Sights of Sukhothai Province

Sukhothai belongs to the northern provinces of Thailand. This area is rich in history – there are two areas with ancient buildings that have survived to this day. These buildings are approximately 700-800 years old.

Sukhothai has both plains and mountains. In the north of the province, the terrain is predominantly mountainous.

From a tourist's point of view, Sukhothai has some very interesting places. But overall it is a rather provincial area. Even the city center of Sukhothai has a provincial and rustic feel to it. If you like to take a break from big cities, then you should like it in Sukhothai.

I planned to stay in Sukhothai for 2 nights, but ended up staying for 4. This time was enough to visit the most remarkable places.

2. Sukhothai attractions map

There are few objects on the map – I have highlighted only really interesting places. Not very interesting places or those objects that I have not checked or about which there is a suspicion that they are closed are placed on deactivated layers – if you wish, you can activate them and look at them.

3. Main attractions of Sukhothai. Must-sees in Sukhothai

In my opinion, there are only 3 most interesting places in Sukhothai that you should definitely try to visit:

Sukhothai Historical Park
Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Ramkhamhaeng National Park – only if you are physically healthy.

All the other places have their own unique charm, but if you skip some of them, you won't be missing out on much.

Please note that certain facilities are sometimes temporarily closed. For example, Ramkhamhaeng National Park can be closed for weeks due to mountain forest fires – for example, at the time of writing this post in April 2024, the park is closed. And waterfalls are sometimes closed due to too much rain, which can make the path to them unsafe.

And another popular problem with waterfalls is that during the dry season, many of them have no water.

You may want to try checking operating information before visiting Sukhothai.

4. Historical parks

Quite unique places – there are only a few similar ancient cities in all of Thailand. Most likely, if you are going to visit Sukhothai, it will be because of these parks.

I enjoyed both parks and would recommend visiting both. Please note that ancient buildings are located not only inside the ancient cities, but also scattered throughout the area – I talk about this in more detail in the articles dedicated to each of these parks.

In both parks you can ride bicycles (bicycles can be rented in front of the park entrance). There are also electric trams – but they visit not all sites.

4.1 Sukhothai Historical Park

It is located about 10 km from the modern city of Sukhothai.

For details, see the article: Sukhothai Historical Park: Khmer and Thai ruins of the 12th-14th centuries

4.2 Si Satchanalai Historical Park

It is located about 50 km from the modern city of Sukhothai.

For details, see the article: Si Satchanalai Historical Park: a city of 1250 through which we rode 8 km on bicycles and managed to miss 80% of the buildings

5. Viewpoints

5.1 Ramkhamhaeng National Park

The title of the article dedicated to this place speaks for itself – nowhere in Thailand have I walked such a difficult path and nowhere have I seen such beautiful views from the mountain.

For details, see the article: Ramkhamhaeng National Park – the most beautiful views from the mountain and the most difficult hiking route in Thailand

A very difficult route up the mountain – if you are not confident in your physical fitness, but intend to overcome this path at all costs, even with longer breaks for rest, then the main advice is: arrive early in order to have time to return.

As difficult the path here is, as the views are equally beautiful.

5.2 Doi Daeng Viewpoint

An easily accessible viewpoint, but it’s hardly worth going here specifically just because of it. You can visit this place while passing through from Sukhothai to the north of Thailand (towards the provinces of Lampang, Phrae, Chiang Mai).

For details, see the article: Doi Daeng Viewpoint: free rest area on the border of Sukhothai and Phrae

6. Parks

6.1 Rama 9 Commemoration Park Sukhothai Province

A good place for walking, jogging and light cycling.

A place for relaxation with a green landscape and a family picnic.

6.2 The Holy Heartland

Heart shaped island. The unusualness of this place is visible only from above. This is a good place for relaxation, as well as for physical activity: walking, running, cycling.

For details, see the article: The Holy Heartland: a half-kilometer heart-shaped island

7. Reservoirs and waterfalls

7.1 Tha Din Dang Resevoir

Reservoir with mountain views.

7.2 Hin Rang Waterfall

7.3 Lam Kleao Waterfall

The first thing you come to is a lake and then after 1 km you reach a waterfall.

At the time of writing, the lake is accessible but the waterfall is closed.

7.4 Rainbow Waterfall

8. Temples

8.1 Wat Tham Phra Mae Ya

8.2 Wat Phlai Chumpon

As of 2024 it is still under reconstruction. There is no particular point in visiting until the reconstruction is completed.

9. Other

9.1 Sukhojai Street Art

Graffiti on the street.

About a dozen works by street artists.

The advantage of this place is that it is located within the modern city of Sukhothai.

9.2 Clock Tower Circle

Roundabout with clock tower. City center.

Conclusion

I enjoyed my trip to Sukhothai province. I liked the places I visited, as well as the overall atmosphere of Sukhothai: very provincial, almost village-like, with only a few restaurants that don't close immediately after dark.

Driving along the roads in the Ramkhamhaeng National Park area, I admired the very picturesque landscapes. Again, some kind of unique, completely rural atmosphere.

As for Ramkhamhaeng National Park itself, if you read my article about this place, then you know that I have unfinished business there and I plan to return there.

In Sukhothai I stayed at the Jitra Resort&Restaurant. It's a good place, not perfect, but very good. The downsides: there is no kettle for boiling water and you need to keep the windows closed as people might pass outside, tiny parking lot. Advantages: it’s in the city center, close to restaurants, the staff is also good, the rooms have a refrigerator and are generally very nice and cozy.

I think it would be interesting to stay at one of the hotels near Sukhothai Historical Park. To stroll through deserted streets at sunset overlooking ancient temples.

Table of contents

1. Tourist Sukhothai