Sukhothai (สุโขทัย) is the capital of Sukhothai Province, in Northern Thailand.

Buddha statues

Get in

From Mae Sot: Minibuses run regularly from the minibus station at the back of the market and take about 3 hours, passing through Tak on the way. 130 baht.

Get around

The best way to see the ruins is by bicycle. They can be rented from a shop across from the main park entrance.

Purple #1 songthaew travel to/from the bus station, which is about 3km out of town, and run the length of Thanon Charodvithitong. 10 baht.

Large blue songthaew to Old Sukhothai leave from a signed bus stop on Thanon Charodvithitong about 100m west of the bridge and stop about 750m from the entrance to the Central Zone. 20 baht.

See

• Old Sukhothai (muang kao Sukhothai)

Located 12km to the west of Sukhothai, this was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom from 1238 to 1438 and contains many ruins from that period. Its importance has been recognised and it is now a classed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist attraction, and the site of much restoration since the 1960s. Consequently it is well maintained, exceptionally clean, and well supported by vendors, though only a minimum of touts. The fact that it is heavily restored is worth noting. This is apparent with some ruins or particular statues, and combined with the cleanliness and well kept grass and plants it can lead to a feeling that it is a little over-sanitised in the central zone. The other zones are much less like this, and trips down unmarked tracks can lead to ruins very much in their untouched state.

The whole site covers an area of approx 70 square kilometres and is divided into 5 zones. The central zone contains the majority of the ruins and a museum and costs 40 baht to access (6am to 6pm) and extra for vehicles, including bicycles. Simple maps can be bought at the ticket office for 3 baht. The other sites (north, east, south and west) have separate admittance fees of 30 baht when charged. Bicycles tend to be the favoured mode of transport, though it is perfectly feasible to have a gentle saunter round the central and north zones in 6 hours or so. Bicycles are offered for rental at various places near the songthaew stop. There is also a 20 baht tour on an electric tram available.

• Central zone - Enclosing 11 ruins in 3 square kilometres, interspersed with moats, lakes and bridges to some island-bound ruins. Mat Mahathat is one of the most spectacular with a large seated buddha image set amongst the pillars of a now ruined sala, and a central chedi flanked by two standing buddha images. Wat Sra Sri also has a large chedi and buddha image, but is reached via a bridge onto the island. There are some nice views of this from the other side of the lake.

• North zone - Wat Phra Phai Luang has the remains of a number of buildings, and a large prang with stucco reliefs. More impressive is Wat Sri Chum which contains a massive seated buddha image peering through a gap in its enclosure. Look for a stairway on the left as you enter the enclosure which leads up and behind the buddha image, though it is not always open.

Do

Rent a bike when you go to the Ruins of Sukhothai.

Buy

Stay

• Yupa Thanon Pravetnakorn. With a small number of basic rooms and some dorm beds in a family teak-house. With fans, cold water and shared bathrooms these are fine for the price. Rooms 120 baht.

• Baan Thai Thanon Pravetnakorn. A typical guest-house with restaurant and a number of rooms available. Basic fan and shared bathroom with hot water available. 150 baht.

Eat

• Poo and Kung Thanon Charodvithitong. A Belgian run restaurant offering Thai and Western food, and a wide selection of cocktails. From 30 baht for main course.

Drink

• Lotus Village [1] is a cozy boutique hotel located in the heart of Sukhothai. All rooms are in Thai style teak houses with verandas, surrounded by fish ponds, lotus flowers and beautiful tropical gardens. The lobby is an excellent place to relax and read a large selection of magazines, books and newspapers. Other services include local transport, travel bookings, cars with driver, and guides in French and English.

• Chopper Bar Thanon Pravetnakorn. A rooftop restaurant and bar with good service, live acoustic guitar music, and Thai and Western menu. From 40 baht for main course.

Get out