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An update from Evaneos
New Sukhothai

New Sukhothai (Thailand)

Practical information on New Sukhothai

  • Family
  • Romantic
  • Place or Religious Monument
  • Place or Historical Monument
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Unesco World Heritage
4 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
7 hours by bus from Bangkok
When to go
From November to February
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days

Reviews of New Sukhothai

Seasoned Traveller
193 written opinions

The capital of the first Kingdom of Thailand, it was founded in 1238 and most of its temples can still be seen today!

My suggestion:
Sukhothai is divided into two parts which are several kilometers apart: If you want to get really immersed in the town's history I suggest you stay in the old town, as close to the temples as possible.
My review

I went to Sukhothai for the first time after having visited Bangkok and Ayutthaya. How nice it was, after the crowded city and the long bus journey, to explore a peaceful town, surrounded by pools and trees, where you find temple ruins that are several centuries old.

Sukhothai Historical Park, which became aUNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to a collection of remains in brick and laterite that you can visit on foot or by bike. By bike means you can visit the temples outside the park, especially those to the north and east of the town, which have very few visitors. You really must visit the park at night fall, the ruins are lit and the atmosphere is completely different, almost mystical....

Discover Thailand by visiting Sukhothai - it's the first step in discovering the incredible cultural riches of this wonderful country... a town that is not to be missed!

Sukhothai Historical Park
Romain Beuvart Seasoned Traveller
89 written opinions

Considered the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the Sukhothai Historical Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. 

My suggestion:
If you've got more than 3 days in the area then you should also visit the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, 50 kilometers north of Sukothai.
My review

The kingdom of Sukothai only lasted a few years but its particular art and style marked its era. If you know the other capital, Ayutthaya, you can see the differences, a good reason to visit this other historic park.

Although you can visit it by car (which I think is wrong in principle), I always visit the site by bike, which you can rent from the village nearby, as the modern town of Sukhothai is about 10 kilometers south of the historic park. It's an ideal place for a family, the park has pretty woods and is well maintained and the Thais also like relaxing in Sukhothai.

The main site is inside an area marked by ancient moats and walls. I think it's a shame that they've divided the entrance tickets into zones and, yes, a basic ticket doesn't let you visit everything.

If I had to choose, I would say that, as well as the central square, it's the temples in the east, especially Wat Si Chum, which are worth the visit. Those in the north are mostly in ruins and a bit less impressive. 

Temple at Sukhothai
Marine Faure Seasoned Traveller
47 written opinions

Sukhothai was the Kingdom of Siam's first capital city and is today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.

My suggestion:
Visit the sites on foot or by bicycle rather than as part of a group so that you're free to do as you please.
My review
Like Ayutthaya, the city of Sukhothai was once the Kingdom of Siam's capital and is just as marked by history. It is one of Thailand's most beautiful archaeological sites and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
When I visited the city, I hired a bicycle for the day to give me more independence and enable me to get from one temple to the next. However, as the sites are quite close to each other it is also possible to do it on foot. As with other tourist sites, it is better to get there early in the morning if you want to avoid large groups of people and not have to wait your turn to take photos.
The main city of Sukhothai itself is quite peaceful and the atmosphere there relaxing. It's also easy to get around in the city as there is not a lot of traffic. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy relaxing breaks!
Temple in Sukhothai