Sukhothai
The first Thai capital, and the most peaceful of the great ruin sites. Sukhothai's historical park is flat, green and made for bicycles, with seated Buddhas framed by lotus ponds.
The park
Wat Mahathat is the centrepiece, but the smaller sites to the north and west are where you will be alone. Bikes can be rented at the gate; the whole park is 70km of flat road and shaded paths.
On the way north or south
Sukhothai sits between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which makes it a natural one-night stop on the overland route. Si Satchanalai, 50km north, is quieter still and worth the detour.
Things to see in Sukhothai
UNESCO site
Sukhothai Historical Park
The ruins of the first Thai capital: seated Buddhas, lotus ponds, brick columns and very few people.…
Temple
Wat Si Chum
A massive seated Buddha seen through a narrow brick slit, fingers alone the height of a person.…
Tours that include Sukhothai
Experiences here
Add Sukhothai to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.