Choosing between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai is difficult, even if you already have a preference. Both cities play an important role in Thailand's history and are equally attractive travel destinations.

Is Ayutthaya worth a visit? I mean, of course it is; the city is overrun with tourists (mainly Chinese on annoying group tours on any given day).

On the other hand, Ayutthaya is also significantly more practical than Sukhothai – do you see what I'm getting at? If not, you'll soon understand. This article will delve deeper than answering superficial questions like "How far is Sukhothai from Bangkok?" and won't simply rehash the age-old Sukhothai vs. Ayutthaya debate.

A short lesson in Thai history

If you're deciding between visiting Sukhothai and Ayutthaya based on history, the simple answer is: Sukhothai is slightly older than Ayutthaya and has more buildings in their original condition. Generally considered Thailand's first capital, Sukhothai was founded in the 13th century by King Si Inthrathit, who mobilized the local population (then known as Tai) against Khmer rule.

In the historical context of Thailand, Ayutthaya is not much younger than Sukhothai, having been founded about a century later. However, some of the buildings here are decidedly modern. By this, I mean that certain liberties were taken during the restoration work following the 2011 floods. I doubt that King Uthong knew anything about the Greco-Roman columns that now stand in some places when he founded Ayutthaya in 1350!

Comparison of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

Distance from Bangkok

How far is Ayutthaya from Bangkok? That depends on how you get there, but it shouldn't take longer than two hours. (TIP: I recommend taking the train to avoid Bangkok's notorious traffic!). To get to Sukhothai, you either need to take the train to Phitsanulok and then a taxi, or fly to Phitsanulok or Sukhothai Airport, which is served exclusively by Bangkok Airways.

Crowds and costs

Another important point of comparison between Ayutthaya and Sukhothai is the quality of the experience. Ayutthaya, for example, is easier to reach, but also significantly more crowded, and prices for food (and, if you want to stay overnight, hotels) are higher. In Sukhothai, on the other hand, an overnight stay nearby is unavoidable, but both accommodation and food are considerably cheaper, not to mention the lower number of visitors.

Variety of activities

The main attractions in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are the historical architecture, which is spread across a vast area in both ancient cities. If you can tolerate the heat, I recommend renting a bicycle in either case to explore the area at your own pace! Since you'll likely be visiting Ayutthaya as part of a day trip from Bangkok, the relative similarity of activities shouldn't be too bothersome.

Food and Drink

I mentioned the food earlier, so let's talk about which city – Sukhothai or Ayutthaya – is better for that. Sukhothai is famous throughout Thailand for its Sukhothai noodles, rice noodles with a variety of delicious toppings, which can be enjoyed either dry or in soup. Ayutthaya, on the other hand, is known for its giant river prawns, which can be enjoyed grilled à la carte or as an ingredient in classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai.

Hotels

As mentioned earlier, many tourists don't need hotels in Ayutthaya because they don't want to stay overnight. Nevertheless, Ayutthaya has many excellent hotels, especially idyllic accommodations along the riverbank. Sukhothai, on the other hand, offers more guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, which fit well with its rustic atmosphere.

Is it possible to visit both Sukhothai and Ayutthaya?

Planning your trip to Thailand is ultimately about finding a good balance. This is important not only if you're planning a shorter stay and want to avoid inefficiency, but also if you're spending more time in the Kingdom and want to be inspired throughout. Sukhothai differs from Ayutthaya in some ways, but in terms of the experience—or at least the feeling you have after your trip—they are quite similar.

If you're planning for the long term, I recommend visiting Sukhothai and Ayutthaya on separate trips to decide between them yourself. Ayutthaya, for example, is easily accessible as a day trip from Bangkok. Since you'll likely be spending time in the capital anyway, you could incorporate this excursion into your next Thailand trip. Sukhothai, on the other hand, can be visited on your return journey from your destinations in the north to the south.

Other historical sites in Thailand

In Thailand, history and nature often intertwine – and both are all the more beautiful for it. That's why the Golden Triangle, the strip of land along the Mekong River bordering Myanmar and Laos, is one of my favorite travel destinations in Thailand. From the ancient temples in Mae Sai and Chiang Saen to the breathtaking river landscapes, this is a part of Thailand that is both historic and timeless.

Speaking of Northern Thailand: I've also written an article about the Chiang Mai vs. Chiang Rai debate that I'd like to recommend – not only because of the history that permeates both cities, particularly in the form of Chiang Rai's temples. Bangkok, in turn, also holds a large part of Thai history, especially in the old districts of Rattanakosin and Thonburi.

Other frequently asked questions about Ayutthaya vs. Sukhothai

Which is better, Ayutthaya or Sukhothai?

In my opinion, Sukhothai offers a more rewarding experience than Ayutthaya. Due to its greater distance from Bangkok, there are fewer tourists, which makes the architecture (which is more diverse and geographically spread across Sukhothai than Ayutthaya) all the more impressive.

Is Sukhothai Ayutthaya?

Sukhothai and Ayutthaya are completely different! Aside from being hundreds of kilometers apart, they represent entirely different historical periods in Thailand. Ayutthaya was the capital only recently, while Sukhothai was Thailand's first capital and the origin of the modern Chakri dynasty.

Is a trip to Ayutthaya worthwhile?

Ayutthaya is definitely worth a visit, but there are a few things you can do to make your stay even more rewarding. First, go during the week rather than on weekends. Second, stay overnight to explore the temples early in the morning (and return late at night!) when most of the day tourists have left. Third, rent a bicycle to get around independently of taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, who can sometimes be unscrupulous and take you to places you don't want to see.

Conclusion

Is a visit to Sukhothai worthwhile? And to Ayutthaya? The obvious answer is: you probably don't have enough time. This is especially true if you only have two weeks or less in Thailand. Generally speaking, I would say that travelers with limited time can visit Ayutthaya as a day trip from Bangkok, while those staying longer in the Kingdom can visit Sukhothai and spend at least one night there. History buffs, however, should visit both places, regardless of the length of their planned stay. No matter where you fall on this list, if the planning seems too stressful, feel free to hire me.