The Ultimate Sukhothai Travel Guide

Exploring Sukhothai Where to stay How to get around How to get there

Is Sukhothai worth visiting?

If the name Sukhothai rings a bell, it’s probably due to Sukhothai Historical Park, the main reason why most people visit the small city in northern Thailand.

While most people only stay here for 1 to 2 days on the way up north to Chiang Mai, you can easily spend up to 3 days exploring the grounds of the Historical Park, before even thinking about what else there is to do in Sukhothai.

Although the Historical Park is the main attraction, Sukhothai is also a chance to escape from the busy backpacker trail and venture into expansive national parks, explore a city by bike or just soak up the city’s culture.

Sukhothai literally translates to dawn of happiness, need we say more?

Also read: Top 8 Things to Do in Sukhothai

Should you stay in Old Sukhothai or New Sukhothai?

Wat Mahatat in Sukhothai National Park — Seated Buddha in Wat Mahatat Temple – part of Sukhothai Historical Park

When it comes to where to stay in Sukhothai, it really comes down to two locations. And when choosing between the two, the ‘right’ place to stay is completely subjective. Neither option is better than the other, it just depends on what you want to get out of the trip or your stay criteria.

In short, if the purpose of your stay is just to visit the Historical Park and you’re looking for tranquility, then maybe it’s best to stay in ‘Old’ Sukhothai. If you are looking for somewhere lively or budget places to stay, book your stay in ‘New’ Sukhothai.

Below we’ve included a whole host of vital information that can help you to make your decision.

Location #1: Old Sukhothai – right next to Sukhothai Historical Park

If you decided that the purpose of your trip was to visit Sukhothai Historical Park and aren’t that fussed about sticking around to see what else the city has to offer, then staying right outside the park may be your best choice.

You can rise with the sun and not worry about having to arrange transport to the park, saving yourself both time and money – something we all like to do.

There isn’t much on offer in this area though, a few restaurants and a small town to wander around. Who knows, peace and tranquillity might be exactly what you were looking for!

This area is also where you’ll find most of the more expensive and luxurious resorts, that really take relaxation to another level. Don’t worry though if you’re on a budget, there’s still affordable options here too.

Pros	Cons
– You can jump straight out of bed into the Historical Park – Peace and tranquillity – More choice of luxury resorts	– If you’re just visiting for a day, you have further to travel back to the bus terminal in the new city – Less choice of bars and restaurants – Accommodation is slightly more expensive

Location #2: New Sukhothai – the newer area with more to do

Unless you’re living it up in one of the resorts where laying around the pool is absolute bliss, we’d recommend staying in the new city if you’re visiting for more than a few days. Why’s this? There’s not much to do in this area apart from the Historical Park, so you might find yourself getting a bit bored.

Whilst the newer part of Sukhothai still isn’t bursting with activities and amenities, it does offer slightly more than the area right next to the park. Here you’ll find a wider range of food options and even a bit of nightlife, as well as more guesthouses and homestays.

Although you can find cheap options than in the old part, the new city is where you’ll find the ones at the lowest price and the greatest choice. Staying here also offers greater convenience as it’s within close proximity to the main bus station, making day trips and moving onto your next destination that little bit easier.

The downside, it’s a 12 km ride to the historical park meaning you’ll have to get up that little bit earlier if you do want to catch the sunrise. This is also time spent travelling that could instead be used to explore the ruins. However, there are frequent songthaews and tuk-tuks which makes travelling between the two locations relatively easy.

Pros	Cons
– Cheaper accommodation – Close to the bus terminal for your next destination – More restaurants and nightlife	– 12 km away from the Historical part – more time and money spent getting there – Not as peaceful

How to travel between Old and New Sukhothai

Blue Songthaew to travel between New Sukhothai and Old Sukhothai — Blue Songthaew – cheap local transportation between New and Old Sukhothai

Sukhothai isn’t a big city, so equally, there’s no need for an extensive transport network to get you from place to another.

If you wander the streets of New Sukhothai you’ll see most of the options available to you.

Samlor

A samlor, a three-wheeled pedicab, will be able to take you to most places within New Sukhothai for no more than 40 baht. Or you could save yourself that small bit of money and walk to most places around the area.

Songthaew

When travelling between New and Old Sukhothai, one option is to jump one of the regular blue songthaew costing 30 baht which takes approximately 30 minutes. These songthaews are essentially Thailand’s form of a bus and run between 6am-5:30pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the Historical Park.

If you miss the songthaew, or you just want to travel on your own timetable, then you can hire a tuk-tuk. A ride between the two will cost between 100-200 baht, which can be shared with 2-3 people.

Motorbike

Another option is to hire a motorbike for around 250-300 baht for the day. These can be hired from shops within the city or from most guesthouses.

How to get to Sukhothai

Leaving from	Duration	Prices from		See details
Bangkok	h 20m-7.5 hours	from 310 THB ($9.20)		Bangkok to Sukhothai
Chiang Mai	5-11.5 hours	from 270 THB ($8)		Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

Best places to stay in Sukhothai

TR Guesthouse - Budget Friendly

TR Guesthouse is great value for money! For less than $20 you get to enjoy a HUGE and comfortable bed and meet one of the friendliest guesthouse owners in Thailand.

Staying here feels more like you’ve been welcomed into a home and is a great way to experience Thai culture and local life. The guesthouse is a 15-minute walk from the bus station or a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Amazing host
Great value for money
20-minute drive from Sukhothai Historical Park
Cosy and clean rooms

Private rooms start from $19 per night.

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Mango House - Budget Friendly

Mango House is centrally located in Sukhothai, just a few minutes walk to downtown New Sukhothai and a few meters from the bus to Old Sukhothai.

Cool off in the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy the garden and terrace area for relaxing. A wonderful breakfast is included with your stay and hosts are exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Ideal location
Swimming pool
Breakfast included
Walking distance to shops and restaurants

Private rooms start at $28 per night.

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Scent of Sukhothai Resort - Mid Range

If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then be sure to check out the Scent of Sukhothai Resort.

This resort offers a stunning garden and lovely outdoor swimming. Breakfast is included daily with your stay. Located near the Historical Park, you can easily ride your bike there or hop in a taxi for a short ride.

Swimming pool
Near Historical Park
Outdoor garden area
Breakfast included

Private rooms start at $30 per night.

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Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort - Mid Range

Fancy something a touch more luxurious, Thai Thai Resort is exactly that and great value for money! Enjoy a spacious private balcony adorned with traditional Thai decor.

And when you’re not relaxing in your room, you can go for a swim in the pool, chill in the gardens or even have a massage. Situated 1.5km from Sukhothai Historical Park, you’ll be staying in a great location. Don’t worry about getting hungry, the complimentary delicious breakfast will fill you up for the day.

Beautiful bungalows
Swimming pool
Great location
Delicious free breakfast

Bungalows start from $41 per night.

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BaanSuk Sukhothai Resort - Treating Yourself

And if you want somewhere even more fancy, you have to stay at BaanSuk Resort. This place is amazing and feels like an oasis hidden from the world by all its lush greenery. The pool is the epitome of peace and the perfect place to cool off after a day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park.

Their family villas are spacious, bright and very clean. Forget about the pool, wait until you see the bathtub. A superb breakfast is also included in the price.

Stunning swimming pool
Huge and luxurious villas
Amazing staff
Free delicious breakfast

Villas start from $51 per night.

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About the author(s)

Kate

Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.