If you're interested in history, temples, or seeing a lesser-known portion of Thailand, visit Sukhothai. First Kingdom of Siam, now Thailand, had its capital there. The city's spectacular architecture and ruins reveal this Kingdom's heritage. Most visitors to northern Thailand visit Sukhothai Park. The city's name is presumably familiar because of this park.

You can explore the Historical Park for three days before considering other Sukhothai attractions. Most visitors remain here for one or two days before heading north to Chiang Mai. Sukhothai is an excellent destination to escape the tourist route and visit vast national parks, cycle around a city, or appreciate the culture.

History of Sukhothai National Park

Influencing Thai history and culture, King Ramkhamhaeng founded the Sukhothai Kingdom in the thirteenth century. It was where Thai history and culture began. Thai trade, art, and society are well-known, and the country's government helped make them what they are today. As the first city in the country, Sukhothai, also known as the "Dawn of Happiness," stood for wealth and knowledge. The majestic past of the Kingdom lives on in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

The religion and art of the Kingdom can be seen in its buildings, figures, and artifacts found in the ground. You can learn about Sukhothai's rich age, which shaped Thai society today. The Sukhothai Historical Park takes visitors back in time and teaches them about the long past of a country that made Thai art, culture, and trade possible. People are still amazed and moved by this past.

The best Time To Visit Sukhothai National Park

Summer is not the best time to visit Sukhothai National Park. November through February is the best time. Today has a nice climate with cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it the perfect time to explore the historical sites across the park. The skies are clearer during the dry season, and walking through the big fields and looking at the old houses and other historical finds is more pleasant.

If you go during these months, you can escape the heat and heavy rain that come with the rainy season. The nice weather makes exploring the outdoors more fun because it lets people enjoy the detailed details of the historical sites without being bothered by the hot or cold temperatures. Suppose you're riding a bike through the park or just walking. In that case, the cool and dry weather in the winter is perfect for an enjoyable and educational trip through Sukhothai's rich cultural and historical tapestry.

How Do I Get There?

Bangkok is the most popular path to reach there. Travelers have two options: a scenic train ride or an easy bus ride. Both buses and trains go to Sukhothai from Bangkok's Phitsanulok Railway Station or the Northern Bus Terminal daily. Others can travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai Airport for a faster choice.

Travelers can quickly get to the national park by car or bus from the airport. Hiring a bicycle is a popular and environmentally friendly way to get around Sukhothai's large park facilities. Elevated trams are also available for guided trips, making getting to all the historical areas easy. The trip to Sukhothai is easy to get to and beautiful, with a smooth shift from busy cities to the quiet historical settings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things To Do In Sukhothai National Park

There are many interesting things to do in Sukhothai National Park. Some of them are listed below.

Visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, near Sukhothai Historical Park, is an interesting local history and culture museum. Old sculptures, pottery, and well-crafted artifacts demonstrate Sukhothai's evolution. Displays show Sukhothai's daily life, faith, and art. Its most intriguing relics are from Wat Si Sawai and Wat Mahathat, demonstrating how Khmer and Sukhothai architecture may blend. The museum and historical park allow visitors to learn about Sukhothai's past. History fans and cultural lovers should visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum when visiting Sukhothai.

Visit Wat Mahathat Temple

In the middle of Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Mahathat, a well-known temple. It proves how great the Sukhothai Kingdom was. This holy place has been around since the 1300s and used to be the top temple in the city. Sukhothai's building was all about lotus buds, which can be seen on the main plinth made of marble. Buddha figures, churches, and pagodas are on the big temple grounds. The Kingdom was at the height of its art and religion for each one. There is a sitting Buddha figure that gives off a peaceful vibe. There are a lot of small carvings all over the place that show scenes from Buddha's life and mythical animals. Wat Mahathat is a must-see for anyone interested in Sukhothai's rich cultural history. It is a place with beautiful architecture and historical significance.

Explore Wat Si Sawai

The old gem of Wat Si Sawai is located southwest of Wat Mahathat in the walled city of Sukhothai. It attracts both history buffs and curious tourists. This temple, built in the Khmer style in the late 1200s, was a Hindu refuge for Lord Shiva and then a Buddhist shrine. The three large Khmer towers, or prangs, that make Wat Si Sawai stand out are not typical of Sukhothai architecture. Each prang gives a glimpse into the rich tapestry of old beliefs with its intricate designs of mythical animals like monsters and snakes. Explore Wat Si Sawai to see how the architecture and religion of Sukhothai have changed over time. It makes it an important stop for anyone wanting to learn more about Thailand's history.

Conclusion:

Visiting Sukhothai National Park is like traveling back in time. Visit ancient temples and relics to learn about Thailand's past. November through February is great if the weather is favorable. Accessible from Bangkok, it's a pleasant contrast from tourist spots. Visitors looking for a quieter, more real side of Thailand can have a unique and educational experience in Sukhothai. They can cycle through parks, learn about local culture, or be amazed by historical sites.