Sukhothai at a glance: who it suits, how long to stay
Sukhothai Historical Park lies about 12 km from the "new" town (Sukhothai Thani), in the province of the same name. It suits lovers of history, architecture and quiet rides: the temples are scattered across a large park, with few people outside weekends and holidays. If you are in a hurry you can see the essentials in half a day; to really stroll around, with sunrise or sunset, you need a night on site.
A full day from Bangkok, leaving at dawn and returning late at night, is possible by plane but not by bus: fourteen to sixteen hours of return travel leave almost nothing for the site. If your time is short, Ayutthaya is the historical alternative, an hour from Bangkok (see also our best day trips from Bangkok). For the season, November to February, drier and less hot, is the most pleasant; in March to May the heat makes cycling hard in the middle of the day (see the best time to visit Bangkok).
Getting from Bangkok to Sukhothai
By bus: the most direct
Long-distance buses leave from the Northern bus terminal (Mo Chit) for the Sukhothai Thani bus station, in the "new" town. Allow about seven to eight hours on the road, sometimes more in traffic. First-class and VIP buses are comfortable, with reclining seats; night departures save a hotel night but are tiring. Book ahead in high season. From the Sukhothai Thani bus station, a shared minibus (songthaew) or a tuk-tuk takes about thirty minutes to the historical park; to sleep near the ruins, several hotels and guesthouses line the access road (confirm the fare before you get in).
By plane: Bangkok Airways
Bangkok Airways operates direct flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Sukhothai airport, lasting about one hour twenty. It is the fastest option, but also the most expensive, and frequencies are limited: check the flight days before booking your night. The airport is about 30 minutes by road from the town; the airline generally offers shuttles, to be confirmed when you book.
By train, via Phitsanulok
The train does not reach Sukhothai. You get off at Phitsanulok, after roughly five to six hours from Bangkok, then take a bus (about an hour and a half) to Sukhothai. It is slower than the direct bus, but scenic and worthwhile if you are heading on to Chiang Mai; for night trains, see the Bangkok–Chiang Mai night train and our train day trips from Bangkok. Book ahead, especially in high season.
Summary table: Bangkok–Sukhothai
| Mode | Departure | Approximate duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-distance bus | Northern bus terminal (Mo Chit) | 7 to 8 h | Most travellers |
| Plane (Bangkok Airways) | Suvarnabhumi | 1 h 20 flight | Those short of time |
| Train then bus | Bangkok station, then Phitsanulok | 5 to 6 h by train + 1 h 30 by bus | Train lovers, those continuing north |
Indicative durations, which vary greatly with traffic and services; check timetables and prices before you leave.
Visiting the historical park
The park is divided into five zones (central, north, south, east and west). The central zone holds the most important ruins; the other, quieter zones call for a bike or a vehicle. The park is open every day, generally from 6 am to 6 pm. Entry tickets are paid per zone: about 100 baht per zone for foreign visitors, with a few baht extra for a bicycle; fares change, so check at the gate.
Temples not to miss
- Wat Mahathat: the royal temple, in the central zone, with its brick columns, lotus ponds and lotus-bud stupas, typical of Sukhothai art. It is the most photographed site.
- Wat Si Sawai: three Khmer-style towers (prang) beside a moat, in the central zone.
- Wat Sa Si: a small temple on an islet reached by a footbridge, beautiful late in the day.
- Wat Si Chum: in the northern zone, about 1.5 km from the walls; a large mondop shelters the seated Phra Achana Buddha, about 15 m high, which you discover through a narrow passage.
- Wat Traphang Ngoen: another easy stop in the central zone, with its lotus-bud stupa in the middle of a pond, if you have time.
By bike, the best way to visit
Bike rental shops line the road in front of the central zone entrance; allow a few tens of baht per day (most hotels lend bikes to their guests). Distances are short in the central zone but the sun is harsh: set off early, carry water and a hat, and keep the afternoon for the outer zones or a coffee. If you would rather not pedal, tuk-tuks and little tourist trains run in the park depending on the season.
A night on site or a day return?
For the sunset at Wat Mahathat and the calm of dawn, sleep in the "old town" near the park (or in Sukhothai Thani if you want more restaurants). With a night, you avoid spending fifteen hours on a bus for a few hours at the site. If you only have one day, flying is the only reasonable option, with an early departure and a return late in the day depending on the airline's timetable. If you are continuing north, Sukhothai is a natural stop between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Sukhothai is also known for the Loy Krathong festival in November: the tradition is said to have been born here, and the park is then lit with lanterns and shows; book very far ahead. For the capital's version, see Loy Krathong in Bangkok.
Going further
For more day-trip ideas, see our best day trips from Bangkok and our guide Ayutthaya from Bangkok: which trip to choose. For Thai art and religion, our page on the National Museum Bangkok shows Sukhothai art objects.
