Sukhothai is a historic city located midway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The city is known for its impressive ancient temples and ruins and local dish called Sukhothai noodles. It was the capital city of the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand) in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The kingdom reached its peak under King Ramkhamhaeng (reigned 1279–1298), who is credited with creating the Thai script and promoting Buddhism as the state religion.
The kingdom began to decline in the late 14th century, partly due to the rise of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (founded in 1350) and the increasing power of neighboring states.
In this article, I will cover the best things to do and see in Sukhothai. These include the most popular temples and ruins, night markets, local food, and some of other attractions outside of the old town.
There are hundreds of temples and ruins scattered around Sukhothai Historical Park. The most popular temples are located in the Central Zone, which include Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, and Wat Sa Si.
If you visit the West Zone, you must check out Wat Saphan Hin. Famous temples in the North Zone are Wat Si Chum and Wat Phrapai Luang. Outside the Historical Park, you can visit Wat Trapang Thong in the old town, which is known for its early morning alms-giving.
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In addition to the ancient temples, you can explore the night markets, try local dishes, visit museums, and other attractions such as Si Satchanalai Historical Park. I recommend renting a bicycle to explore the historical park, which is one of the best things to do in Sukhothai.
Here are the top things to do and see in Sukhothai:
18 Best Things to Do and See in Sukhothai
Ancient Temples & Ruins
If you have a full day exploring Sukhothai, I recommend renting a bicycle, and starting your trip from the West Zone, then North Zone, and finally the Central Zone. The ticket in each zone is 100 baht for the entrance and 10 baht for the bike.
The tickets are valid within one day, which means you can go in and out as many times as you want within one day. Be sure to keep the tickets and show it to the guard when you enter the zone.
Most temples are open from early morning (6.30am) to late afternoon. All temples in the Central Zone and some temples in the North Zone such as Wat Si Chum and Wat Phrapai Luang have a ticket entrance area. The West zone is an open space that you can visit anytime of the day.
You can explore the temples by bicycles, take the tram ride, or rent a golf cart with a driver or drive yourself. Taking a tram or renting a golf cart are the best options for old people or those traveling with small kids, especially on hot days.
#1. Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is a famous temple in the Central Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. This temple has many well-preserved Buddha statues, chedis, pillars, and big old trees.
The major Buddhas are the big seated Buddha in front of the pond and the Standing Buddha. They all have beautiful Sukhothai style architecture and intricate carving.
The best time to visit is either early morning or at sunset. Visiting in the early morning to enjoy the cool atmosphere and avoid the crowds. You can come back in the late afternoon for the sunset with the same ticket you bought in the morning.
I spent one hour in the early morning walking around the temple grounds and I had the whole temple by myself. I also came back in the afternoon and spent another hour taking photos of the temple at sunset.
#2. Wat Si Sawai
Wat Si Sawai is a popular temple in the Central Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. This temple is known for its three tall Khmer style Prangs (temple’s towers). These three striking prangs stand in line and have similar style with the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The temple was originally Hindu in nature, but it was later converted to a Buddhist temple during the Sukhothai period. These are beautiful places to take photos with lots of pigeons around. You can spend 20-30 exploring Wat Si Sawai.
#3. Wat Sa Si
Wat Sa Si is a beautiful temple located on a small island and is surrounded by the water. It is inside the Central Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park and is north east of Wat Mahathat. You can reach this temple by walking on a red bridge.
This temple is known for its beautiful stupas (bell-shaped temple’s tower) and a Big Seated Buddha Statue in the viharn. You can take beautiful photos of this temple at sunset on the bank of the lake, at the location of the weekend night market.
#4. Wat Saphan Hin
Wat Saphan Hin is a popular temple in the Western Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. This temple is located on a hill and is known for its big Standing Buddha and stunning views of the mountains.
You can park the car and bicycle at the main road, and walk 5-10 minutes on the ascending stone path to head Wat Saphan Hin.
I recommend visiting this temple in the early morning to avoid the heat. It is not crowded as the temples in the Central Zone, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere yourself. Avoid visiting the temple after dark.
#5. Wat Khao Phra Bat Noi
This is another nice temple located close to Wat Saphan Hin in the West zone of Sukhothai historical park. It is located on the hill, you can park the bike on the side of the road and walk to the temple. Spend 20-30 minute walking around and enjoy the calming ambience.
#6. Wat Si Chum
Wat Si Chum is a popular temple located in the North Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. This temple is known for its massive seated Buddha Statue inside an ancient temple and the old big tree.
This temple is very small, you can spend 25-20 minutes exploring and taking photos. There are green grasses and lots of shade inside the temple complex. It has toilets, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops at the entrance. I had mango smoothies here.
#7. Wat Phrapai Luang
Wat Phrapai Luang is a huge Hindu style temple complex, surrounded by the moat. It is located not far from Wat Si Chum inside the North Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. You can buy a ticket at the checkpoint or use the same ticket at Wat Si Chum to enter this temple.
#8. Wat Sorasak
Wat Sorasak is one of many free temples to visit in Sukhothai. It is a small area located in an open space in the North zone part of Sukhothai Historical park. The temple has a bell-shaped tower and lots of elephants at the lower part of the chedi.
