Upcoming Event
13 Apr 2012 - 15 Apr 2012
Songkran is a festival held to celebrate the Thai New Year which falls in mid-April. The Sukhothai Songkran celebrations are very popular as there are plenty of fun activities integrated with several religious rituals.
Welcome to Sukhothai!
For anyone who wants to comprehend the history of Southeast Asia and learn about the birth of Thailand, Sukhothai travel is a must. The literal meaning of the word Sukhothai is ‘Dawn of Happiness', appropriate as it was the very first Thai state to be formed. That is why it is known as the 'birthplace of Thailand.' The new town of Sukhothai, a few kilometers away from the old one, is where good value Sukhothai hotels, restaurants and other tourist infastructure are located today.
The superb temples and monuments of this once-great city have been lovingly restored into the Sukhothai Historical Park, rightly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travellers. Check out our Sukhothai tours to visit the park.
There is a lot to see and do in Sukhothai as there are three historical parks with many tales to tell. Relics of twenty temples, known as wats, and other monuments can be found. Check out our Five Must-see Temples of Sukhothai list! Wat Mahathat, a royal chapel in the olden days, is the largest and most exotic temple of the Sukhothai period, and it's most well known. All the wats had water bodies like pools with lotuses blooming in them. These ponds were the source of water for the town in ancient times and were believed to enhance the purity of the wats.
Architectural monuments in Sukhothai seem to speak volumes about the greatness of this place. There are ruins everywhere, and whilst taking one of the Sukhothai tours you can distinguish between Buddhist temples, royal palaces, moats, walls, the city gates and sites of water bodies like canals, ponds and ditches. The existence of a water dyke control system and dams points towards the resourcefulness of the inhabitants. This excellent system of water management helped strengthen the kingdom's economic base. Thailand's Fine Arts Department has, with the help of the UNESCO, restored much of the water dyke control system.
Sukhothai is split in two - New Sukhothai and Old Sukhothai. While New Sukhothai epitomises modern Thailand, Old Sukhothai represents the city's rich past. Old Sukhothai lies 12km to the west of New Sukhothai, and in a striking contrast to Ayuthaya, where ancient ruins can be found all over town, Old Sukhothai has a distinct area which has only ruins. New Sukhothai is where you find a Sukhothai hotel, as it is the base for exploring the ruins and has good value Sukhothai accommodation, restaurants and transport. You can even use our interactive Sukhothai map to choose Sukhothai hotel based on its location.
Sukhothai came into being in 1238, and was the capital of the Thai stronghold which was much larger than today's Thailand for 150 years. In present times Sukhothai is the capital of the Sukhothai Province and covers an area of 2,546 sq miles. This region is situated around 267 miles northwards from Bangkok. The main regions of the Sukhothai Kingdom were Kamphaeng Phet, Si Satchanalai and Sukhothai.
Though the Sukhothai Kingdom was at its peak for only a relatively short period, Thailand thrived under its rule. Culture and art blossomed in this period, leading Thais to compare Sukhothai to Athens. The depiction of Buddha with a slight feminine or unisex touch is what makes Sukhothai art stand out. It is this feature that has brought Sukhothai a place of pride in the World Heritage List. This representation presents a unique spiritual truth promising nirvana, the goal of every Buddhist, to both genders.
The Thai alphabet and language are believed to have originated in Sukhothai. Several forms of Khmer alphabets were systematically arranged into order to make it suitable for Thai words, by the illustrious King Ramkhamhaeng in 1283.
King Ramkhamhaeng is also credited with having made Sukhothai a power to reckon with by adding many adjoining regions to the kingdom. Several ancient cities would routinely pay tribute acknowledging him as their superior. He also had political dealings with China and even travelled twice to China, with his first visit taking place in 1282 when Emperor Kublai Khan was in power.
When in Sukhothai be careful not to touch the top of a Buddha statue or anyone's head. If it does happen by mistake do apologise. Pointing to anything with your feet is also not acceptable. Remove footwear before entering a temple and also when visiting someone's home. Dress conservatively when visiting temples and palaces. Don't go around clicking photographs with your camera - ask for permission politely and it will be given. Public displays of affection, between men and women, are frowned upon. The Thais have great respect for their King, Queen and the royal family, so never make disparaging remarks about them.
Visitors and those taking a tour in Sukhothai will get to experience good hospitality in the many Sukhothai hotels, extraordinary festival parades, lively arts, lip smacking cuisine and a peep into ancient and historic culture. Visitors will also enjoy meeting the friendly Thais with their great sense of humour.
If you are looking for accommodation and tours in other destinations within Thailand check out our Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samui and Phuket.
Garden House
Location: New Sukhothai
From: THB 200
Garden House has a great selection of rooms and bungalows to suit the needs and taste of the budget traveller. Together with a great location in the new city of Sukhothai and a diverse range of facilities and services, Garden House is a great choice for those looking for location and service without the cost.
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No. 4 Guest House
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 300
No.4 Guest House was the first guest house in Sukhothai. After moving a number of times, it has now settled in a peaceful location, surrounded by gardens, plants and a deck over water. A short walk from the bus station and town centre, No.4 Guest House offers 10 bungalows in a natural, quiet, jungle setting.
