Sukhothai located about 450 kilometers from Bangkok, halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. By bus about 6 to 7 hours, daily flights are available from Bangkok. The former Thai capital is now a huge historical park and World Heritage Site.

Sukhothai was the first independent Thai kingdom, the city gained prominence and its independence in 1238, nine kings ruled over an expanding area the city it's capital. The most famous king of Sukhothai was King Ramkhamhaeng, under his rule the Thai alphabet was developed. The city's influence extended beyond its borders, in 1376 the city was annexed by the Rulers of Ayuthaya.

The Citys heyday was in the 13th and 14th centuries. The remains of the old city are scattered within and around its ancient walls. The classic religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai period has never lost its influence on Thai culture and many later temples have emulated this style.

Modern day Sukhothai is a small town located about 12 kilometers from the Sukhothai historical park. Most visitors who choose to spend the night in Sukhothai usually stay in new Sukhothai. There are better hotels and more things to do, and take a taxi to Sukhothai historical park in the morning.

Its the Buddhas that keep Sukhothai alive each of the temples, a shrine where people regularly come to pray. They are a part of modern day life rather than just a museum for the ancient civilisation of the 13th century. Throughout the Ancient Ruins of Sukhothai there are hundreds of Buddha images. Each of them has that famous Serene Smile, Symbolising Enlightenment.

There is an entry fee for each of the parks five zones, you can explore the old city by tram or hire a bicycle from shops near the park entrance. Motorcycles can be rented from guesthouses in the new city 12 kilometers to the east.

If you enjoy touring and exploring temples there is another Historical Park, Si Satchanalai, roughly 55 kilometers from Sukhothai The ruins date from the 13th to 15th centuries and are generally less restored and visited than those at Sukhothai. Although no less inspiring, one of the many impressive sites is Wat Chang Lom it was completed in 1291. Stucco elephants flank its Sri Lankan Style Stupa.

Khao Nam Khang National Park consists of complexed mountain range stretching southward to the border of Malaysia. The parks attractions are Ton Tat Fah, Wang Luang Prom, Pru Ching Waterfalls, Mueang Look Nueng and Khao Nam Khang tunnel.

San Kala Kiri National Park located in Sabayoy District, Song Khla Province, has many interesting plants and animals, and has naturally unique places such as waterfall, caves, The Pha Rain Forest, and peat swam forest.

National Parks in Thailand

Thai International have daily flights from Bangkok to Phitsanulok which take 35 minutes. Bangkok Airways operate services from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Sukhothais new airport.

There are no trains going directly to Sukhothai, you can travel by train to Phitsanulok. Then take a local bus or taxi to Sukhothai, about 59 kilometres away.

VIP, Air Conditioned and reguler buses depart from Bangkoks Mochit 2 Bus Terminal Bangkok to Sukhothai daily, from 9.45 am.  to 10:20 pm, frequently during the morning. The journey takes 6-7 hours.

There is also many private taxis and mini bus services, available from local tour companies.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Shopping Sukhothai is no shoppers paradise, souvenirs and day to day items are available around the town. Street stalls selling souvenirs near old Sukhothai, plus a night market.

Eating Out The larger hotels have restaurants serving Thai and Chinese and some western food, plenty of good Thai restaurants around the town small Selection western food, many cheap tasty dishes are available from street stalls and the market in the centre of town.

Hotels & Accommodation Sukhothai has a reasonable selection of hotels and guesthouses offering both fan cooled and air conditioned rooms.