Exploring Sukhothai Historical Park
Don’t miss the rest of our series on Sukhothai!
Getting to Sukhothai from Bangkok
We were lucky enough to be in Sukhothai for Loy Krathong, but the Sukhothai Historical Park is worth a visit any time, even when there isn’t a festival going on. We’ve heard it described as the “less crowded version of Ayutthaya,” and it’s definitely a fantastic option for exploring incredible ruins without the crowds you might expect. (Bonus: check out our list of three lesser-known sights in Sukhothai if you really want to avoid the crowds!)
We spent four days exploring the Historical Park both during and after Loy Krathong, and we’ve compiled everything you need to know here! Read on to be prepared for what to expect when you visit.
Getting to Sukhothai Historical Park
If you’re staying in new Sukhothai, you’ll need to take a tuk-tuk, taxi, or other form of transportation to old Sukhothai. If you’re staying anywhere within the inner center of the old city, though, it’s an easy walk!
We stayed at the lovely Phiphu Art and Gallery Boutique Sukhothai which is in the far corner of the old city, and were able to walk to the Historical Park in around 15 minutes. Many of the hotels and guest houses in this area also include free use of bicycles, which can be a great option!
Entering Sukhothai Historical Park (Entrance Fee etc.)
The entrance fee for Sukhothai Historical Park is 100 baht (around $3 USD) per person as of November 2019. If you want to bring your bike in with you, you’ll need to pay an extra 10 baht.
Your ticket is good all day, and allows you to exit and re-enter the park later. (This is super convenient if you want to go back to your hotel for a siesta in the worst of the afternoon heat.) Keep your ticket with you so you can come back later if you want.
Getting Around Sukhothai Historical Park
Let’s be honest: Gustavo and I are lazy and hate the heat. So when we tell you that walking the main section of the Historical Park isn’t a big deal, you can trust us!
Sure, there were times when it would have been nice to have a bicycle, but the ruins are so prevalent and close together that we probably would have walked most of the time anyway. (It’s not like you’re going to hop on a bike to ride 20 feet to the next thing, right?)
The park offers electric carts for rent, but unless you have mobility issues, these really don’t seem necessary.
Finally, there’s a guided tour shuttle that drives around the park. We didn’t use it because we prefer the freedom to explore on our own time, but keep in mind that the option is there if you want it.
Must-Visit Sights Within Sukhothai Historical Park
The entire park is pretty stunning, honestly, and we recommend exploring the whole thing. With that said, our top three recommendations are all pretty close together.
The main section of ruins (Wat Maha That) is pretty close to the main entrance to the park, on the left side. After you enter from the main/east entrance, you’ll walk (or bike) down a tree-shaded road. Within a few minutes, you’ll see ruins on your left. Head over to those to wander between ancient columns, admire statues, and get a sense for how majestic Sukhothai must have been back in its prime.
Wat Traphang Ngoen is much smaller than Wat Maha That, but it’s absolutely beautiful (and typically much less crowded). To get there from Wat Maha That, return to the main east/west road through the park and keep going away from the main entrance (heading west). Keep walking until you pass a lake, then turn left. Wat Traphang Ngoen will be on your right.
Our absolute favorite place in Sukhothai Historical Park is the island right between Wat Maha That and Wat Traphang Ngoen. As you walk from Wat Maha That to Wat Traphang Ngoen on the north side of the lake, you’ll see a bridge to your left. Crossing this bridge brings you to a beautiful little island that’s blissfully shady and offers beautiful views. We kept finding ourselves back here!