From Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

Go from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai to visit one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand

If you are planning to have and holiday in Chiang Mai, seriously consider including a visit to one of the most impressive historical site and temple site, for a memorable time with great outdoor sightseeing, walking or cycling around the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

Thailand stands as one of the countries I love to tour.

Planning your next trip to Sukhothai, You can be looking at how to visit two places at the same time. Yes, Thailand got many cities to tour, rich with historical sites.

Upon my researches and experiences, I came across an impressive finding I am going to share with you in this article.

It is possible to tour Chiang Mai and at the same time to get to sightsee Sukhothai.

I love to utilize my time as possible, so do I hope you do. Thailand is big and got so much to offer as well as so many places to go and explore.

Let no one lie to you touring Chiang Mai is the end. It is possible for there to get to Sukhothai, another beautiful city in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is the capital city of Chiang Mai province, while Sukhothai is the Capital city of Sukhothai Province.

Hence it means they are very historical places, and it is possible to tour the two iconic places in Thailand.

How to get from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

From Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, it is possible and easy because there are different and easy ways to get there.

There are buses and trains as the key means to use.

Bus from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

Buses in Chiang Mai are located in Arcade Bus Station, ready to take you to Sukhothai.

Note the buses are not located in the new building on the opposite side of the road, but they depart from the original Arcade bus terminal.

Tickets cost range between 240 Thai Baht, and the whole journey takes around 5.5 hours.

It is possible to purchase the ticket in advance online, but it is not necessary to do it, though, you can also purchase them at the bus station counters.

The second class bus is the best option in taking you from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok, which is around 60 km east of Sukhothai, and then board another bus or take a taxi. The second class bus costs around 470 Baht.

There are toilets, AC and they also serve some drinks as well as lunch on board.

When you reach Phitsanulok, their options either to take a bus, minivan to Sukhothai, there is also a VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok, thereafter taking either Minibus or another bus to Sukhothai.

Train from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

In Thailand, train means are the cheapest and reliable to use. It also an option to take from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok because there is no direct train rides to Sukhothai. Thereafter you take either bus or taxi to Sukhothai.

The second class is the best option and costs 470 Baht per person, and it takes to Phitsanulok.

There are toilets, AC and they serve drinks as well as lunch on board.

When you reach Phitsanulok, take a tuk-tuk to the bus station, which is about 1 km away or a minibus direct to Sukhothai. While in Phitsanulok, it only 1-hour drive.
There are several trains leaving Chiang Mai, but many are night trains. Taking the night train is advantageous as you get to arrive early in the morning and have a full day to explore Sukhothai.

If you are not comfortable with that, there is a morning train. It is faster than the night trains and will be a more scenic ride during the day.

Remember to check your ticket descriptions well because there are some coaches designated to women only.

Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok train service table

The Train Number	Departure from Chiang Mai	Arrival at Phitsanulok	Type of train service
102	06:30	13:16	Rapid
8	08:50	14:34	Special Express
408	09:30	17:22	Ordinary
52	15:30	22:58	Express
14	17:00	23:53	Special Express
10	18:00	00:47	Special Express

Well recommended is train number 8, the train that departs every morning at 08:50 AM. This is the fastest train service, so you will get to sightsee all the beautiful landscapes and countryside without losing that much time, comparing to other train services that are much slower between Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok.

From Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by airplane

Note there are no flights between these two cities.

There are numerous airlines flying in Thailand or to Bangkok from Chiang Mai, but Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying to Sukhothai.

The flights are quite expensive, costing between 3,900 THB-8,250 THB ($128-$270) To get cheaper flights book in advance.

The Sukhothai Airport is situated 30 km north of New Sukhothai. It means after the flight you need to make arrangements on how to get to the old Sukhothai with airport shuttles to the city.

The only reliable means is either bus or train because the flight is quite expensive.

Why to Sukhothai?

Sukhothai stands as one of the first cities in Thailand during ancient times.

During that time, it developed and stood as the central place. Thus there is much to learn.

