Explore Sukhothai: 14 Awesome Things You Can’t Miss

14 Best Things to Do in Sukhothai

1. Learn About the History of Sukhothai at The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

One of the best ways to start a journey into a tourist attraction with historical significance is to learn about its significance before actually exploring it. The best way to do that in Sukhothai is to visit the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum.

The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is filled with information about Sukhothai, as well as other periods of Thai Kingdoms, from the breakaway from the Khmer Empire to the Ratanakosin kingdom that rules the country to this day.

The museum contains all kinds of artifacts and replicas discovered in Sukhothai ancient city that you can see, from samples of Sukhothai-style Sangkhalok ceramic ware that we got from the Chinese in the 15th Century, to a showcase of the subtle changing style of Buddha images throughout Thai history.

They also show how the Thai alphabets were developed throughout the entire history of Siam and Thailand. In school, we were taught that the Thai alphabets were their own thing and we came up with them by ourselves, but in reality, they were a combination of Pali from India, Mon from the West, and Khmer from the East. That was quite an eye-opener as a Thai.

The museum has 2 buildings with 2 floors. All the exhibitions and artifacts are labeled in both Thai and English, so you should have no trouble following what is going on here.

The museum opens from 9 AM to 4 PM. The ticket for foreigners is 150 THB per person, whereas for Thais, it will cost you 30 THB to get in. The museum is very informative, and if you are interested in learning about the history of Sukhothai, where our culture began to flourish, it is definitely worth it.

Where to Stay in Sukhothai?

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2. Stroll Around Wat Traphang Thong

After spending a few hours at the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, right next to it, you will find Wat Traphang Thong, a temple located photogenically in the middle of a moat.

Wat Traphang Thong is a rather small temple compared to all the others in the area, but it is one of the first ones you will be exploring as it is located right in the old town just outside of the historical park, and it is free to enter.

Within the temple, you will find a well-preserved, bell-shaped ancient pagoda that was part of the original temple that stood in the same spot when it was built in the 14th century.

The temple can be accessed via two wooden bridges that connect the main road to the island where the temple is located. If you are here during Loy Krathong (1st November), the temple and the moat are where the locals will celebrate the festival.

3. Mingle with Locals at Wat Traphang Thong Market

After strolling around Wat Traphang Thong, you can exit from the eastern wooden bridge to the local flea market, where you can explore and purchase street food for the evening.

You can choose to buy all the food and find a quiet place to sit and eat back at Wat Traphang Thong by the water. Watch out for mosquitoes. The moat is where these pesky mosquitoes like to hang out, and when the sun is out, they will be out in full force.

Be sure to buy an insect repellent at a 7-11 convenience store nearby before night comes. For a good insect repellent that has never failed me, I would recommend Soffel, a spray repellent in a pink cap.

4. Beat the Crowd and Visit Wat Maha That in the Morning

After spending the first evening exploring the surrounding old town area, it is time to explore Sukhothai Historical Park. Sukhothai Historical Park gets a ton of tourists during the day, so I would recommend going as early as 6:30 AM to beat the crowds.

First things first, you will have to rent a bike to explore Sukhothai Historical Park. I went with OR Shop just in front of the historical park, and I rented a bike for a day for 30 THB. Once you have your bike, go and buy the ticket to enter the historical park.

You will have to pay for the entrance fee as well as for the bike, which should cost 100 THB (20 THB for Thais) plus 10 THB respectively. Once you have obtained your ticket from the ticket booth, enter the park and head towards Wat Maha That, the largest ruin complex in the park just west of the gate.

Wat Maha That is the most impressive temple out of all in the park. It was built in the late 13th century and includes a huge lotus-bud shaped chedi, four corner stupas, four Khmer-style prangs, an assembly hall, and many more.

You can spend an hour just walking around this first temple. The number of things to see at Wat Maha That is staggering. One of my favorite sights in Sukhothai Historical Park is at a lotus pond in front of an old temple hall with a seated Buddha image.

This is the best sunset spot you can get at the park, hands down. Right at this spot, you will be able to witness the beautiful silhouette of the temple against the purple sky during sunset.

The entrance ticket lasts for the whole day, so be sure to check the sunset time and come back to the lotus pond at sunset. Make sure you are covered in insect repellent before visiting at night to avoid mosquitoes eating you alive.

5. Admire the Beauty of the Khmer-era Wat Si Sawai

Another of my favorite temples in Sukhothai Historical Park is Wat Si Sawai, located just south of Wat Maha That. Wat Si Sawai is even older than most of the ruins here as it dates all the way back to the late 12th Century.

This is apparent from the Khmer-style design of the prangs that resemble those you see at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is also one of my favorite features as it stands out from all the other Sukhothai-era structures found in the park.

Looking for a complete guide to Siem Reap?3 Days Itinerary For Siem Reap

No one actually knows what the temple was called during the Khmer era, but we do know that the temple served as a Hindu temple since Shiva and Vishnu statues were found at the site when it was rediscovered.

After the Khmer influence dwindled in the area, the temple was then converted into a Buddhist temple, as you can see from what is left of the construction of the assembly hall in front of it.

6. Relax by the Silver Lake at Wat Traphang Ngoen

From Wat Si Sawai, ride back up to Wat Maha That but instead of turning right, go left towards the Silver Lake, and you will find Wat Traphang Ngoen, a small Sukhothai-era temple with a great view of the Silver Lake near it.

The temple itself, which was built in the 14th Century, is not as impressive as all the others. However, due to its location by the lake, especially in the early morning, you should be able to capture some dreamy landscapes of the lake, as well as the silhouette of the other temples from Wat Traphang Ngoen.

