Top 12 Must-Do Activities in Sukhothai, Thailand

Many of the best activities in Sukhothai can be enjoyed self-guided over a few days; simply grab a bicycle and go! Situated roughly halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand’s ancient capital from the 13th century earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991.

In contrast to Ayutthaya, another of Thailand’s ancient capitals, Sukhothai has a more compact feel and is often less crowded. The distance from Bangkok deters some travelers who instead opt for the shorter, two-hour journey to explore Ayutthaya’s ruins; however, both cities are worth a visit.

Sukhothai is older than Ayutthaya, making the surviving ruins there all the more impressive. The Thai system of writing was developed in the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1283, and the modern alphabet still closely resembles the original stone inscriptions found around the park!

Visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Phone: +66 55 697 367

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Although spending time indoors under fluorescent lighting isn’t easy with so many archaeological treats awaiting you in the Sukhothai Historical Park, learning a bit of the history of Sukhothai will greatly enhance your experience there. Without this understanding, all the Buddha statues and restored sites may blur into a single archaeological mess.

You should visit the museum shortly after arriving in Sukhothai. If time is limited, consider exploring the ruins in the Historical Park in the morning (the best time to do so) and then hide from the day’s heat in the museum. The time spent there will help you grasp what you have seen that morning before you head back to explore temples and find a good sunset spot after it closes in the late afternoon.

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is open until 4 p.m., with an entry fee of 150 baht. You’ll need to store your backpack in a locker.

Rent a Bicycle and Begin Exploring

Although you can definitely explore the historical zones on foot, having a bicycle greatly increases your range. Many guesthouses lend bicycles to guests for free, or you can rent one from shops near the main entrance of the Sukhothai Historical Park.

The bikes may have seen better days, but rentals are inexpensive (40-50 baht per day). A bicycle allows you to visit fringe sites without the added responsibility of driving and parking a scooter. If you haven’t ridden a bicycle in decades or prefer an easier option in the heat, consider taking the electric tram that circulates the park, with guided tours available for only 60 baht.

Visit the Sangkhalok Museum

Address: 2R7P+255, Pak Khwae, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64000, Thailand

Phone: +66 55 614 333

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If you enjoyed the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, the Sangkhalok Museum is another excellent option, especially during the rainy season. Like the Ramkhamhaeng Museum, a visit here will enhance your understanding of the nearby ruins. The Sangkhalok Museum houses a significant collection of ancient ceramics — a must for pottery enthusiasts. Admission is around 100 baht.

Explore Wat Mahathat

Address: 2P83+QF4, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Considered the most important temple in Sukhothai, the “Temple of the Great Relic” is believed to have housed relics from Buddha. Wat Mahathat was constructed between 1292 and 1347, serving as the principal temple for the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Wat Mahathat is the largest and most visited temple ruin in Sukhothai. It’s best to visit either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Moreover, lunch breaks provide an opportunity to explore peacefully.

Note: The name “Wat Mahathat” is used for several temples across Thailand, including a renowned temple in Ayutthaya.

Experience the Magic of Wat Si Chum

Address: 2MGV+P7P, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

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Wat Si Chum evokes an adventurous spirit, akin to exploring the vine-entangled temples of Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Second only to Wat Mahathat in popularity, this temple is exceptionally photogenic.

The real draw of Wat Si Chum is the glimpse of the 50-foot-tall Buddha statue through a tall slit at the entrance. The fingers pointing downward have been adorned with gold. Additionally, engraved slates along a corridor illustrate the life of Buddha, representing some of the oldest examples of Thai drawing.

As with Wat Mahathat, visiting early helps you capture the site’s magic — and offers a chance for stunning photos of Wat Si Chum.

See the Elephants at Wat Chang Lom

Address: 2PC9+2V3, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Wat Chang Lom, meaning “elephant” in Thai, showcases beautifully restored temple surroundings. The 32 stone elephants encircling the stupa stand attentively.

