Si Satchanalai Historical Park lies 45 km north of Sukhothai. It's less well-known than its counterpart in Sukhothai, but it's home to equally interesting temples from the same era. Wat Chang Lom, for example, with its base covered in stone elephants, is much better preserved here than the temple of the same name in Sukhothai. The park offers a delightful mix of nature and historical remains and is wonderful to explore by bicycle (there's a bike rental shop at the entrance). Climbing the hill to Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng is also worthwhile. If you're fascinated by ancient stones, I highly recommend a day trip from Sukhothai! Below, I'll explain how to reach and explore the park on your own. Alternatively, you can join a tour to Si Satchanalai from Sukhothai. While more expensive, this includes a guide and saves you the hassle of finding the right bus, missing the return bus, and—unlike me—having to stand on the bus back.

It's recommended to rent bicycles locally, as the bus doesn't stop directly at the entrance, which is inaccessible from the main road, but rather 5-6 km upstream. There you can rent bicycles and first visit Wat Phra Rattana If Mahathat and some smaller temples along the way before continuing your tour to the historical park. Bring a snack, as there are currently no restaurants or shops in the park, although some areas are being set up. Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Entrance fee: 100 Baht. Note: You can also rent tents for overnight stays on-site (however, please check in advance whether this option is always available).

The bus stop markings generally correspond to those of the Bangkok-Chiang Mai line. However, not all buses go there (timetables for buses from Sukhothai to Si Stachanalai are available).

How to get there

How do I get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park? The bus stops are generally signposted along the Bangkok-Chiang Mai bus route. However, not all buses go there (you can find bus schedules from Sukhothai to Si Satchanalai here).