The first tourist attraction in Sukhothai province is Wat Mahathat, an ancient temple in the shape of a lotus bud, dedicated to the city's sacred sites. Over 200 other pagodas are located in the vicinity of the temple, which visitors can explore.

Wat Mahathat houses up to 200 chedis of various styles, 10 whihans, 8 pavilions, an ordination hall, and 4 ponds. East of the main chedi is a large whihan made of laterite. On its pedestal once stood Thailand's largest bronze Buddha statue, "Phra Sri Sakyamuni." It is now enshrined at Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok. North and south of the Mahathat chedi, approximately 9-meter-high Buddha statues, known as Phra Attharot, stand in an arc.