Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai Historical Park is an interesting open-air museum just at the centre of Thailand's lower north with historical scenes of the era.

When planning to unlock the secrets of the glorious cultural heritage of Thailand, Sukhothai Historical Park is one of those places that should not be missed in Sukhothai. The well-preserved ruins, combined with park serenity, place a person in an environment that would enable him/her to travel back in time and experience the awe of an ancient kingdom that laid the foundation for modern Thai civilisation.

Sunset at Sukhothai Historical Park (Credit: Dani Salva, VWPics/Redux)

The Best Time to Visit Sukhothai Historical Park

We'd love to help you decide when to visit Sukhothai Historical Park! To make the most of your experience here, it's important to choose the right time. 

If you're looking to visit an ancient kingdom, November to February is the perfect time! These months are lovely and smooth, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. You'll get lots of sunshine and, even then, low rainfall, which is ideal for sightseeing and keeping the rain from ruining your plans!

Sukhothai Historical Park from above (Credit: Freepik)

How to Get to Sukhothai Historical Park

The best way to get to Sukhothai from Bangkok is by train or bus to Phitsanulok, which is only about 60 kilometres away. Or you can hop on a local songthaew, a cute little truck shaped like a yack, to reach the historical park.

If you're flying out from Chiang Mai, you'll find direct buses or trains to Sukhothai; which will take about 4-5 hours. You can also arrange for a private transfer from Chiang Mai, or join an organised tour.

Getting to Sukhothai Historical Park (Credit:Thailand Life)

What to Do in Sukhothai Historical Park

A thousand golden structures from the old Thai kingdom lie within this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site: the Sukhothai Historical Park. This destination is divided into several distinct zones, each boasting its own collection of awe-inspiring ancient ruins and architectural marvels. 

Exploring the Central Zone 

Wat Si Sawai is a beautiful sanctuary of three lovely towers singing the wonderful influence of the Khmer on Sukhothai. Carvings and incredibly intricate gables have been wonderful testimonies of the prehistoric Thais influenced by Hindu mythology. This temple is special because it is a piece of Khmer architecture brought over to Thailand.

Also, you will also fall in love with Wat Trapang Ngoen! It's set in a most beautiful, tranquil spot, surrounded by water lilies. This beautiful stupa and the bell-shaped chedi are really set in a very restful setting, typical of most of the city. The chedi is beautiful, too. It has graceful proportions and works in detail, as you often find in Thai Buddhist architecture.

Wat Si Sawai (Credit: iStock)

Discovering the Northern Zone 

Outside of these iconic, the Sukhothai Historical Park comprises a host of other architectural wonders in the northern area. Every temple/monument offers an insight into the history and beliefs of ancient Thais.

It is simply impossible to imagine a visit without stopping at Wat Phra Phai Luang, an impressive ensemble of three major stupas, each of them wonderfully decorated with stucco motifs and remarkable sandstone boundary markers called Sema stones. Nestled in a quiet grove, this peaceful temple boasts an impressive, towering bell-shaped chedi and a giant walking Buddha image that provide much-needed tranquil retreats from the crowds.

Wat Phra Phai Luang (Credit: RenownTravel)

Uncovering the Western Zone 

Your trip to the western area begins here in front of Wat Si Chum, an impressive sight with its enormous seated Buddha. This is a superb example of the great skills of the Sukhothai era artisans, who used stucco and laterite construction in exquisite detail.

Plus, Wat Saphan Hin is a unique “Wat” because it is connected to a stone bridge across the Traphang Tong reservoir. It is serene and quiet, with the architectural beauty of the temple enhanced by the perfect harmony of light, water, and beauty, creating a truly natural experience.

Wat Saphan Hin (Credit: Lonely Planet)

Furthermore, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is home to the largest resplendent Buddha statue in Sukhothai. Standing at a height of 15 metres, the stucco embellishments on the body of this icon are the great handwork of ancient Thais. The statue exudes serenity, yet its size demands respect.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Credit: World Heritage Journeys)

Wandering to the Eastern Zone

The most outstanding thing would be Wat Chang Lom, one of the more interesting temples situated somewhat east of the Central Zone, an unusual and strange experience for the visitor to Sukhothai. Built in the 14th century, the "temple surrounded by elephants" is an apt description because of the large quantities of elephants arrayed around the base of this structure.

The center point of Wat Chang Lom is a huge chedi or stupa, thought to hold actual relics of Buddha himself. This vaulting building is surrounded by 32 statuettes of an elephant, a symbol of force in body and mind within the practices of Buddhism. It is widely known that elephants are protectors of temples, symbolising the meaning of being wise yet strong creatures.

Wat Chang Lom (Credit: Wikimedia)

The massive chedi with the elephant sculptures gives a feeling of an awesome atmosphere to viewers at Wat Chang Lom. The tourists are seen to be free to walk around these elephants, noticing the fine details of these magnificent works, and placing them in consideration of this ancient site's religious and cultural meaning.

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Where to Stay in Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai has a great range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's needs and budget. If you want to be inside the park for convenience or in the new city area for more, there are plenty of options. Either way, you'll find somewhere comfortable and memorable.

Why not take your Sukhothai experience to the next level by staying in the park itself? There are plenty of resorts and boutique hotels nearby, so you can wake up to the serene atmosphere. Most of these are built in a traditional Thai style, in keeping with the environment.

Traditional villa near the site (Credit: Tripadvisor)

Another great option, although not the cheapest, is the Sukhothai Heritage Resort. It has beautiful villas and suites with their own pools, surrounded by lovely gardens. Another good choice is the Tharaburi Resort, which has great facilities and is conveniently located near the park's central zone.

Conclusion

The visit to Sukhothai Historical Park is a lifetime experience in itself. History, culture, and natural beauty mingle imperceptibly with one another. 

Therefore, every aspiring traveller, historian, or simply an adventure-seeking individual out there should plan for a visit to Sukhothai Historical Park and find themselves submerged in its timeless charm. Contact Asia King Travel to plan your trip now!

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