Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park
4.5
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The park comprises the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats and the water dyke control system of ancient Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom from the 14th century.
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- Angela G16 contributionsDefinitely worth a visit!Not very frequented by foreign tourists and it's a shame because it is of extraordinary beauty. I recommend visiting it riding a bike in early morning, you might be the only ones around and the light is enchanting! You will surely get great photos and memoriesVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- John KCosta Mesa, California2,447 contributionsLiked Kamphaeng Phet betterVery impressive UNESCO site. First of all, I recommend that you rent a bicycle from one of the many shops near the park entrance. You will then have easier access to the temples inside and outside the park. Cost is just 30 thb regardless of how long you have the bike, and you then pay an additional 10 thb entry fee for the bicycle. I spent about 90 minutes inside the park. Did not spend any time looking for souvenirs. The temples are in very good condition, considering their age, and especially when compared to the condition of the temples of Sukhothai's little sister to the south in Kamphaeng Phet. However due to the frenetic setting of Sukhothai's historic park, set among busy streets and with tons of tourists and tacky souvenir shops, I can honestly say that I enjoyed the peaceful relaxed experience touring the temple ruins in Kamphaeng Phet much more than Sukhothai.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 November 2023
- Yann RenaudSwitzerland847 contributionsMust visit when in ThailandA must viist place when in Thailand. The olde temples are pretty impressive. The whole parc can be made in 1 day on a bike, roads are good. The parc is divided into five different zones. The admittance fee is 100 bahts per person per zone (centre, north, west) and 10 baht for a bike.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 January 2024
- NickGiGermany178 contributionsIf you have time do visitWe stayed in Sukhothai for 10 days and visited the park a number of times. It is very nice and if you like a peaceful atmosphere and night markets that are not very crowded with tourists stay at least for 4 days or so over the weekend. Beautiful sunsets friendly people and great food.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2024
- oak2wnOakland, California949 contributionsAbsolutely stunning!This place is definitely worth a visit. The faded red/orange bricks contrast with the green grass and blue skies make everything look so beautiful! We went in July, in the morning, so there were very few people around. It’s pretty spread out, so you could rent a bike, walk, or take a tuk-tuk around. In different areas, there are places to buy drinks and toilets to use if needed. Note: There were signs all around asking visitors to dress respectfully, meaning shoulders and knees are covered. Yet I saw many tourists with tank tops and extremely short shorts that were nowhere near the knee. And yes, it was very, very hot, like 90° F (32°C) and extremely humid. Even so, please be aware of the cultural norms. It’s considered disrespectful to dress certain ways at sites like this.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Zingle
Chiang Mai, Thailand213 contributions
Feb 2020
The ancient city of Sukhothai is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the history of Thailand. It's divided into 3 zones, and you have to buy a ticket for each one, plus extra for the museum. You can rent a bicycle to get around, or hire a tuk-tuk and driver. It can get very hot, so it's best to get there as early as possible...there's a shuttle bus available from New Sukhothai.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada7,379 contributions
Jan 2020
We were here as part of a group tour of about 18 people. Included in our tour was a morning tour of the Sukhothai Historical Park by Bike. Another girl and myself were debating walking it and I am glad we did not. This place is HUGE! You need a bike. We started our tour around 8:30am which was the prefect time. We did not see many tourists and it wasn't overly hot yet. It cost 100Baht (about $4.25cad) per adult. Most guesthouse have bikes to rent or you can rent them right across the street from the entrance. You can also hire a driver and electric buggy. The riding roads are big enough for vehicle but mostly only maintenance vehicles in the park. So lots of room to ride. They park is very well maintained. Even people trying to clean up the natural ponds. It was a great morning full of mesmerizing history.
The city's walls form a 2km by 1.6km rectangle. There are 193 ruins spread out over 70km of land. There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, Buddha & Hinduism monuments & statues. Wat Mahathat is the largest most impressive one.
