UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Northern Thailand in 3 Days – Day 1
Sukhothai, which literally means “Dawn of Happiness”, is the first capital city of Thailand. In the golden era of this city, it was once the center of everything in South-East Asia. Now it covers the ruins of the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, which consists of ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings, and ruined temples – overall declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is my first solo trip in Thailand, not to Thailand, because I am already living here now. During a long weekend, I planned to visit the UNESCO-listed world heritage sites of Northern Thailand – the three historical parks of Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet – not far from Phitsanulok, my current city in Northen Thailand.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY
- Visit the ruins of Sukhothai Historical Park
Bus to Sukhothai
Phitsanulok is the transport hub of Northern Thailand – you would get buses connecting to different cities of Thailand from here, and it is also considered as the gate to the north and north-east of Thailand. Lucky I live here! There are hourly buses to Sukhothai from Phitsanulok. I took the one at 10.30 AM from Phitsanulok Bus Station 1 (yes, there are two bus stations, but you can get bus from either of them) that reached Sukhothai bus station at 11.30 AM.
Check-in at Hotel
I took a motorbike taxi to Sukhothai New Town for 50 ฿ and checked in at TR Guesthouse.
I got a clean and economical double room (it does not have single rooms) with fan, hot water shower and western toilet.
On the Way to the Park
Lunch was quick as I grabbed some snacks from 7/11 and boarded the typical Sukhothai style bus, locally called Kok Mhu, from the main road of the new town – its last stop is at old town – the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sukhothai Historical Park. It costs only 30 ฿.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The park timings are 8.30 AM-6 PM.
Sukhothai historical park comprises of five zones and each zone has the must-visit Wats:
- Central Zone: Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Savaya, Wat Traphang Ngoen, Wat Sa Si, and Wat Sorasak
- North Zone: Wat Si Chum and Wat Pha Phai Luang
- East Zone: Wat Traphang Thang Long and Wat Chang Lom
- West Zone: Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Phra Bhat Noi, and Wat Chedi Ngam
- South Zone: Wat Chetuphon
You can rent a bicycle for 10 ฿ and explore as per your own convenience. Entrance fee of each zone is 100 ฿ and 10 ฿ extra as an entrance fee for the bicycle. The old system of 350 ฿ ticket for all the five zones does not exist anymore.
There is a hop on hop off tram service for 50 ฿ but I could not find it accessible on that day.
I opted for a tuk tuk for 250 ฿ for 2 hours of visiting the Central zone. Entrance fee of tuk tuk in the park is 30 ฿.
There are almost 40 sites in and around Sukhothai Historical Park.
The park contains the ruins of temples built between the 13th and 15th century by the first independent Thai Kingdom, the Sukhothai empire.
Temples of the Park
Wat Mahathat: I started with the largest and most important temple of the Sukhothai kingdom – Wat Mahathat, which means “Temple of the Great Relic”.
Wat Sri Savaya: Just a few hundred meters away from Wat Mahathat inside the old walled city, Wat Sri Savaya – popularly known as Wat Si Sawai.
Wat Traphang Ngoen: Next, the tuk tuk driver took me to a small temple that has a lake in its front.
Wat Sa Si: We headed to a beautiful pond called Tra Phang Tra Kuan filled with lotus flowers, and there is a Wat in a small island in the middle of that pond.
Wat Sorasak: After crossing few less popular temples along the road where we did not stop, we reached another small temple toward the North city wall, guarded by a lot of trees in a spacious area. The remarkable feature of this temple was the brick structures of 24 elephants surrounding the temple.
Wat Son Khao: This is one of the less popular temples of the central zone, but I thought of paying it a visit as I have finished visiting all the major temples of the central zone and I still had some time.
On the Way Back
Now finally as my trip to the park was over, I took the last Kok Mhu at 5.30 PM from near the entrance of the park. I grabbed some dinner from 7/11 and got back to my cute hotel.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 1 in Thailand – Sukhothai.
- Phitsanulok to Sukhothai Bus: 50
- Getting around: 70
- Hotel in Sukhothai (for 1 night): 500
- Entrance fee to the park: 130
- Tuk-tuk in the park: 250
- Food: 205
- Miscellaneous: 130
Total expense (roughly): 1335 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Northern Thailand in 3 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Sukhothai is one of my favorite places in Thailand. I did not stay at New Sukhothai, but just outside the city center – where this fun local bus you describe is going from the bus station. That came really handy: I was able to cycle the grounds and was independent and free to visit more temples in the area which were absolutely worth it. And it reduces the costs, too: Most hotels rent out there bikes for free.
