Sukhothai

About Sukhothai

Sukhothai, meaning "Dawn of Happiness," was the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam, flourishing from the 13th to 15th centuries as the cradle of Thai art, architecture, and even the Thai alphabet, credited to King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. Its ruins, spread across the Sukhothai Historical Park, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 alongside the nearby parks of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet. With over 190 ancient monuments set among lotus ponds and tree-lined avenues, Sukhothai offers one of Thailand's most graceful and unhurried historical experiences, best explored slowly by bicycle.

Top Sightseeing Spots — Main Ruins

1. Wat Mahathat – The largest and most important temple of the former kingdom, its lotus-bud chedi surrounded by dozens of smaller stupas and Buddha images, considered the spiritual heart of old Sukhothai.
2. Wat Si Sawai – Recognisable by its three Khmer-style prangs, originally built as a Hindu shrine before becoming a Buddhist temple.
3. Wat Sa Si – A serene island temple set in the middle of a lake, reached by a wooden footbridge, home to a graceful walking Buddha image.
4. Wat Si Chum – Famous for its enormous seated Buddha, Phra Achana, framed dramatically within a tall mondop.
5. Wat Chang Lom – A bell-shaped chedi raised on a base ringed by sculpted elephants, built in Sri Lankan style.
6. Wat Phra Phai Luang – One of the oldest structures in the park, built by the Khmers before the founding of Sukhothai, with remnants of a Khmer-style prang.
7. Wat Traphang Thong – A gilded chedi on an island reached by a causeway, where visitors can join the daily morning alms-giving ceremony.
8. Ramkhamhaeng National Museum – Houses many of the original Buddha images and artefacts recovered from the park, plus exhibits on Sukhothai history.

Good to Know

• Getting there: About 427 km north of Bangkok; fly directly into Sukhothai Airport, or take a bus/train to Phitsanulok and continue by minivan (about 1 hour).
• Getting around: The park is large and flat — renting a bicycle is the classic way to explore, and electric trams are also available.
• UNESCO recognition: Sukhothai Historical Park was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1991 together with the related parks of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet.
• Birthplace of Loy Krathong: Sukhothai is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Loy Krathong festival, celebrated with a major festival each November.