Visiting Sukhothai in Low Season: What to Expect
When traveling full time it is impossible to be everywhere at peak dry season. There are also hundreds of other reasons people travel in the low season fro lower costs to quieter crowds. It is not all bad. We visited Sukhothai in September which is the height of rainy season in Thailand. Here is our honest review and our real life experience of Sukhothai in the low season.
When is Low Season in Sukhothai?
Low season in Sukhothai, as with the rest of Thailand is generally July through October. It is categorised by hot and humid weather as well as in increase in rain and possible monsoons.
Sukhothai in Low Season: Our Experience
We had spent the previous four nights in Kanchanaburi and I will be honest the weather was pretty pants. So when we arrived in Sukhothai the first morning and the sun was shining we decided we had to seize the day. We decided to take a golf cart tour around the historical park with a guide as our driver as a means to see as much as we could before what we thought was the inevitable afternoon downpour. However to our surprise the rain never came. In fact we were lucky to experience mostly dry weather the entire four nights we were there. We had one day of heavy showers but even then they did not last long at all. The weather was still hot, nothing an umbrella didn’t solve.
So if you are looking to visit Sukhothai in the low season please do not be put off by the weather!
How Busy Is Sukhothai in Low Season?
We were so lucky to experience Sukhothai Historical Park almost entirely to ourselves! This for us is a massive bonus to visiting during low season. It meant we could take our time and explore at our own pace and really take in the peaceful environment without feeling rushed or that we were getting in peoples way. It also meant we could spend all day taking all the photos we wanted.
Is Sukhothai Cheaper During Low Season?
We found Sukhothai super affordable compared with other places in Thailand we had visited. while this can be said about a lot of the smaller places we found it was particularly cheaper due to the time of year we visited.
For context we stayed in the cutest lodge style accommodation for only £12 per night at The Old City Guest House. We got a massive room, private modern bathroom, good A and a comfy bed. It was also only a five minute walk away from Sukhothai Historical Park. What more could you possibly want? We stayed at Old City Guest House, which was just a five-minute walk from Sukhothai Historical Park. It was the perfect location for us and made exploring the temples really easy. You can check out Old City Guest House on Booking.com here.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Sukhothai in Low Season
Visiting Sukhothai in low season definitely has its pros and cons. For us, the biggest advantage was how quiet it was. Sukhothai felt incredibly peaceful, and we could explore the historical park without huge crowds.
That said, the quieter atmosphere does come with a few downsides. Some businesses have shorter opening hours, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Pros of Visiting Sukhothai in Low Season
Fewer tourists
This was probably our favourite thing about visiting Sukhothai in low season. The historical park was incredibly quiet, which made exploring the temples much more enjoyable. We could take our time and stop for photos without constantly having people walking through the shot.
Cheaper accommodation
Low season can also be a good time to find cheaper hotels and guesthouses. If you’re travelling Thailand on a budget, this can make Sukhothai an even more appealing stop.
A more relaxed atmosphere
Sukhothai felt much more laid-back than some of the busier places we visited in Thailand. There was no feeling of having to rush around to see everything before the crowds arrived.
Easier to explore
With fewer visitors around, it was easy to spend time at the temples we wanted to see and move around the historical park at our own pace.
Cons of Visiting Sukhothai in Low Season
The weather can be unpredictable
Rain is the biggest downside. Low season falls during Thailand’s wetter months, so you need to be prepared for showers. We were lucky during our visit, but the weather can change quickly.
Some businesses may have reduced opening hours
Because there are fewer tourists, some restaurants, shops and tour operators may operate shorter hours or close on certain days. This is worth checking before you arrive, particularly if you are visiting outside the main tourist season.
Fewer tourists means a quieter atmosphere
For us, this was a positive, but it won’t suit everyone. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, lots of restaurant choices and plenty of other travellers around, Sukhothai can feel very quiet during low season.
Some activities may have limited availability
Certain tours and activities may run less frequently when visitor numbers are low. If there is something specific you want to do, it’s worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts: Is Sukhothai Low Season Worth It?
For us, absolutely. Visiting Sukhothai in low season was one of the highlights of our Thailand trip. The biggest surprise was just how quiet it was. We honestly couldn’t believe how few people were around, especially considering how impressive the historical park is.
The weather is the main thing to keep in mind. You can get rain during the low season, so you need to be prepared to change your plans if a heavy shower comes through. Some restaurants and other businesses may also have reduced opening hours.
For us, though, the quieter atmosphere more than made up for these downsides. We could explore the temples at our own pace and really enjoy the peaceful feel of the old city.
If you’re happy to take a chance on the weather and don’t mind a quieter destination, we’d definitely recommend considering Sukhothai in low season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sukhothai in Low Season
Is Sukhothai open during low season?
Yes. Sukhothai is open to visitors during the low season. The Historical Park remains a major attraction throughout the year. However, some restaurants, shops and tour operators may have shorter opening hours or close on certain days because there are fewer visitors.
Is September a good time to visit Sukhothai?
September can be a good time to visit if you don’t mind the possibility of rain. It falls within Thailand’s rainy season, so the weather can be unpredictable. The big advantage is that visitor numbers can be much lower than during the peak season.
We visited Thailand during September and found Sukhothai incredibly quiet. For us, the lack of crowds was a huge bonus.
What is the rainiest month in Sukhothai?
September and October are among the wettest months in Sukhothai. Rainfall can vary from year to year, so there is no guarantee that your trip will be rainy throughout.
If you’re visiting during these months, we’d recommend keeping your itinerary flexible and carrying something waterproof when exploring.
Is Sukhothai busy in low season?
No, Sukhothai can be incredibly quiet during low season. This was one of our favourite things about visiting.
The Historical Park felt peaceful, and we didn’t have to deal with the large crowds that you can find at some of Thailand’s more famous attractions. If you prefer exploring temples without lots of other tourists around, this can be a great advantage.
Is Sukhothai cheaper in low season?
It can be. Accommodation is where you’re most likely to notice a difference, with hotels and guesthouses often offering good-value rates during quieter periods.
Food and local transport are already relatively affordable, so accommodation tends to be where you can make the biggest saving.
How many days do you need in Sukhothai?
We recommend 2 days in Sukhothai for most travellers. This gives you enough time to explore the Historical Park without rushing, visit some of the temples outside the main area and experience the town at a more relaxed pace.
If you’re short on time, you can see the highlights in one full day. However, if you’re travelling during low season, we’d personally allow two days so you have some flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
