Plan a summer trip to Sukhothai. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Sukhothai — TL;DR
Thailand's first capital, where 200 historical ruins in Sukhothai Historical Park meet New Sukhothai's riverside Saturday market.
Sukhothai overview
November to February offers cooler, more comfortable weather for exploring the historical park's ruins.
New Sukhothai is the modern city centre with restaurants and the night market, with Old Sukhothai and its historical park reached by tuk tuk, bicycle, or motorbike rental.
Thai Baht (฿)
Thai. English is limited outside the historical park.
ICT (UTC+7)
Sukhothai's dining scene continues to center on its outdoor street food culture rather than fine dining, with the walking street and night market's Kuay Tiao and New Sukhothai's Saturday riverside market reflecting a destination whose identity remains firmly rooted in its 200 historical ruins and status as the most visited ancient city in Thailand.
Where to eat, drink & do in Sukhothai
Sukhothai neighborhoods
Old Sukhothai (Historical Park) Home to Sukhothai Historical Park and around 200 historical sites and ruins, the most visited ancient city in Thailand.
New Sukhothai The modern part of the city, with lots of small restaurants and street stands, plus a small Night Market in the evenings.
Riverside Saturday market district Home to the larger riverside market held on Saturday evenings.
Practical info for Sukhothai
Getting around in Sukhothai? New Sukhothai is the modern city centre with restaurants and the night market, with Old Sukhothai and its historical park reached by tuk tuk, bicycle, or motorbike rental.
When to go in Sukhothai? November to February offers cooler, more comfortable weather for exploring the historical park's ruins.
What's changing now in Sukhothai? Sukhothai's dining scene continues to center on its outdoor street food culture rather than fine dining, with the walking street and night market's Kuay Tiao and New Sukhothai's Saturday riverside market reflecting a destination whose ident
Seek out Riverside Saturday evening market in Sukhothai? A larger market held only on Saturday evenings, less known to day-tripping visitors focused on the historical park.
Base yourself in Old Sukhothai (Historical Park) in Sukhothai? Home to Sukhothai Historical Park and around 200 historical sites and ruins, the most visited ancient city in Thailand. Known for unesco-listed ancient ruins.