Thailand

Sukhothai is a small town occupied by around thirty thousand people in the northern part of Thailand, 427 kilometers from Bangkok. Having been the capital of the first Thai kingdom, it marked the golden age in the country's history. This is why it was nicknamed "Dawn of Happiness."

It comprises the New Sukhothai and the old city in ruins, surrounded by walls. The latter mainly attracts history enthusiasts, while the new city serves as a welcoming place for visitors who come to Sukhothai to discover the famous historical park, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Siam to be formed after the discord between the Thai forces and the Khmers. In 1238, its capital of the same name served as a border post for the Khmer Empire.

In 1278, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great ascended to the throne for forty years of reign. This marked the golden age of artistic and literary evolution in Thailand.

Indeed, this famous king maintained a close relationship with China, and upon his return from his travels, he brought Chinese artisans to teach pottery to his people. Quickly mastered by the Thais, this art allowed the creation of the famous ceramics of Sawankhalok.

The reform of various forms of the Khmer alphabet also marked his reign, which was both prosperous and peaceful. In 1283, the King invented the Thai alphabet, which is still used today.

King Ramkhamhaeng the Great prioritized religion and culture, and it was during his authority that Buddhism belief progressed. It became the official religion that put an end to Khmer influences and replaced the practice of Hinduism. Moreover, several Buddha sculptures were created during this time.

Eight kings succeeded before the end of the first Thai kingdom where gradual decline was inevitable during the last two reigns.

In 1378, Sukhothai became a vassal state of Ayutthaya.

Visiting the historical site of Sukhothai

The historical park of Sukhothai is located about a dozen kilometers from the current city. It brings together the remains of important temples, architectural wonders, and history to discover an overview of what Thailand could have been.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical park of Sukhothai has become, along with Ayutthaya, a must-see for travelers in Thailand.

As the points of interest are quite distant from each other, it is advisable to plan a means of transportation. With your Sawa’Discovery agency, you will benefit from a local guide and a vehicle to explore the site and uncover all its secrets.

You can also opt for renting a bike or scooter for the day.

The historical park is divided into five zones: central, east, west, south, and north.

Temples of Sukhothai that are not to be missed

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace occupies the center of the city with two important sites: the royal residence and the royal sanctuary.

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Named after the principal king in Sukhothai's history, it is considered one of Thailand's largest museums. This exceptional monument provides an excellent introduction to Thai craftsmanship.

Wat Mahathat

The former religious heart of the ancient city of Sukhothai, this temple remains essential, with its two standing Buddhas awaiting you at the entrance.

The statue of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great

This bronze statue, located north of Wat Mahathat, was designed in honor of the historical king of the city.

Wat Sra Si

This temple, surrounded by the lotus lake, is known for hosting the Loy Khraton, which is the Festival of Lights, celebrated in November.

Wat Sorasak

This temple stands out for its unique architecture, adorned with 24 elephants guarding the chedi.

Wat Si Chum

This temple houses a colossal seated Buddha statue measuring nearly 15 meters in height.

For the occasion, you can also visit Wat Traphang Thong, Wat Chana Songkhram, San Ta Pha Daeng, and Wat Mai.

Climate

Sukhothai has a tropical savanna climate divided into two essential seasons: summer and winter. It records an average annual temperature of 28°C and an average precipitation of 1,295 mm throughout the year.

Winter is particularly dry, where precipitation drops to as low as 9.3 mm in the driest month. However, it is pleasantly cool even in December, which is the coldest month. At this time, the average temperature recorded is 24.1°C while in the hottest month, April, it reaches an average of 33.5°C.

As with the rest of Thailand, the best time to visit Sukhothai is in winter. Especially between November and March, to avoid the rainy season and enjoy cooler weather.

How to get to Sukhothai?

Sukhothai is served daily by transport lines from Bangkok due to its historical importance and numerous tourist attractions. Therefore, you can take:

Plane: daily flights depart for Khlong Krachong, the airport located 30 km from Sukhothai. Your journey will take an hour, but you will need to take a shuttle, taxi, or bus to reach your destination.

Train: available at Hua Lomphong station, the train will take you to Phitsanulok in six hours. Then, you just have to take the bus to reach Sukhothai in an hour.

Bus: the bus journey takes seven hours. You can take it at Mo Chit bus station, which connects the capital with the entire northern part of the country.

Car: from Bangkok, take highway N1, then N32 north towards Nakhon Sawan. Then continue to Kamphaeng Phet before taking the 101, which will lead you to Sukhothai.

Getting around between the two cities

Sukhothai has a variety of transportation options to facilitate your travel between the two cities.

Bus: buses connect the two cities every thirty minutes, from 6 a.m to 6 p.m;

Tuk-tuk: don't forget to negotiate the fare before boarding these motorized tricycles;

Songthaeo: these pick-up trucks converted into collective taxis are very convenient for short trips;

Bicycle or scooter: for your safety, cross the city by taking Ban Klai Road, reserved for two-wheelers.

Practical info

To visit the historical park of Sukhothai, bring sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and don't forget water. Also, remember to bring mosquito repellent, as insects can be prevalent in the evening.

Although there is no specific dress code, respect the country's culture and wear decent clothing. Cover at least your shoulders with a t-shirt. Shorts are acceptable for both men and women.