More is termed by UNESCO as UNESCO World Heritage. There is a very big historical site full of ancient buildings restored even after destruction. There is so much to explore in Old Sukhothai and get hand first-hand details rather than read in books.

History of Sukhothai

It was founded within the thirteenth century fringe of the Khmer empire. It’s not clear once. However, the Fine Arts workplace will range between 1238 -1257.

This place was founded as the 1st independent Siamese kingdom, once overthrowing Khmers by Phokhun Si Intharathit.

King Ramkhamhaeng is one in all the exceptional kings who led Sukhothai. He was attributable for making the Khmer-derived Thai Alphabet, and that they are similar up these days.

He conjointly arranged the muse for politics, religion, and also the autocracy.

Top things not to miss in Sukhothai – my quick tips

1. Consider this!

Sukhothai is a huge Old city with so much to go around exploring and is great fun to do it by bicycle!

To be able not to miss some fantastic places, grab a bicycle to help you move around. Sukhothai is located around half the way between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is the Thailand Ancient capital that earned UNESCO World Heritage status in1991.

It is less crowded as few tourists plan their way there, missing to sightsee one the most beautiful places in Thailand.

Personally I consider, in the north, the route from Chiang Mai to Lampang, Sukhothai, to Ayutthaya and to Bangkok, (or vice versa) the most awesome to travel and sightsee!

But having told you how to reach am hoping it is no longer a puzzle.

There are impressive things to do and not to miss here, Sukhothai. For instance, the Thai system of writing was developed here in 1283.

The current alphabets still look much like the original stone inscriptions found on ruins around the Park. Thus let get to know key palaces not to miss in Sukhothai.

2. Cultural sightseeing and scenic photography at Sukhothai Historical Park

Sukhothai Historical Park

Note this quick list here! All the Sukhothai temples

Wat Mahathat
Wat Si Sawai
Wat Sa Si
Wat Chetuphon
Wat Sorasak
Wat Saphan Hin
Wat Tra Phang Ngoen
Wat Si Chum
Wat Phra Phai Luang

It is the oldest Park in Sukhothai dating back in the 13th century and features the ancient remains of Sukhothai. The Park exhibits one of the Thailand 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It is nowaday a recreation center that incorporates four extensive lakes inside old dividers, with 70 sightseeing relevant locations inside a 5 km span.

The Park is divided into five zones.

The way temples are designed epitomized in the great lotus-bud, highlighting a tempered tower on a three-layered base.

You will learn the architecture of these amazing buildings, such as the bell-shaped Sinhalese and two-fold Srivijaya Chedi.

Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Charges for entrance fee: from 3 USD
Hours: from 6 am – 9 pm.
Contact: +66 55 697 241

3. Sukhothai Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum near to the Central Zone of Sukhothai.

It is an amazing place to explore the ancient ruins of the historical center.

It is the museum which features the renowned Ramkhamhaeng engraving, claimed to be the earliest example of written Thai.

All the writings are preserved spectacularly among a great collection of Sukhothai artifacts.

Note you will be required to have a separate ticket for both the museum and the central zone.

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
Charges for entrance fee: from 5 USD
Opening Hours: from 9 am – 4 pm.
Contact: +66 55 697 367
Website: Ramkhamhaeng National Museum (in Thai)

4. Si Satchanalai National Park. Do not miss, for any reason, to visit this park!

Si Satchanalai is yet another historical park in Sukhothai not to miss.

Choose the go and drive on the route that follows and coast the river Yom, the route in really attractive for unique pictures and view of the Thai everyday life, with many traditional restaurants and temples on the way.

Si Satchanalai National Park is considered the second center of the Sukhothai Kingdom and it was established in the year 1250.

The Park features the remnants of the antiquated town of 13th-century Si Satchanalai.

The Park on the Yom river waterway features a forested range the are various temples which have been restored to their unique eminence.

In Satchanalai Historical Park, there is a wide array of Buddha structures, temples, and ancient buildings. It is essential you visit the eastern sanctuaries, additionally to the internal city.

