Sukhothai, which means Dawn of Happiness, is a focal Thailand territory, around 400 km (248.5 miles) from Bangkok. Sukhothai Historical Park contains the reestablished 13th-century royal residences and sanctuaries of the Kingdom of Siam and the great ‘Sukhothai style’ of engineering during this time, left Thailand an enduring inheritance.
The ancient old city is known as Mueang-Gòw, and features modified remnants, amongst the most antiquated locales in Thailand. An authentic stop in Mae Nam Yom, the market town of New Sukhothai, is especially intriguing. Here’s a list of 7 ultimate things to do in Sukhothai, Thailand, that will help you explore the authentic Thai essence of the city.
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1. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park
The capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom is fondly referred to as the Dawn of Happiness. The 13th-century Sukhothai Historical Park features the ancient remains of Sukhothai. In addition, this park exhibits one of Thailand’s 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The recreation centre here incorporates four extensive lakes inside old dividers, with 70 destinations inside a 5 km (3.1 mile) span.
The remains are divided into five zones. The design of the Sukhothai temples is epitomised in the great lotus-bud, highlighting a tapered tower on a three-layered base. Observe the rich architecture, like the bell shaped Sinhalese and two-fold Srivijaya chedi. Regardless of being famous, this park is huge and you could definitely use a bicycle to explore it.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Price: from 3 USD
Opening Hours: 6 am - 9 pm.
Contact: +66 55 697 241
Website: Sukhothai Historical Park (in Thai)
2. Dine at JayHae, Tapui and Poo Restaurant
For an authentic Sukhothai experience, you must taste the Sukhothai-style noodles and pad Thai at Jayhae. This famous restaurant also serves tasty beverages.
Poo Restaurant, near Mae Nam Yom, is famous despite its deceptive name. Unlike the name suggests, Poo offers a selective collection of Belgian beers. A meal in Poo restaurant will cost you from 50 to 200 THB (1.49 to 5.97 USD) for two people.
Likewise, Ta Pui claims to be the first shop in Sukhothai to have sold Sukhothai-style noodles. In general, the shop is a brick floor with a tin roof, serving phenomenal food, at a great price.
Jayhae
Address: Th Jarodvithithong, Sukhothai, Thailand
Poo Restaurant
Address: Jarot Withithong 24/3, Sukhothai 64000, Thailand
Price: from 1.49 USD
Opening Hours: 11 am - 11 pm.
Contact: +66 93 197 4070
Tapui
Address: 1.3 km (.8 miles) west of Mae Nam Yom, off Th Jarodvithithong
3. Shop at the Sukothai Saturday Night Market
Sukhothai celebrates its Saturday evenings with the most vibrant energy. Everybody in the city gathers after sunset, by the waterway, at the Sukhothai Night Market. In fact, this unique Thai market is more than just a road, lined up with vendors. Every Saturday night, you will find this market space convert into a public concert or a dance floor. While visiting Sukhothai, you must come to this night market to enjoy great food at a reasonable price. Most sellers are pleasant to vendors and it’s a great atmosphere.
Sukhothai Night Food Market
Address: Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai, Thailand
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays.
4. Tour Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is close to the Central Zone of Sukhothai. This museum is a great place to explore the ancient ruins of the historical centre. The museum also features the renowned Ramkhamhaeng engraving, which is said to be the earliest example of written Thai. These writings are preserved fabulously among a great collection of Sukhothai artefacts.
Please note that you will have to get a separate ticket for both the museum and the central zone.
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Price: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 9 am - 4 pm.
Contact: +66 55 697 367
5. Explore Buddhist Temples like Wat Saphan Hin and Wat Mahathat
The Wat Saphan Hin Temple is situated on a hill above the old city. It features the Phra Attharot Buddha of Wat Saphan Hin. The temple’s name is derived from the words “stone bridge”, which originates from the 300-meter (984.3 foot) slate stone pathway. There is a stone stage, with a little square stupa on it, less than three-quarters of the way up and the Buddha sculptural remains are in a prayer hall, on the peak of the hill.
According to the engraving on the stone column, King Ramkamhaeng would ride his white elephant up to Wat Saphan Hin, on the full moon, to offer his regards to this Buddha. Likewise, Wat Mahathat is the Temple of the Great Relic and a standout amongst the most vital temples of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This temple is situated on an island and contained an awesome number of auxiliary chedis and viharas.
Wat Saphan Hin Temple
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Price: from 3 USD
Website: Wat Saphan Hin Temple
6. Si Satchanalai National Park
Si Satchanalai is another historical park in Sukhothai, considered the second centre of the Sukhothai Kingdom and established in the year 1250. It features the vestiges of the antiquated town of 13th-century Si Satchanalai. This park on the Yom waterway is set in a characteristic, forested range, where the various temples have been restored to their unique eminence. Si Satchanalai Historical Park includes a wide array of Buddha structures, ancient buildings and temples. At the very least, you should visit the eastern sanctuaries, in addition to the internal city.
You can buy either separate tickets for each park or a comprehensive ticket for both areas. Together, with the historical parks of its associated cities, Si Satchanalai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, this national park is also popular for its glazed ceramics, known as Sangkhalok pottery. The independent visits will cost you 100 THB or 3 USD, while a total ticket will cost you 220 THB or 6 USD.
Si Satchanalai
Address: Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai 64190, Thailand
Price: from 4 USD
Opening Hours: 7 am - 5.30 pm.
Contact: +66 55 901 714
Website: Si Satchanalai
7. Wat Sa Si
Wat Sa Si Temple is located in the north of Wat Mahathat, in the centre of Tra Phang Tra Kuan pond, surrounded by lotus flowers. Its beautiful location makes it one of the most popular monuments in Sukhothai Historical Park. According to one of the stone inscriptions, Wat Sa Si is a 14th-century monument.
Wat Sa Si Temple
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Price: from 3 USD
Website: Wat Sa Si Temple - in Thai)
Sukothai: The essential Thailand
Sukhothai is an ideal place to cherish authentic Thai vibes. The city covers everything, from ancient Buddhist temples to national parks featuring antiquated remains. There’s plenty to cover for sightseeing and yet you can unwind at some of the best restaurants in the area, offering authentic Thai cuisine.
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