This temple is located slightly off the usual circuit — just behind the renowned Sukhothai Hotel. After admiring the temple, nearby shopping and dining opportunities await.

Note: There’s another Wat Chang Lom located an hour north of Sukhothai. Ensure your driver understands which location you wish to visit!

See Khmer Architecture at Wat Si Sawai

Address: 2P72+GWC, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Wat Si Sawai distinguishes itself from the other temples in Sukhothai as it was originally a Hindu shrine and is one of the oldest temples. Visitors familiar with Angkor Wat will quickly recognize its distinctive Khmer-style architecture, as numerous statues of Hindu deities were found in the area and are now displayed in the national museum. Wat Si Sawai was later converted into a Buddhist temple, sometime in the 14th century.

Watch Sunset at Wat Sa Si

Address: 2P92+VHV, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

Although small compared to the other temples in the historical park, Wat Sa Si offers a serene setting and stunning sunset opportunities. This temple’s location surrounded by water creates beautiful photo opportunities with the sunset reflected in the lake.

The stupa at Wat Sa Si is round with a pointed top, resembling architectural styles found throughout Sri Lanka. According to legends, the chedi houses the ashes of a former king of Sukhothai.

Remember that temple ruins are considered sacred sites and are often frequented by monks; therefore, the usual etiquette in temples applies.

Take a Day Trip to Si Satchanalai

Address: หมู่ที่ 6 ตำบล ศรีสัชนาลัย อำเภอศรีสัชนาลัย สุโขทัย 64190, Thailand

Phone: +66 55 950 714

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The Si Satchanalai Historical Park is approximately an hour’s drive north of Sukhothai. Established in 1250, the ruins of the “City of Good People” resemble a miniature Sukhothai Historical Park, with impressive temples, Buddha statues, and city defenses once utilized against Burmese invaders. These temple ruins are as magnificent as those found in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Si Satchanalai is easily explored on foot and is a worthwhile UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit.

Go See the Thuriang Kilns

Address: 2MMW+2WC, Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand

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If you’ve explored enough temples and feel a sense of “wat burnout,” consider heading north to the remains of the Thuriang Kilns. These ancient ceramic kilns were only discovered at the end of the 20th century.

Many kilns are preserved under roofs, providing a great shady option to escape the sun or rain for a brief period. These nearly 15-foot-long kilns once produced ceramic bricks and pottery at the peak of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

You’ll find the Thuriang Kilns just slightly north of Si Satchanalai. You’ll need to hire a driver to reach them, or rent a scooter.

Eat in the Markets

The best way to find the pulse of any new place is to spend time in the markets. Sukhothai has several; try to experience an authentic, inexpensive meal in either the night market or the early morning fresh market.

The Sukhothai night market is vibrant yet manageable, with more locals enjoying tasty snacks and socializing than tourists. Centralized, uncovered seating allows travelers to connect and savor delicious dishes.

The morning market is excellent for people-watching and soaking in the local culture. While many stalls focus on providing raw ingredients for local households and restaurants, there are opportunities to sample local fare. Don’t miss the chance to grab sticky rice, typically eaten with fingers, and remember to use your right hand for politeness.

Keep an eye out for fresh fruit — especially mangosteens when in season — as well as fried meats wrapped in banana leaves.

Try Sukhothai Noodles

Sukhothai offers its own unique variant of Southeast Asia’s popular kuay tiew noodle soup, which can be challenging to find elsewhere.

Following a centuries-old recipe, rice noodles are added to a savory bone broth with thinly sliced pork, ground peanuts, bean sprouts, and sliced vegetables. Some additional toppings like lime juice and salty nam pla (fish sauce) can enhance the subtle sweetness of the broth.

Sukhothai kuay tiew (pronounced “kway tee-ow” with variations in transliterations) can be found in local restaurants and at the night market. The noodles can be enjoyed either as a soup or served “dry.”