Why
Sukhothai Historical Park
is special

This archaeological park contains restored ruins of the 1238 to 1448 capital of the vast and powerful Sukhothai Kingdom.

Sukhothai
tips and insights

Central Zone

Sukhothai Historical Park is divided into five zones. Nearly all the significant ruins reside in the Central Zone. They include temples, monasteries, and a palace.

The Central Zone's top 3 must-see temples are:

 

Wat Mahathat

A complex encircled by a lotus pond. It features a sizeable outdoor seated Buddha statue.

Wat Si Sawai

Known for its three prangs (pagodas).

Wat Sa Si

Picturesquely sits on a small island.

 

The deserving Ramakhamhaeng National Museum is in this sector, too.

The other zones

They are named North, South, East, and West for their locations relative to the Central Zone. The North is the best and features the Wat Si Chum temple with a colossal seated Buddha.

Large area

The Sukhothai Historical Park site covers 70 square kilometers (27 square miles). A rented bicycle is a popular transportation option. There's also a guided-tour tram.

Controversy

Some visitors think the ruins are slightly anachronistic because they have been too restored and too influenced by the modern mindset.

When to come

Mid-days can be unbearably hot throughout the year, so come early or late in the day when it's relatively cooler. Even better, do this in the early winter.

Location in Thailand

Know these Thailand tips and insights

In Bangkok
Floating Markets
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Temple Emerald Buddha
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Beyond Bangkok
Ayutthaya Temples
Chiang Mai
Phanom Rung Hist Park
Prasat Hin Phimai
Phang Nga Bay
Phi Phi Islands
Phuket
Sukhothai Historical Park

More pages
Thailand wonders - Top 5 rankings
Thai cuisine - Famous dishes

 

Photo by Ahoerstemiee - CC-BY-SA-3.0

 

Tourism Authority of Thailand

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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