecture were developed. Today, Sukhothai is a World Heritage site, where you can admire the ruins of temples, palaces, and statues that reflect the glory and beauty of the past. Sukhothai is also a great place to enjoy nature, culture, and cuisine, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Sukhothai will not disappoint you. In this article, we will show you what to see and do in Sukhothai, and how to plan your trip to this amazing destination.
What to See and Do in Sukhothai
Sukhothai has something for everyone, from historical sites to nature parks, from markets to festivals, from spas to cooking classes. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
Sukhothai Historical Park
This is the main attraction of Sukhothai, where you can explore the remains of the ancient city that was once the center of power and culture in Thailand. The park covers an area of about 70 square kilometers, and is divided into five zones: the central, the north, the south, the east, and the west. Each zone has its own unique features and monuments, such as the Wat Mahathat, the largest and most important temple in the park, the Wat Si Chum, which houses a giant Buddha statue with a graceful smile, and the Wat Saphan Hin, which offers a panoramic view of the park from a hilltop. You can rent a bike, a scooter, or a golf cart to get around the park, or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of each site. You can also visit the park at night, when the ruins are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Ramkhamhaeng National Park
If you want to escape the heat and the crowds, you can head to the Ramkhamhaeng National Park, which is located about 40 kilometers from the historical park. The park is named after King Ramkhamhaeng, the third king of Sukhothai, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet and expanding the kingdom. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as orchids, ferns, monkeys, deer, and birds. You can hike along the trails, swim in the waterfalls, or camp in the designated areas. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Khao Luang, the highest peak in Sukhothai, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Sukhothai Night Market
If you want to experience the local culture and cuisine, you can visit the Sukhothai Night Market, which is open every day from 5 pm to 10 pm. The market is located near the historical park, and is a great place to sample some of the famous dishes of Sukhothai, such as the Sukhothai noodles, a spicy soup with rice noodles, pork, beansprouts, and peanuts, the Sangkaya, a coconut custard served in a pumpkin, and the Khanom Krok, a crispy coconut pancake. You can also shop for souvenirs, such as handicrafts, ceramics, and silk, or enjoy some live music and performances by local artists.
Sukhothai Loy Krathong Festival
If you happen to visit Sukhothai in November, you can witness one of the most spectacular and meaningful festivals in Thailand, the Loy Krathong Festival. Loy Krathong means “to float a basket”, and it is a tradition that dates back to the Sukhothai era, when people would make small baskets from banana leaves and flowers, and float them on the water as a way of paying respect to the water spirits and releasing their sins and worries. Today, the festival is celebrated all over Thailand, but Sukhothai is the best place to experience it, as it hosts a grand celebration that lasts for five days. You can see thousands of lanterns and fireworks lighting up the sky, hundreds of krathongs floating on the ponds, and a historical procession that reenacts the scenes from the Sukhothai period. You can also join the festivities by making your own krathong, or watching the cultural shows and performances that showcase the traditions and talents of Sukhothai.
How to Plan Your Trip to Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a destination that you can visit all year round, but the best time to go is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and drier, and the festivals are more frequent. To get to Sukhothai, you have several options:
By plane: You can fly to the Sukhothai Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from the historical park. There are daily flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, operated by Bangkok Airways. The flight time is about an hour from Bangkok, and about 40 minutes from Chiang Mai. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a shuttle to the historical park or the city center.
By train: You can take a train to the Phitsanulok Station, which is about 60 kilometers from Sukhothai. There are daily trains from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as other major cities in Thailand. The train time is about 6 hours from Bangkok, and about 5 hours from Chiang Mai. From the station, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a songthaew (a shared pick-up truck) to Sukhothai.
By bus: You can take a bus to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is about 12 kilometers from the historical park. There are daily buses from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as other major cities in Thailand. The bus time is about 7 hours from Bangkok, and about 6 hours from Chiang Mai. From the terminal, you can take a songthaew, a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled motorized vehicle), or a motorcycle taxi to Sukhothai.
To stay in Sukhothai, you have a wide range of options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, from traditional guesthouses to modern hotels. You can choose to stay near the historical park, where you can enjoy the convenience and the atmosphere of the ancient city, or near the city center, where you can access more facilities and services. You can also stay in the nearby towns of Sawankhalok or Si Satchanalai, which are less crowded and more authentic. You can book your accommodation online, or contact us for more recommendations and deals.
To get around Sukhothai, you can rent a bike, a scooter, or a car, which are available at the historical park, the city center, or the airport. You can also use public transportation, such as buses, songthaews, tuk-tuks, or motorcycle taxis, which are cheap and easy to find. You can also join a guided tour, which can provide you with more information and insights on the attractions and activities in Sukhothai.
Conclusion
Sukhothai is a destination that will captivate you with its history, culture, and nature. It is a place where you can learn more about the origins and the identity of Thailand, and appreciate the beauty and the diversity of its heritage. It is also a place where you can have fun and relax, and enjoy the hospitality and the cuisine of the locals. Sukhothai is a destination that you will not regret visiting, and that you will always remember.
If you are interested in visiting Sukhothai, or if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. We are Tripoto, a trusted and experienced travel agency that can help you plan and book your trip to Sukhothai and Thailand. We can offer you the best deals and the best service, and ensure that you have a wonderful and memorable experience.
