Attractions
Sukhothai Historical Park
Old City
UNESCO old city of temples and ponds.
Thailand · Lower Northern Thailand
Sukhothai
Graceful ruins of the first Thai kingdom, best explored by bicycle among lotus ponds.
UNESCO ruinsFirst Thai kingdomCycling the old city
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Explore Sukhothai
Best of Sukhothai:
10 placesSukhothai & nearby
Attractions
Wat Si Chum
Old City
Huge seated Buddha in a roofless hall.
Attractions
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai · 60 km
Quieter historic city of ruins.
Culture
Wat Mahathat (Sukhothai)
Old City
Main royal temple of the old city.
Culture
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Old City
Museum of the Sukhothai kingdom.
Culture
Wat Sa Si
Old City
Temple on an island in a lotus pond.
Shopping
Sukhothai Night Market
New Town
Evening food stalls in the new town.
City life
New Town riverside
New Town
Small restaurants and bars by the Yom River.
Transport
Sukhothai Bus Terminal
Sukhothai
Intercity terminal with VIP buses to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Transport
Sukhothai Airport
Sukhothai
Airport with flights to Bangkok.
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Map locations are approximate. Nearby excursions are labelled; check venue access, opening days and sea conditions before visiting.
Don’t miss
Top 10 attractions in Sukhothai
The UNESCO-listed old city of temples and ponds.
The main royal temple with lotus-bud chedi.
A huge seated Buddha inside a roofless hall.
A temple on an island in a lotus pond.
A hilltop standing Buddha reached by a stone path.
A quieter sister city of ruins in the countryside.
Mountain forest with hiking trails.
Rent a bicycle to explore the ruins at your own pace.
Evening food stalls in the new town.
The famous lantern festival with light shows in November.
Heritage & traditions
Top 10 culture in Sukhothai
Artefacts from the Sukhothai kingdom.
Monument to the king credited with the Thai script.
An active temple on an island with a Buddha footprint.
Khmer-style prangs from an earlier era.
The famous historic pottery of the region.
A museum of Sangkhalok ceramics.
Traditional textile village in Si Satchanalai.
Fine gold craft made in local workshops.
A local noodle dish with pork, peanuts and lime.
Sukhothai is considered the birthplace of the lantern festival.
Geography
Plains & old cities
Sukhothai lies on the Yom River plains. The old city is about 12 km west of the modern town.
Weather
Hot year-round; November to February is most comfortable for cycling.
Culture & heritage
Birth of Thai kingdom
Sukhothai, founded in the 13th century, is seen as the first Thai kingdom and the origin of Thai art and script.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where requested and speak quietly. Ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
City life: bars & restaurants
Evenings
Quiet and relaxed: the night market and small restaurants are the main evening options.
Food
Try Sukhothai noodles and local snacks at markets.
To, from & around Sukhothai
To & from Sukhothai
Sukhothai Airport has flights to Bangkok. Buses run to Bangkok and Chiang Mai; Phitsanulok, 1 hour away, has a train station.
Getting around
Songthaews link the new town and old city; rent a bicycle inside the park.