Sukhothai, a historic city in northern Thailand, was originally the country’s capital. This city, which is situated between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, is covered with stunning, dispersed ancient ruins. These ruins provide insight into the lifestyle and gods worshipped 800 years ago.
In this old city, which is also considered a UNESCO heritage, there are many old houses and temples. The city of Sukhothai was generally the first capital of the Siam Dynasty, the cradle of Thai culture and art. Art, architecture and language originated from this city. Sukhothai means the dawn of happiness, and at that time the king greatly appreciated the silence and peace of this city.
Sights of Sukhothai
Visiting Sukhothai is like traveling in history because this city has well-preserved its old and ancient features.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The ruins of 21 historical sites, the majority dating from the 13th century, may be found at Sukhothai Historic Park. This park has four large lakes. It also has 70 other sites within a radius of 5 kilometers. This region is divided into three parts: the central region, the northern region, and the western region. It is better to know that entering each area will cost you 100 baht.
One of the most interesting Thai temples here is Wat Mahathat. This place is also the largest temple with a length of 206 meters and a width of 200 meters. Another famous temple to visit in Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Si Chum. Due to the vastness of the park, you can use scooters and bicycles or tuk-tuk to explore this area.
Wat Mahathat
This place is the most important temple of Sukhothai, located in the center of the city, and it is also one of the largest temples in the world. There are various minor pieces surrounding the primary component, which has a closed architecture shaped like a lotus. The core is encircled by Buddhist sculptures holding their hands together in prayers, contemplation, or capitulation. The ruins of the old sanctuary are marked by enormous columns, even those that still house huge Buddha images.
Wat Si Chum
Wat Si Chum is a temple that is situated in the northern area of Sukhothai Historical Park. It is home to one of the most significant, alluring, and biggest Buddha sculptures. This statue is positioned such that its distinctive face may be seen through a small opening in the wall while it is seated.
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Park is located 60 km from Sukhothai city and is really worth visiting. This park has enjoyed a lot of glory in the past. Si Satchanalai Historical Park contains the remains of palaces and temples of the past centuries. Wat Phra Si Mahathat, Wat Chang Lom, and Wat Chedi Jet Taew, which all feature genuine Sukhothai styles of architecture, are the park’s three most significant attractions.
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Ramkhamhaeng Museum, constructed in 1960, is one of the regional fine arts museums. It is dedicated to the discovery and preservation of items discovered in Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai Historical Parks. An overview of the evolution of Sukhothai style from Khmer to Ayutthaya style is shown in this museum. Buddha sculptures in sitting, standing, and walking positions may be observed among these creations. Several plaster sculptures, a ceramic furnace, and other substantial old buildings are on show in the museum garden.
Lake Temples
This area has the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. These buildings are located on a small island by the lake, which can be reached by crossing a wooden bridge. A Buddha sculpture is located on either side of the center area of one of these temples, which also contains other sorts of sculptures. Wat Tra Phang Thong is another temple on the lake that houses an antique Buddha antique side a contemporary structure.
Sukhothai Airport Organic Farming Project
This agricultural project has won the Thailand Tourism Awards for its agricultural and tourism attractions in Northern Thailand in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Visitors may watch rice growing, farming, and the precise process of organic farming without chemicals at this farm, which is located directly in the Sukhothai airport. Also, a possibility of home stay is also considered for those interested.
Food in Sukhothai
As in other parts of Thailand, hawkers and vendors selling food on the street or in tiny booths define the Sukhothai culinary scene. However, if there is one sort of cuisine for which Sukhothai is renowned, it is Sukhothai noodles, which holds the title for being the spiciest meal in all of Thailand. This meal is readily available in all stores and stands.
Nightlife in Sukhothai
The nightlife of Sukhothai does not match the antiquity and UNESCO heritage of this city. The combination of light and sound in Sukhothai Historical Park creates an exciting atmosphere and continues until 8 pm. This is a perfect position to see the beautiful view of the sunset from inside the park. Because this park closes at 6 pm on days other than Fridays. There is also a pedestrian street outside the park where you can get food while walking and enjoying the scenery.
Shopping in Sukhothai
Sukhothai is famous for its pottery, gold and silver jewelry. Ceramic products with their simple and traditional designs will give a beautiful view to your home. Gold and silver items and jewelry also have their own beauty and uniqueness. Instead of these items coming in predetermined shapes, they are made in the form of small braids and woven by hand.
Sukhothai Hotels
The city hotels are located a short distance from the old city and in the new city. There are also some small hotels in the historical park. Although you will deviate a little from the main road, it is better and more economical to use the hotels in the park and you can reach them by taxi or bus. Many hotels in the new city rent bicycles and scooters, and this is a great opportunity for those who want to see the city and its beauty up close and at their own pace.
Access path
It is nearly 6 hours from Bangkok to Sukhothai. You can travel this way by taxi, bus, train or plane.