I am glad to know you have experienced this beautiful place <3
I can’t remember going to Sukhothai, but it’s so incredible and maybe I need to return to see it again! The temples are awesome, and with so much detail. A beautiful place for sure.
Yes, also, there are few more historical ruins around. They are also listed by UNESCO World Heritage. You must check them when you are around here.
The pictures are incredible! I can’t believe I still haven’t been to Thailand. I didn’t even know about Sukhothai until i read your article 😮 – will definitely check it out when i go!!
Oh first you need to come to Thailand, and then let me know, I will tell you the best places to spend your time here.
I love the bus from the new town to the old city, it is so cute and unique, haha! One of my favourite things to do is visit historical places and temples and Sukhothai Park seems to be the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Thanks for sharing!
Nice that you have had experienced this already!
as always ur pictures r beautiful..thailand has so much to offer..during my visit i just checked off the touristic thing but ur post makes me wanna go to thailand again and experience some off beat places..
Next time you hit Thailand, you need to ping me Ritika, I will tell you all the offbeat places that you must visit here.
You live in Thailand?? I didn’t know that! That’s awesome! The rooms look really simple. How much would 50Bhats be in dollars?
Hi Justine, yes I live here, and really feel lucky about it. 50 THB comes around 1.5 USD.
I have been reading a lot about this wonderful place as I’m planning to visit this place someday. I think this article is the most detailed so far. Great job. Thanks for aharing this. 🙂
I am glad you liked it. Sukhothai is a lovely place.
I only saw images of Sukhothai on television before, and honestly, your article only makes it sound so much better and more accessible. I especially love the temple with the 24 elephants! Can’t wait to read about the other days from your trip!
Please do check the other blogs, they are already published.
Wow there are so many beautiful temples in Thailand. The Wat Mahathat structures are very impressive. It was also cool to see a walking Buddha, as opposed to the traditional sitting pose.
Summer
-https://travelingsummer.com
Yes, in fact, you will find many Buddha statues here, all of different styles.
I’ve been to Thailand twice, but only stayed in the city. Next time I would be thrilled to visit the northern part including this Sukhothai Historical Park. It is beautiful and I bet worth every journey.
Yes, try the offbeat places next time.
Wow ! That compound for the Sukhothai historical park is huge ! Reminds me of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap ! Food in Thailand is really good, and cheap ! You didn’t have to eat from 7-11 right ? =)
Actually, yes.
We love exploring hertiage sites during our travels and so I am so glad I came across your informative post about Sukhothai. The architecture of the temples in the national park is so impressive. We’ve not visited Thailand yet and in fact hadn’t heard about this heritage site until I read the post – so thanks for introducing us to another place we will definitely add to our Thailand itinerary.
Hence, you would love it here.
I loved to road around the SUkhothai by bicycle. This was a beautiful site and such an amazing heritage. It’s a pity it was so much damanged by Burmese.
The place is still so pretty.
I think it’s so important to visit these UNESCO sites when traveling. I’ve always learned so much about the history and people of the destination I’m visiting, it makes the whole trip so much more memorable for me. I am hoping to visit Thailand next year, I’d love to add sukhothai to my trip, it looks incredible.
Yes Eden, it has always been my interest.
I really need to explore more of Thailand, I’ve only been to Bangkok so far and never even heard of Sukhothai before! This park sounds really interesting and those local buses are really cool! I’ll keep note of this place for my next trip there 🙂
Yes, you may try visiting this offbeat beauty next time you’re here.
Thailand is such a fascinating country. I see that there are many things to do and it is impossible to be bored here. The shape and design of these temples is really interesting, I have never seen anything like this before. I likei t! I would be happy to visit Sukhothai Historical Park one day.
You can never get bored here.
I haven’t got an opportunity to explore Thailand yet but hope to visit by the next year. And I so want to ride on tuk tuk. I bet it would be so much fun! The Sukhothai Historical Park looks serene in your picture and thanks for sharing your experience with us!
You must visit it soon, Ana.
I’ve been there, and totally loved it. There’s are some places which are just special, and this place certainly fits that category. It’s making me really want to go back!
You must come back, Christopher.