You can have a quick stop here and take nice photos. There are lots of other small temples and ruins near Wat Sorasak such as Wat Traphang So, Wat Son Khao, Wat Maechon, or San Ta Pha Daeng.
#9. Wat Trapang Thong
Wat Trapang Thong is an active temple located right in the heart of Sukhothai Old Town. It is surrounded by the water and connected with the main road by a beautiful wooden bridge. This wooden bridge is lined with yellow lanterns, which are beautifully illuminated in the evening and early morning.
You can wander around the grounds of Wat Trapang Thong and admire the bell-shaped stupa with beautiful Sukhothai-era style.
I recommend visiting Wat Trapang Thong in the early morning to experience the monk alm-giving. You can combine a visit to Wat Trapang Thong with a visit to Night Market in the evening for a more lively atmosphere.
Markets & Local Food
#10. Sukhothai Night market
The night market is a small market located in the old town, just a few minutes walk from the central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. It has many stalls selling Thai street food such as Pad Thai, pan cake, grilled meat, and local dishes such as Sukhothai noodles.
The market is open every night. You can sit on the mat on the grass area next to the lake. It has nice views of Wat Trapang Thong and the wooden bridge.
#11. Sukhothai morning market
The morning market is open from early morning until late afternoon every day. It is located right next to Wat Trapang Thong and is a great place to experience local daily life. The market sells meats, vegetables, food, flowers, and everything for cooking at home.
You can have a look at this lively market in the morning when you visit Wat Trapang Thong to witness the alms-giving for the monks. You can buy food here to give to the monks.
#12. Friday, Saturday and Sunday night market
This is a weekend market located in the central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. This market is only held from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Like many other night markets in Thailand, it has street food sections and handicraft sections. You can eat and buy souvenir here.
There are tables, chairs and mats sitting on the bank of the lake and you’ll have stunning views of Wat Sa Si, especially at sunset. I recommend trying fresh orange juice from old couples. It was 40 baht for a small bottle with no sugar.
#13. Sukhothai Noodle
Sukhothai Noodle is a famous Thai noodle dish that originated in Sukhothai. You can try the dry version and soup version of this noodle dish.
It is a rice noodle with flavorful broth, which is typically a mix of pork or chicken stock with seasonings like soy sauce or fish sauce. Meat is sliced pork or chicken, meat balls, and topped up with fresh herbs and wedge lime.
Other attractions & activities
#14. Giving alms to monks at Wat Trapang Thong
If you can wake up early, around 5.30-6am, you can come to Wat Trapang Thong to witness the almsgiving for monks. This activity is held everyday at the wooden bridge at Wat Trapang Thong.
You can prepare the alms from the day before, or just arrive at the temple and buy it from the stalls on the main road. The alms can be anything, food, drinks, bottles of water, milk, and flowers. I think it is fine if you don’t want to buy anything and just want to take photos and witness this activity.
Locals and tourists will set up mats and tables, then sit along the bridge waiting for the monks to come and give them the alms. It lasts for around 20 minutes, and sometimes the monks stop to chant.
#15. Cycling in Sukhothai Old Town
I recommend renting a bicycle to explore the Historical Park. I rented a bicycle for a day and was able to explore most sights in the old town. You can rent a bike from your guest house or at many shops close to the park. The price is quite cheap, only 30 baht for a day.
#16. Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
If you are interested in the history of Sukhothai, you can consider visiting the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. It is located close to the entrance of Sukhothai Historical Park. The museum is open every day and the entrance is 150 baht for foreigners.
#17. Loy Krathong Festival
If you are visiting Sukhothai around November, you can have a chance to attend the Loy Krathong festival. This is a Thai tradition to honor the Goddess of Water and to pray for good fortune in life.
You will see people releasing small “krathongs” into the water to make the wish. They are boats that are usually made from banana leaves decorated with flowers and stick incense. You can enjoy the Light & Sound Show, fireworks, experience cultural performances, and try local delicacies.
#18. Si Satchanalai Historical Park
This is another great place to explore temples and ancient ruins. It is located 50 km north of Sukhothai Old Town and is less crowded and quieter than the Sukhothai Historical park. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the complex.
There aren’t many public transport options to reach this park. It is better to rent a motorbike, use a taxi, or hire a private driver if you want to get to Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai.
If you want to use the bus, you can take the bus from New Sukhothai Bus Station and tell them to drop somewhere near Si Satchanalai Historical Park (around 1 hour on the bus). From the bus stop, you can rent a bicycle for exploration. You can check the last bus schedule back to Sukhothai with the driver.
I stayed in Sukhothai for 2 nights and personally think that exploring Sukhothai Historical park is enough to give an introduction to the ancient temples and history of the region. I skipped the Si Satchanalai Historical Park and traveled to Chiang Mai.
So these are the 18 amazing things to do and see in Sukhothai. This is a beautiful historic city with plenty of attractions to explore. You’ll have ancient temples and ruins, vibrant night markets, and a delicious food scene.