A Detailed Guide To Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand

Known as the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai is one of Southeast Asia’s most important historical sites.

We spent most of our time in this area exploring Sukhothai historical park, and below is our experience.

This article includes the following sections:

  • Information about the park
  • Places to stay in Sukhothai
  • How to get there
  • Entrance fee
  • Opening hours
  • Getting around Sukhothai
  • Things to see and do
  • What to pack for your trip
Sukhothai Thailand

About Sukhothai historical park

Sukhothai is 427 kilometers north of Bangkok or about 298 kilometers south of Chiang Mai.

This former capital used to have royal palaces, numerous Buddhist temples, and ancient historic buildings, but now all are only ruins.

Abandoned for centuries, the splendid monuments of this former capital have been restored. And in July 1988, the park was officially put into operation.

On 12/12/1991, UNESCO recognized the Sukhothai Historical Park (Old Sukhothai) as a World Cultural Heritage site.

The area presents Siamese art in the early stages, symbolizing the creation of the first kingdom and preserving a series of works showing unique Thailand architectural features. 

Sukhothai or Ayutthaya Thailand

Places to stay in Sukhothai.

Where to stay in Sukhothai?

As most famous attractions are located in Sukhothai’s old city, it’s best to stay in the old town.

We stayed at Legendha Hotel and had a good experience. The guesthouse is near the historical park, and the rooms are comfortable.

How to get to Sukhothai historical park?

If you don’t stay in Sukhothai’s old city, you can easily take a tuk-tuk or songthaew to the park from the new town.

The fee is 30 baht, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes (14 km).

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Sukhothai historical park’s entrance fee

The park is divided into five areas, each with a separate entrance ticket. 

For foreigners, the entrance ticket is 100 baht per person. If you have a bicycle, add 10 baht more. The fee for a motorbike entering the park is 20 baht.

For Thai, the entrance ticket is 20 baht.

Sukhothai opening hours

Sukhothai historical park opens from 6 am to 6 pm on weekdays and extends till 8 pm on the weekend.

Getting around Sukhothai historical park

There are three main options to get around the park.

  • Walk
  • Go by electric car
  • Rent a bicycle

Where to rent bikes in Sukhothai park?

There are a few places opposite the park where you can rent bicycles.

We rented ours from K-shop, costing us 30 baht per day. The service starts at 7 am, and you can return your bicycle at 7 pm.

Sukhothai historical park Thailand

Sukhothai historical park map

Sukhothai historical park map

Things to see in Sukhothai historical park

We visited different park areas, and the most impressive one was the central park.

The main historical park has many beautiful sites: Wat Mai, Wat Mahathat, Wat Sa Si, Wat Si Sawai, and the King statue.

Sukhothai Thailand

At each visiting area’s entrance are photographs of the relics before reconstruction and design for visitors to learn about.

Although we could not see the monuments in Sukhothai built from the 13th to 14th centuries, the elaborately restored buildings were impressive.

Visit Sukhothai park at sunset.

Seeing the ruins of Sukhothai historical park under the golden sunlight that remains of the day, we imagined what it could be like during the victorious days of the kingdom.

Inanimate pillars and mossy walls presented this ancient city’s splendid and magnificent beauty.

What to pack for Sukhothai historical park?

Although it has a little cafe, the park is large, so you should prepare water and snacks in advance. Also, wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and apply sun cream before visiting.

Please note that you should not wear shorts and short skirts when visiting temples in Thailand. Also, the shoulders and knees should be covered. 

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One Comment

  1. Manjulika Pramod says:

    These are really great! I have actually seen some pictures and guides of Sukhothai park but your images are great among them. And yes the guide of course. Thanks for sharing this great post.

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