There is a possibility to buy separate tickets for each Park, either acquire a comprehensive ticket for both areas. The tickets offer the chance to visit the historic parks and their associated cities. Si Satchanalai is said to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additionally, this National Park is also very famous for its glazed ceramics, known as Sangkhalok pottery.

What more? You will never encounter many tourists, so the chances for amazing pictures are all yours!

Going from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai - easy and quick guide — Si Satchanalai National Park

Personal visits will cost you 100 THB or 3 USD, while a total ticket will cost you 220 THB or 6 USD.

Si Satchanalai
Address: Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai 64190, Thailand
Price: from 3 USD
Hours: 7 am – 5.30 pm.
Contact: +66 55 901 714

5. Wat Sa Si temple – wonderful surroundings for portrait memorable pictures

Wat Sa Si Temple is situated in the north of Wat Mahathat, in the center of Tra Phang Tra Kuan pon is surrounded by lotus flowers.

Its fantastic location makes it one of the most famous monuments in Sukhothai Historical Park.

In regards to one of the stone inscriptions, Wat Sa Si is the 14th-century monument.

wat-sa-si-sukhothai-historical-park — Wat Sa Si at Sukhothai Historical Park

Wat Sa Si Temple
Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
charges: from 3 USD

6. Sangkhalok Museum

It is a small, but the comprehensive museum is an outstanding introduction to ancient Sukhothai’s most popular product and export, its ceramics.

The Park has a ground floor that displays an impressive collection of original Thai pottery found in the area, including some pieces traded from Vietnam, Myanmar, and China.

On the 2nd floor, it features examples of non-utilitarian pottery made as art like the rare ceramic Buddha statues.

The museum is located about 2.5km east of the center of New Sukhothai city.

7. Wat Saphan Hin and Wat Mahathat

The Wat Saphan Hin Temple is located on a hill above the old city. The temple features the Phra Attharot Buddha of Wat Saphan Hin.

The temple is named after the words on the “stone bridge.” The origin of the stone is from the 300-meter (984.3 foot) slate stone pathway.

There is a stone stage, with a little square stupa on it, less than three-quarters of the way up, and the Buddha sculptural remains are in a prayer hall, on the peak of the hill.

In regards to the engraving on the stone column, it is said that King Ramkamhaeng used to ride his white elephant up to Wat Saphan Hin, on the full moon, to offer his regards to this Buddha.

Similarly, Wat Mahathat is the Temple of the Great Relic and a standout amongst the most vital temples of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

The temple is located on an island and contained an overwhelming number of auxiliary chedis and viharas.

Address: Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210, Thailand
charges: from 3 USD

8. So many examples of traditional Thai cuisine and delicious Thai restaurants in Sukhothai

Tapui and Poo restaurant at JayHae, a personal recommendation

To get true Sukhothai experience, get to taste the Sukhothai-style noodles and pad Thai at Jayhae. It is a famous restaurant, and it serves appetizing beverages.

Poo Restaurant, near Mae Nam Yom, is well-known regardless of its misleading name. Unlike the name suggests, Poo deals with a specific collection of Belgian beers.

At Poo restaurant, meal costs range from 50 to 200 THB (1.49 to 5.97 USD) for two people.

Similarly, Ta Pui restaurant claims to be the first shop in Sukhothai to have sold Sukhothai-style noodles.

Generally, the shop is a brick floor with a tin roof, serving phenomenal food at affordable prices.

Address: Th Jarodvithithong, Sukhothai, Thailand
Poo Restaurant
Address: Jarot Withithong 24/3, Sukhothai 64000, Thailand
Hours: from 11 am – 11 pm.
number: +66 93 197 4070

Finally!

Sukhothai is the historic Old City in Thailand. It displays the true history of Ancient Thailand.

The restoration of the city is meant to help tourists learn the true culture of Thailand.

Don’t be reading details in books. It is possible to get there are see for yourself.

Transportations are all available and so convenient.

Don’t hesitate to book your next experience today.

Another informative article here about your next journey to visit the Ayutthaya Temples from Bangkok

Check the gallery, some pictures to give you a taste of this dream place!

Destinations