Best Things to Do in Sukhothai, Thailand: Temples, Ruins & More
For us, Sukhothai was easily one of the most underrated places we visited in Thailand. We honestly couldn’t believe how quiet it was, especially compared with some of the other places we had visited on our trip.
What surprised us even more was how many people visit Thailand without ever making it to Sukhothai. The ancient ruins, beautiful temples and peaceful surroundings made it one of our favourite stops. There was something really special about exploring the old city without the crowds you often get at Thailand’s more famous sights.
From wandering around Sukhothai Old Town and exploring the incredible historical park to wandering through morning markets and evening markets that pop up among the ancient ruins, there was so much to enjoy.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to experience somewhere a little quieter and less touristy, Sukhothai is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Why Visit Sukhothai?
Sukhothai is best known for its ancient ruins and temples, but for us, there was much more to it than that. The whole place had such a relaxed feel, and we loved having the space to explore without constantly being surrounded by tourists.
The main attraction is Sukhothai Historical Park, which is home to some seriously impressive temples and ruins. You can easily spend hours wandering between them, and we found that each one had something different to offer.
But don’t just visit Sukhothai for the temples. The Old Town itself was so much fun to explore. We found morning markets, local restaurants and evening markets that appeared around the ancient ruins. Seeing everyday life happening alongside these centuries-old sites was one of our favourite parts of visiting.
If you have the time in your Thailand itinerary, I would definitely recommend adding Sukhothai. It feels very different from busy Bangkok or tourist-heavy destinations, and that is exactly what made it so memorable for us.
Explore Sukhothai Historical Park
You can’t visit Sukhothai without spending some time exploring Sukhothai Historical Park. This is the main reason most people come here, and it is easy to see why.
The park is huge, with ancient temples, Buddha statues, ponds and crumbling ruins spread across a large area. We found it really peaceful to explore, especially because there were so few people around when we visited.
Rather than rushing from one temple to the next, take your time and enjoy the atmosphere. Some of the ruins are incredibly impressive, while others are smaller and tucked away among the trees.
We spent a good part of the day wandering around the park and stopping whenever something caught our eye. It was one of those places where we didn’t really need a strict plan. We could just explore and see where we ended up.
Top tip: Hiring a bicycle is a great way to get around the park. The distances between some of the temples are quite large, and cycling made it much easier to see more without spending the whole day walking. We hired a golf cart and driver who took us to see all the main attractions.
Visit Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat was one of the first temples we visited in Sukhothai and it was also one of the most impressive. It sits right in the heart of the historical park, surrounded by trees, ponds and the remains of the old city.
The huge central chedi is hard to miss, with smaller chedis and Buddha images surrounding it. We loved walking around the ruins and seeing how much of the original site is still standing.
There is something really peaceful about Wat Mahathat. Even though it is one of the most famous sites in Sukhothai, it didn’t feel crowded when we visited. We could take our time, stop for photos and actually enjoy looking around without feeling rushed.
If you’re exploring Sukhothai Historical Park, I would definitely make this one of your first stops.
See the Giant Buddha at Wat Si Chum
Wat Si Chum was another highlight of Sukhothai for us. The temple is home to a huge seated Buddha statue, which sits inside a narrow opening in the old temple walls.
As you walk towards it, you can see the Buddha appearing through the gap in the structure. It is a really impressive sight and one of those places that looks even better in person than it does in photos.
The Buddha is known as Phra Achana and is around 15 metres tall. The sheer size of it makes the temple feel completely different from some of the other ruins around Sukhothai.
We also loved the setting here. There is something quite dramatic about seeing such a huge Buddha surrounded by the old stone walls.
Wat Si Chum is slightly away from the main central area of the historical park, so it is another reason why having a bicycle is useful. Don’t skip it though. For us, this was definitely one of the must-see sights in Sukhothai.
Explore Sukhothai Old Town
One of our favourite things to do in Sukhothai was simply exploring the Old Town. It is easy to get caught up in the temples and ruins, but there is so much more to see around them.
The Old Town was so much fun to wander around. We found small local restaurants, little shops and markets, with the ancient ruins never feeling far away. It felt much more relaxed than some of the other places we had visited in Thailand.
We especially loved the markets. In the mornings, you can find local markets selling food and everyday essentials. Then in the evening, more stalls pop up around the Old Town. Walking through the markets with the ancient temples in the background felt pretty magical.
