Top Things to do in Sukhothai
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The 10 Best Things to do in Sukhothai, Sukhothai Province
Discover the best top things to do in Sukhothai, Thailand including Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary, Wat Si Chum, Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Sa Si, Wat Sri Sawai, Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.
Restaurants in Sukhothai
1. Wat Mahathat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
Sukhothai's largest temple, located behind the Royal Palace, features a magnificent seated bronze Buddha image cast in the Sukhothai style by King Lithai of Sukhothai in 1362.
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
Wat Mahathat (Mahathat Temple) is the largest and the most impressive Buddhist temple in Sukhothai Historical Park. It is located in the central zone of the old walled town. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple of the Sukhothai Empire, located next to the Royal Palace. Wat Mahathat means “temple of the Great Relic”. This Splendid temple was founded by Sri Indraditya, in the 13th century to enshrine relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple was built following the concept of Mandala, an ancient Hindu symbol representing the universe. The main stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas in eight directions. The main stupa has the shape of a lotus bud. Both sides of the main stupa has two 9 meters tall standing Buddha images (Phra Attharot). I think it was 10 years ago when I saw an amazing photo of a Lord Buddha image. The Lord Buddha was sitting and the image had an imaginary reflection in the pond’s water in front of the Lord Buddha image. I didn’t know where had been taken this unique photo and I wished that I could visit this mysterious temple one day. Finally after 10 years I found Wat Mahathat (the mysterious temple) and the Lord Buddha image in Sukhothai, where the unique photo had been taken. This white Buddha image which is in Bhumisparsha position, can be seen even from outside of the temple. Another thing which can be seen from outside of the temple is a masonry Chedi made of red bricks. Although much parts of the temple are some ruins, but the temple has an unbelievable yard with tidy garden and beautiful flowers. In my opinion, by having Lord Buddha sitting image and many other Buddha statues and holy buildings and a very peaceful atmosphere, Wat Mahathat is the most wonderful temple in Sukhothai.
2. Sukhothai Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,416 reviews
The park comprises the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats and the water dyke control system of ancient Sukhothai, the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom from the 14th century.
Reviewed By Ingeborg56 - Oslo, Norway
One should either rent a bike or an electrical tuk-tuk because the Historical Park is huge, and even now in the cool season in December it was 28 degrees celcius so it is hot.Many very interesting vats, and a few of them have clearly influence from hinduism also.Very impressive!
3. Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Located on the banks of the Yom River, the ruins of this ancient town that was formerly called “Muang Chaliang” contains more than 134 monuments from the past.
Reviewed By 190454Peter - Vienna, Austria
Must see - away from the tourist crowds. At the entrance to the historical park, you can rent bicycles (300 baht for the whole day). Very well-kept area, for which you need about 4 - 5 hours. There are also many smaller temples around the complex, which are very easy to reach by bike. There are a few small restaurants outside the complex. The WAT KOK SINGKHARAM is on the way to the facility If you are in Si Satchanalai you have to visit the WAT CHAO CHAN (Khmer Temple), the WAT CHOM CHUEN and the WAT PHRA SI RATTANA MAHATHAT.
4. Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) is a small, family run, home for elephants and all other animals in need. Established in 2006, BLES focuses on saving land from deforestation and helping elephants recover from their traumatic pasts.
Reviewed By pamelahL8025EA
EXCELLENT! Contact response was slow due to rural and spotty communication. These workers have sacrificed their lives for elephants. It's not about people. Comfortable accomadations and good ethnic food and watching elephants! Heaven!
5. Wat Si Chum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Reviewed By hooman1020 - Tehran, Iran
The 13th century temple of Wat Si Chum is one of the largest and most mysterious temples in Sukhothai. Wat Si Chum is located close to Wat Phra Phai Luang. It's about 2 kilometers away from the center of the "Sukhothai Historical Park". The temple's Buddha Image is one of the most photographed monuments in Sukhothai. Wat Si Chum holds a large sitting Buddha Image wich shows Lord Buddha in Subduing Mara Posture. This Image is known as Phra Ajana. Phra Ajana is 15.63 meters high & 11.3 meters wide. The "Ajana" means "immovable". This Buddha image is also known as the "Phra Pood Dai" or “the Speaking Buddha”. This temple with vast yards is really lovely and pleasant. It is accessible via some streets with tall trees which form a canopy for bike riding. It's better to go there early in the morning to escape the hot weather. There some local artists present their products for sale, most of them are sacred products and Buddhist statues.
6. Wat Saphan Hin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By stephentY1415TX - Hong Kong, China
Can genuinely say being here for sunrise is truly magical. The whole of Sukhothai historical park and the surrounding countryside are well worth a visit, sunrise here is the sublime icing on a very decent cake
7. Wat Chang Lom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By TravelerTrecker
I have read the reviews published by Trip advisor on the Wat Chang Lom. Some reviews refer to the temple located at the Si Satchanalai park and others to the temple located in the east side of the Sukhothai park and the information presented here could confuse the reader. The name of these two temples means shrine surrounded by elephants. I have visited both. Both temples are impressive. The Wat Chang Lom located at the Sukhothai Park has been restored and the elephants are really beautiful. They support the structure. It is the most impressive site in the East area of the Sukhothai park and very people few visit it. It is outside the Royal City and close to the Legend hotel. There is no entrance fee. The Wat Chang Lom located at the Si Satchanalai Park is more impressive. It is a much bigger structure and has three different tiers. The first one has the elephants located at the base of the chedi. The trumps were broken by the Burmese. The second tier has several seated Buddha. The third one supports the first Sri-Lankan-style chedi of the Sukhothai kingdom. It has a very nice frieze of walking Buddha below the ringer spire.The staircase to the second pier represents the journey from earth to heaven. To visit this temple you have to buy a ticket to visit the Si Satchanalai Historical Park (One hour by car from Sukhothai). Take a look at the photos published by trip advisor. The photos show the two temples and their differences. They are not the same. Although, both are beautiful and worth visiting.
8. Wat Sa Si
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By jackie_rogers59 - Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
Lovely place to visit with a bridge going over the water at the lake to visit the temple. Quite unusual.
9. Wat Sri Sawai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
I found it rather fascinating to see a well preserved ancient Hindu Temple in this spacial historical park. Its three Khmer Prangs dominate the site, and it is distinctly Hindu. An added attraction are the trees exposing massive gnarled roots. This is an amazing historical, archeological and architectural site to behold. It's so ancient and well preserved - one must include it on their trip.
10. Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 100 reviews
The extensive collection of art objects and antiques of the Sukhothai style are divided into three parts: Ramkhamhaeng National Museum building, Lai Sue Thai Memorial building and the outdoor museum.
Reviewed By jackie_rogers59 - Tewkesbury, United Kingdom
This museum had some very interesting information about the history of this area. All the exhibits were also in English which was very useful
