The Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive testament to Thailand's glorious past. From the 12th to the 14th centuries, Sukhothai was the country's first capital and Thailand's first truly independent kingdom. The park covers an area of ​​70,000 km² and is home to nearly one hundred sites of varying importance. It is divided into three separate but adjacent areas: the central area, the most visited and arguably the most interesting; the northern zone, with Wat Si Chum and its enormous seated stone Buddha; and the less frequently visited western zone, home to the most important temple, Wat Saphan Hin, and its standing Buddha. Many visitors only see the central area, but if you have the time, you should definitely visit Wat Si Chum in the north. Its enormous seated stone Buddha is considered the largest in Thailand. It would be a shame to miss this temple! (Click on the map to enlarge it.)

The park is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A separate ticket is required for each of the three park sections. This costs 200 baht (a combined ticket for all three sections has been discontinued by the government). There is an additional charge of 10 baht for arriving by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented opposite the main entrance. Guesthouses are located near Sukhothai Historical Park (see here). A Wintour travel agency, where you can book your bus tickets, is located 50 meters from the entrance on the access road to the park.

A bus departs every 20 minutes from New Sukhothai on Jarodvithi Thong Road, 30 meters from Poo Restaurant. The fare is 30 THB. Some buses from Bangkok stop directly in front of the historical park, such as lines 965 and 155. If you are in a hurry, you can leave your luggage at the bicycle rental, visit the park, and then take bus 155 back to Chiang Mai.

How to get there

How do I get to Sukhothai Historical Park? A bus departs every 20 minutes from New Sukhothai on Jarodvithi Thong Road, 30 meters from Poo Restaurant. The fare is 30 THB. Some buses from Bangkok stop directly in front of the historical park, such as lines 965 and 155. If you are in a hurry, you can leave your luggage at the bicycle rental shop, visit the park, and then take bus 155 back to Chiang Mai.