For us, this was what made Sukhothai so special. It wasn’t just about ticking off the historical sights. We could slow down, wander around and see a more relaxed side of Thailand.
I’d definitely recommend allowing some time to explore the Old Town lit up at night without a plan. Some of our favourite moments came from simply walking around and seeing what we found.
Visit the Sukhothai Night Market
If you’re looking for something to do after a day of exploring the temples, head to the Sukhothai night market. We loved seeing how the Old Town changed in the evening, with food stalls and local vendors appearing as the sun went down.
There was plenty of Thai food to try, from snacks and sweet treats to proper meals. We just wandered around, picked up a few things that looked good and enjoyed the atmosphere.
What made it even better was the setting. You’re surrounded by the ancient ruins, so it doesn’t feel like your typical night market. There was something really nice about sitting down with some food after a busy day of exploring and watching the evening come to life around us.
The market is also a great place to try some local food without spending much money. If you’re staying in Sukhothai Old Town, I’d definitely make an evening of it and combine the market with a walk around the historic area.
Explore Sukhothai by Bicycle
One of the best ways to explore Sukhothai is by bicycle. The historical park is spread out, so having a bike makes it much easier to get between the different temples and ruins.
We really enjoyed cycling around. It made the whole experience feel more relaxed, rather than spending the day walking from one site to another. You can stop whenever you see something interesting, take photos and then carry on when you’re ready.
There are also plenty of quiet roads around the Old Town, so cycling isn’t just useful inside the historical park. You can use your bike to explore the surrounding area, find somewhere to eat or head to the markets in the evening.
You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist either. There is no need to rush, and the best part is being able to take your time and explore at your own pace.
If you’re visiting Sukhothai, I’d definitely recommend hiring a bicycle for at least one day. For us, it was one of the nicest ways to experience the area.
Final Thoughts: Is Sukhothai Worth Visiting?
Sukhothai was one of the biggest surprises of our Thailand trip. We honestly expected it to be much busier, so arriving and finding the ancient ruins so peaceful was a real highlight.
Of course, the temples and historical park are the main reason to visit, but don’t rush off once you’ve seen the ruins. Exploring the Old Town, wandering around the markets and trying local food were all part of what made Sukhothai so enjoyable for us.
If you’re planning a Thailand trip and have the time, I would definitely recommend adding Sukhothai to your itinerary. It is a little more out of the way than places like Bangkok or Ayutthaya, but that is also part of its charm.
For us, Sukhothai was easily one of the most underrated places we visited in Thailand, and we were so glad we made the effort to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Sukhothai
What is Sukhothai famous for?
Sukhothai is best known for its ancient temples and ruins, particularly Sukhothai Historical Park. It was the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom and is now one of Thailand’s most important historical sites.
Is Sukhothai worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy history, temples and exploring somewhere a little quieter. We found Sukhothai much less busy than many of Thailand’s more famous destinations, which made exploring the ruins even more enjoyable.
How many days do you need in Sukhothai?
We recommend spending around two days in Sukhothai. This gives you enough time to explore the historical park without rushing, while also leaving time to see the Old Town, visit the markets and enjoy the slower pace of the area.
What are the best things to do in Sukhothai?
Some of the best things to do in Sukhothai include exploring Sukhothai Historical Park, visiting Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum, exploring the Old Town, visiting the night market and cycling between the ancient ruins.
Can you visit Sukhothai without a bicycle?
Yes. You can walk around some areas and use local transport or taxis to get between attractions. However, we found having a bicycle made exploring much easier and gave us more freedom to visit the temples at our own pace.
Is Sukhothai better than Ayutthaya?
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya offer very different experiences. Ayutthaya is easier to visit from Bangkok and works well as a day trip, while Sukhothai takes more effort to reach but feels quieter and more relaxed. If you have more time in Thailand, we would recommend trying to visit both.
What is the best time to visit Sukhothai?
The cooler months from November to February are generally the most comfortable time to explore Sukhothai. The temperatures can be very hot during the middle of the year, so if you visit then, start exploring early in the morning and take breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Is Sukhothai good for a first trip to Thailand?
Yes. Sukhothai is a great option if you want to experience Thailand’s history and temples without the crowds found at some of the country’s better-known destinations. It also makes a good addition to a longer Thailand itinerary.
