Sukhothai was the first Thai Kingdom of Siam, from the 12th to the 14th century. Today, there are still vestiges to be seen on a tour of Thailand. Temples, statues, chedis and ruins are all to be found in the historic park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city itself is divided into several sectors, which is why it’s important to know where to stay in Sukhothai, in order to plan your stay as effectively as possible.
In this guide, we share with you the best areas to stay in Sukhotai. We’ll detail the ambience, the must-sees, the budget and more. Finally, you’ll find our recommendations for the best-rated accommodations by travelers. This will help you plan your trip and choose the best accommodation.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Sukhotai, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Sukhotai:
- $ this accommodation is ideally located, close to restaurants
- $$ this hotel features a large swimming pool and pleasant surroundings
Map of different areas to stay in Sukhotai
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Sukhothai
Areas where to stay in Sukhothai
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Sukhothai.
To stay in Old Sukhothai, at the entrance to the historic park
Old Sukhothai, to the west, is so named because of its antiquity. This is the historic part of the city, including Sukhothai Park. It includes many of the city's must-see sights, so you're bound to stop off here, since Sukhothai is a city of monuments. A number of accommodations on the outskirts offer a very good base.
In terms of must-sees, there are numerous temples and statues in the Buddhist site, including:
- Wat Si Chum, featuring an immense Buddha, 15m high
- the 12-metre-high standing Buddha in Wat Saphan Hin
- the Royal Palace of King Ramkhamhaeng
- the Buddhist temple of Wat Mahathat
- Wat Si Sawai, a Khmer-style temple once dedicated to Brahmanism
Given the sheer size of the Buddhist site, it's easy to get around by bicycle. It's the most practical way to visit the historic park. Bicycles are accepted in the park at an additional cost. You'll find a number of rental companies at the entrance. Guided tours are also available, with bike excursions lasting half a day. To reach it from your accommodation, you can go on foot, as it's just a few minutes' walk away.
There are very few places to stay. There are just twenty or so hotels, resorts and guesthouses. Rates are accessible to all budgets.
Our recommendations for accommodation
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This establishment offers self-catering rooms and bungalows less than 2 km from the historic park. Bikes can be rented directly on site.
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In a pleasant setting, this establishment boasts a large swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and spa services. It's a great place to stay in Sukhothai.
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Peaceful setting for this resort offering an outdoor pool, traditional Thai massage service and bicycle rental. An on-site restaurant serves local cuisine. A great place to stay in Sukhothai.
Stay in New Sukhothai, a modern city
Around 12 km from the Buddhist site is New Sukhothai, considered to be the modern part of the city. Although lacking in charm, this is a great place to stay for less.
The only thing to see is the historic park, which can be reached by a free shuttle bus. The downside is that you're dependent on the timetable. The area is famous for its night market. If you're looking for a bit of evening entertainment, the nightlife here is much more vibrant than in the area above. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Another advantage of staying here is the easy transport links to the nearby airport to the north or to the railway station. To get around, you'll need to take a cab or tuk-tuk. The range of accommodations is wider than in the old part. You'll find several hotels, guesthouses and apartment rentals. The latter are less expensive here.
Our choice of places to stay
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This pleasant, comfortable establishment is made up of bungalows. It features an outdoor swimming pool. The on-site restaurant serves American cuisine. It's in a great location, close to restaurants.
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Central location for this establishment with swimming pool. Large room and quality bedding. We appreciate the tranquility of the premises. The restaurant serves Thai cuisine. A good place to stay on a medium budget.
Accommodation around Sukhothai
Last but not least, the Sukhothai area. Staying in the surrounding area can be a good alternative to staying in Sukhothai. It remains optional, however, due to its off-center location. However, the surrounding area has a number of advantages, especially if you're looking for peace and quiet.
Resourcing and soothing, the Sukhothai countryside is quite deserted. You'll have plenty of time to listen to the sound of birds and roosters at dawn. You'll come across more locals than tourists. So you won't enjoy any atmosphere or lively nightlife.
As for getting around, you can't leave the hotel without taking a tuk-tuk, shuttle bus or cab. Travel times depend on your location and point of arrival, but allow at least 10 minutes to reach the two areas described above.
As for places to stay, there's something for every budget. On the one hand, there's much more affordable accommodation. Less well-stocked, they're perfect for those on a tight budget. On the other hand, there are more luxurious resorts. You'll also find a few lodgings in the heart of nature.
As you can see, this area can be a pleasant surprise if you're looking for peace and quiet, even if its out-of-the-way location can be a hindrance.
Our places to stay
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Friendly establishment to the west of the Buddhist site. Quiet, with bungalows lining the pool. Because of its out-of-the-way location, the hotel provides tuk-tuk transportation. It's one of the few pleasant places to stay in the area.
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A sublime, peaceful setting for this top-of-the-range resort located between the two zones on a deserted road. Enjoy the swimming pool and fitness center. There are two restaurants, one with an American menu and the other with an Asian menu. A great place to stay in Sukhothai.
Summary
This guide to accommodation in Sukhothai is coming to an end. As you’ll have guessed, the best place to stay in Sukhothai is in the vicinity of the historic park. Here you’ll find the best hotels, a great atmosphere and all the must-sees just a stone’s throw away. The new town remains a good alternative for those on a tight budget. Finally, if you’re looking to recharge your batteries in contact with nature, you can opt for an establishment on the outskirts of the city.