This historic city was a Thai Capital in the 13th & 14th centuries. In 1991 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city's walls form a 2km by 1.6km rectangle. There are 193 ruins spread out over 70km of land. There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, Buddha & Hinduism monuments & statues. Wat Mahathat is the largest most impressive one.
This historic city was a Thai Capital in the 13th & 14th centuries. In 1991 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Written 5 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
318182guy
Toulouse, France45 contributions
Feb 2020
We greatly recommend staying inside the park proper, but as far away from the "downtown" of the park as well, once you get there. It was very easy to take a cab from Phitsanulok and for an extra surcharge of €12 we got a daily driver to pick us up in the park one morning at 8h directly to continue our journey. If you love ruins, this park and (for the even more obsessed) Si Satchanalai after are highly recommended.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morras Adventures
Mexico City, Mexico39 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Amazing! The best historical place in Thailand, all buildings are well preserved or have been restored. I recommend to get a bike to visit it, it’s big and you will appreciate it better that way.
We were there in early November and we got the chance to attend to Loi Kratong (candle festival), which was great and full of locals.
I don’t know if or was because of the celebrations but we found food and crafts stands, with good quality and price.
We were there in early November and we got the chance to attend to Loi Kratong (candle festival), which was great and full of locals.
I don’t know if or was because of the celebrations but we found food and crafts stands, with good quality and price.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan Mitchelle
11 contributions
Aug 2020
If you like ruins, you will like this place. I had wanted to go for years and finally made the trip this month. The ruins are nice and well preserved.
It would have been nice to get more history on the place, but the brochure and museum didn't really provide great information.
If you want to compare it to other ruins in SE Asia, I would say Angkor Wat is much better, as is Ayutthaya. If you're in SE Asia and have limited time, I'd visit one of those places instead.
Would have given this place 4 stars overall, but knocking 2 off because of the racist pricing. If you are white, black or any race that isn't Asian, you will be charged a price 5x higher.
It would have been nice to get more history on the place, but the brochure and museum didn't really provide great information.
If you want to compare it to other ruins in SE Asia, I would say Angkor Wat is much better, as is Ayutthaya. If you're in SE Asia and have limited time, I'd visit one of those places instead.
Would have given this place 4 stars overall, but knocking 2 off because of the racist pricing. If you are white, black or any race that isn't Asian, you will be charged a price 5x higher.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TSinParis
Paris, France2,200 contributions
Jan 2020
The Sukhothai Historical Park is a "must-see" if you are in Sukhothai. In fact, it is most likely the only reason you would come to this small town. The historical park is best visited with a rented bicycle - there are loads of them all around outside the park. Even if there are many tourists (and when we were there, there were many children on school trips) it still does not feel crowded as it is a huge place. As with other tourist attractions in Thailand, tourists pay a price about ten times more than Thais - but it is worth it. You probably need about three hours (bicycle) to cover everything, unless you are very keen on Thai history and ancient architecture.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane N
London, UK984 contributions
Jan 2020
Sukhothai was once the 13th century capital of Thailand. The site of about 28 sq. miles has around 40 temple complexes. Most of the important ruins are within the walled Royal City protected by moats and ramparts. Do have a guide so you know what you are looking at. You will also see a walking Buddha which is quite unusual in Thailand.
There is a lot to see and although you can go around on foot, you can also cycle round. There is not much shade so take a hat and sun cream.
There is a lot to see and although you can go around on foot, you can also cycle round. There is not much shade so take a hat and sun cream.
Written 8 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JU
London, UK20 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A ticket gets you access for all the day. I’d recommend going as soon as it opens at 6:30 for peace and quiet (and cooler temperatures), then returning for sunset. Get a bike - it is a lovely place to cycle around. In our view, much nicer than Ayutthaya’s historical park! 100% recommend if on a trip through Thailand.
Written 10 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silva K
Bangkok, Thailand162 contributions
Dec 2020
Beautiful experience we had here. You can hire a Tuk Tuk to show you around for Thb200.00 and the only comment or a reminder I have is, I am a foreigner working in Thailand for over 25 years and a tax payer . Yet the charges were different from locals, with Covid 19 I guess it’s about time some respect is give by charging the same.
