Old City (Historical Park)
Serene lotus ponds, graceful Buddha images, and Thailand's first capital in tranquil parkland
Best For
About Old City (Historical Park)
Sukhothai's Old City — or Sukhothai Historical Park — is one of Southeast Asia's finest archaeological sites, covering 70 sq km of ruins, reservoirs, and Buddha images that represent the flowering of Thai art and architecture in the 13th–15th centuries. Unlike Ayutthaya's more dramatic and densely packed ruins, Sukhothai has a meditative quality: temples rise from lotus-filled moats, the famous Walking Buddha images at Wat Si Chum convey extraordinary grace, and the scale of the reservoir system reveals an advanced hydraulic civilisation. The park divides into five zones; the central zone around Wat Mahathat contains the most impressive monuments. Sunrise and sunset are magical times to visit — the light on the golden chedis is extraordinary.
Highlights
- 1Wat Mahathat — the spiritual heart of the Sukhothai kingdom
- 2Wat Si Chum — enormous stucco Buddha image in a narrow mondop chamber
- 3Bicycle rides through lotus ponds and ruined chedis
- 4Loy Krathong festival — believed to have originated here
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Far fewer tourists than Ayutthaya — genuinely peaceful atmosphere
- Flat terrain makes bicycle exploration easy and enjoyable
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-maintained grounds
Cons
- 12 km from Sukhothai New City — requires a songthaew or taxi transfer
- Limited food and accommodation within the park itself