[more info]TR Guest House
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 250
TR Guest House is one of the most popular guest houses in town and it's not hard to see why with the excellent, spotlessly clean rooms, beautiful bungalows, the most friendly and helpful owners and staff, modern facilities and all services you need; all at a budget price.
[more info]Sukhothai Guest House
Location: New Sukhothai
From: THB 350
Sukhothai Guest House is set amongst beautiful gardens and offers 12 rooms housed in four different buildings, most with private balconies and outdoor furniture to maximise the beautiful and tranquil garden setting.
[more info]At Home Guest House
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 600
At Home Guest House is a beautiful two storey Thai style wooden house set amongst tropical gardens and a lotus pond. This renovated family home houses 11 exceptionally clean and cosy guest rooms in a great location in new Sukhothai, close to shops, restaurants and facilities and only 12 km from Sukhothai Historical Park which is connected with public transport.
[more info]Mountain View Guest House
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 550
Mountain View Guest House is home away from home is located four kilometres from the historical Old Sukhothai and provides a free bus service from the MV Restaurant in the old city. Clean and picturesque, this guest house is situated amongst lush gardens and come with great facilities, amenities and well furbished rooms all hosted by very friendly owners and staff.
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Phuaroon Guesthouse & Resort
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 500
Phuaroon Guest House and Resort has a selection of bungalows and rooms available with the choice of twin or double beds, a short 10 minute walk from down town and only two minutes from the bus station.
[more info]Sila Resort
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 300
Sila Resort is a brand new property in Sukhothai, with stunning, exceptionally clean rooms and private bungalows with beautiful designs, colours and private balconies. This small resort is based around an intimate, tropical and landscaped garden and a homely atmosphere created by the friendly staff that will make your stay one to remember.
[more info]Banmo Resort
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 600
Banmo Resort ( Formerly Suphawan Banmorh Resort) offers beautiful, colourful and modern rooms and is popular with Thai visitors and perfect for self drive holidays with the standard rooms having private car ports. Large and quiet, the owner can organise wedding ceremonies with traditional Thai designs, Basi ceremonies and a lovely outdoor garden setting.
[more info]Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 1,450
Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel is a stunning boutique property near the new town of Sukhothai with a contemporary, artistic design with inspirations from Myanmar and the local Sukhothai architecture. All rooms are spacious, beautifully presented and come with a full range of amenities.
[more info]Orchid Hibiscus Guest House
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 1,000
Orchid Hibiscus Guest House is a beautiful property located 800 metres from the historical park. It has a range of rooms, bungalows and houses available which are modern, beautifully decorated, well furnished and based around a swimming pool, landscaped tropical gardens, sun beds and shaded hammocks; a perfect place for individuals, couples, groups or families.
[more info]Faa Ruan Tai Resort
Location: Old Sukhothai
From: THB 800
Faa Ruan Tai Resort is set on a quiet and peaceful property a short drive from the Historical Park of Old Sukhothai. This spacious resort features individual Thai style houses as guest rooms set amongst beautiful gardens which maximise privacy, peace and quiet.
[more info]Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa
Location: New Sukhothai
From: THB 2,150
Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa is a brand new resort in Sukhothai opening in December 2009. Modern, luxurious and inspired by the Sukhothai historical ruins and local architecture art and design, this resort and spa features spacious rooms with a great range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
[more info]Tharaburi Resort Sukhothai
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 3,100
One of the newest and finest luxury boutique properties in Sukhothai, Tharaburi is a stunning residence located in the Old Town of Sukhothai and offering 13 exclusive guest rooms set amongst lush gardens, a tranquil swimming pool and friendly, professional staff.
[more info]Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 2,150
Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa is a brand new resort in Sukhothai opening in December 2009. Modern, luxurious and inspired by the Sukhothai historical ruins and local architecture art and design, this resort and spa features spacious rooms with a great range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
[more info]Tharaburi Resort Sukhothai
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 3,100
One of the newest and finest luxury boutique properties in Sukhothai, Tharaburi is a stunning residence located in the Old Town of Sukhothai and offering 13 exclusive guest rooms set amongst lush gardens, a tranquil swimming pool and friendly, professional staff.
[more info]Orchid Hibiscus Guest House
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 1,000
Orchid Hibiscus Guest House is a beautiful property located 800 metres from the historical park. It has a range of rooms, bungalows and houses available which are modern, beautifully decorated, well furnished and based around a swimming pool, landscaped tropical gardens, sun beds and shaded hammocks; a perfect place for individuals, couples, groups or families.
[more info]PinPao Guest House
Location: Old SukhothaiFrom: THB 1,000
PinPao is a brand new guest house located 300 metres from the historic old town of Sukhothai. It is well presented with bright, colourful, clean and atmospheric rooms with beautiful Thai decorations, private bathrooms and air conditioning. This fun guest house backs onto a river with a large terrace for relaxing on seats or hammocks to enjoy the peace and quiet.
[more info]Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel
Location: New SukhothaiFrom: THB 1,450
Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel is a stunning boutique property near the new town of Sukhothai with a contemporary, artistic design with inspirations from Myanmar and the local Sukhothai architecture. All rooms are spacious, beautifully presented and come with a full range of amenities.
[more info]
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