My review is for the local historical park management to reconsider this, we will appreciate this as we spent quite a bit at the hotel and local restaurants.
Somehow the locals only pay Thb20.00. If it’s your policy that’s fine, we paid though i showed my drivers license and tax ID.
It’s a must visit place . Maintain the park as you are, historical sites are heritages
My review is for the local historical park management to reconsider this, we will appreciate this as we spent quite a bit at the hotel and local restaurants.
Somehow the locals only pay Thb20.00. If it’s your policy that’s fine, we paid though i showed my drivers license and tax ID.
It’s a must visit place . Maintain the park as you are, historical sites are heritages
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyla75
London, UK154 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
What beautiful remains. All remaining temples are clearly described, the cycle paths mostly smooth. Pack a bottle of water as there is no cafe on site although there are small stall holders parked up against the fence from whom you can purchase a drink. Mind you it will come in a lot of plastic packaging. If you don’t feel like cycling, you can hire a tuktuk.
Head to Wat Maha That for the ultimate sunset shot.
Head to Wat Maha That for the ultimate sunset shot.
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a heart condition and should definitely not be cycling around the park in the heat. Where can I either rent a motorized golf cart or hire a rickshaw and driver?
Written 20 July 2022
When you get there, the place you buy an entry ticket is where you can buy a ticket for a trolley that drives you around.
Written 21 July 2022
Where in the park can i hire a small gulf electric car to visit the park ? Do i need to book in advance ?
Written 5 March 2020
No need to book and you can get at the same booth when you pay the entrance fee 😁 enjoy
Written 7 March 2020
Keita
Fukuoka, Japan
I'm going to vist this park on saturday and see lightning-up remains in the night.
So, Until what time does songthaew to new town run?
Written 11 December 2019
Hello, I see theres a lot of bike hire places for exploring Sukhothai Historical Park, Do any of them hire E-bikes?
Written 15 October 2019
Hey!
There were electric cars going around when we were there a week ago. Kind of like golf caddys, but shaped like a Ford Model T! We were very jealous of them on our rickety old bikes!
Written 15 January 2020
Hello! I will be visiting Sukhothai and wonder if long pants and covered shoulders are required? Thanks!
Written 8 October 2019
Sukothai is one of the world's most important religious sites, consisting largely of Wats (eight or ten of them) which, while mainly in ruins, are nonetheless places deserving of respect. Any person of worth would go there with clothing appropriate to a temple, not to mention the sun is positively relentless there. Wear temple clothes out of respect and to keep the sun off you, or a third of the way into the place, you will be burned, and deservedly so!
Written 17 October 2019
Hi I will staying in one of the popular resort nearby. I read that the resort has shuttle bus to Sukhothai Historical Park staff. Can I easily hire a tour guide in the park? No bicycle tour for me.
Or any one day tour guide to bring us around the park and around Sukhothai?
Written 4 October 2019
Hi we took a tuktuk from the park which was arranged by our hotel,they organised a taxi to the resort and driver for the tuktuk ,ime sure your hotel will do the same.The tuktuk driver stopped off at relevant points where we walked around.You will have an amazing time ,enjoy the history and fantastic trees .
Written 4 October 2019
just 1 day at the city: where can I leave my luggage in security during my visiting at the Sukhothai Historical Center? txxxxxx
Written 22 September 2019
Cannot definitively say, but given no ULTRA valuable items, the local admin staff would assist.
Written 23 September 2019
evahendl12
Sukhothai, Thailand
is it allowed to visit the park with short clothes?
Written 26 August 2018
Bonjour,
Il est possible de visiter le parc avec des vêtements courts car ce n'est pas un lieu de culte où le règlement est plus strict et auquel il faut se conformer coûte que coûte; religion oblige. Le parc ne renferme que des ruines de divers édifices.
Written 18 March 2019
Is this park possible to visit in one day I take a morning flight from bangkok
Written 26 August 2018
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