7. Check Out Wat Srasri by a Lotus Pond

Just north of Wat Traphang Ngoen and the Silver Lake, you will find another temple called Wat Srasri, located photogenically in the middle of the lotus-filled Tra Phang Tra Kuan pond.

According to the stone inscriptions discovered here, Wat Srasri was founded in the 14th century with the chedi built in a Sri Lankan architectural style, and it was constructed to enshrine the ashes of King Li Thai of Sukhothai.

8. Pay Respect at King Ramkhamhaeng Monument

After cycling around the central zone of the historical park in a loop, you should be back right at the King Ramkhamhaeng Monument, where you can come and pay respect. The monument is a statue erected to commemorate the great king who ruled Sukhothai from 1279 to 1298.

King Ramkhamhaeng was, in fact, not the founder of Sukhothai; that title belongs to his father, King Si Intratit. However, he is considered one of the greatest kings of Sukhothai. He introduced the technique of creating Sangkhalok ceramic ware, which he learned from the Chinese. Additionally, he is credited as the founder of the Thai alphabet.

During his reign, Sukhothai's influence stretched from here all the way to the Malay Peninsula, as well as from eastern Burma to parts of the modern-day Laos territory. With this kind of accomplishment, it is no wonder why he is considered one of the greatest kings of Thailand.

9. Explore Wat Phra Pai Luang in the North Historical Park

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 zones you can explore in Sukhothai Historical Park. Unfortunately, you have to pay the entrance fee 3 times to see what the zones outside of the central offer, and at 100 THB each, it is not cheap. You can buy the ticket when you arrive at Wat Phra Pai Luang.

That said, there is not much in the Sukhothai Old Town that can generate revenue except for these historic ruins. So, if you are looking for a way to support the area, this is the way to do it.

Now, after you have done the central zone, it is time to cycle north outside the walled city of Sukhothai and explore the northern zone starting off with Wat Phra Pai Luang, an old temple dating back before the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Wat Phra Pai Luang is believed to have been built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII of Angkor (who built the famous Bayon Temple in Siem Reap) in the late 12th century, as evidenced by the Khmer-era architectural style visible on its prang.

The temple complex consisted of the Khmer era prang, as mentioned before, the principal assembly hall, a pyramidal pagoda similar to the architectural style of the Mon Haripunchai, and an ordination hall built in the Ayutthaya era.

As you can see, the entire complex was not built in only one era but in three: from the Angkor period to the Sukhothai period, and eventually extended in the Ayutthayan period.

In my opinion, it is a large complex, but nothing really stands out from what you have already seen in the central zone of Sukhothai Historical Park. What makes the northern zone worthwhile is the next temple we are going to explore after the next one.

10. Get Off the Beaten Path and Check Out the Broken Buddha Image of Wat Sangkhawat

There is a small but interesting temple located just north of Wat Phra Pai Luang that is lost away in a dry field, being overtaken by the forest that surrounds it. That temple is Wat Sangkhawat where you will find a somewhat depressing but authentic Buddha statue without the head and arms.

It is an easy ride from Wat Phra Pai Luang and allows you to get off the beaten path a little, enjoying the view of the landscape around the historical park in solitude.

11. Admire the 15 Meters High Buddha Image at Wat Si Chum

Now comes the highlight of the north zone of Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Si Chum, and its massive Phra Achana, the largest Buddha image in Sukhothai, measuring 15 meters high.

Seeing this temple makes it all worthwhile to pay to enter the north zone. When you arrive at the gate, be sure to show the ticket you bought at Wat Phra Pai Luang. Do not buy another one!

Wat Si Chum and its massive Buddha image were built in the 13th Century, comprising an open-roof structure where the big Buddha image is housed and the columns of the old assembly hall in front of it. There is also a Bodhi tree that is as old as Sukhothai itself next to it.

Phra Achana is so massive that you can see the Buddha image right outside the gate. Once you are inside, you will appreciate the scale and beauty of the Buddha image even more.

Once inside, you may also see some locals praying at the Buddha image with candles and incense sticks in their hands. Legends have it that at one time, the great King Naresuan wanted to boost the morale of his troops before the war, so he ordered a soldier to climb up to the top of the structure, which enshrines the Buddha image, and deliver a speech to the troops.

Unknown to the troops that there is a person at the top delivering a message, they believed it was the image of the Buddha speaking to them. Hence, sometimes they called the Buddha image the Speaking Buddha.

12. Hike Up to Wat Saphan Hin in the West Historical Park

After admiring the beauty of Wat Si Chum, you can continue southwest along the road and visit Wat Saphan Hin, one of my favorite temples in the Western Zone of Sukhothai Historical Park.

Wat Saphan Hin, which translates to Stone Bridge Temple, got its name from a stone bridge that leads up to the top of a hill where the temple is located. It's a fun 5-minute walk from the bottom to the top.

Once you arrive at the top, you will be greeted with a large standing image of the Buddha known as Phra Attharot, and you will be able to see the view of the surrounding area.

The view on top of the 200m high mound is even more impressive if you have a drone with you, as I did. I flew the drone and was surprised to see the infinite hills and mountains beyond the mound.

13. Walk Through a Forest to Wat Chedi Ngarm

After visiting Wat Saphan Hin, you will find a few more ruins scattered around the Western zone of the park that I believe are not worth visiting, except for one, Wat Chedi Ngarm, which is located on top of a mound. To reach it, you will have to walk through a small forest together.

The walk is pretty easy, even easier than the one at Wat Saphan Hin, and it should take about 5 minutes to reach the temple. Once you arrive at the top, you will find an old pagoda and what is left of the ordination hall of Wat Chedi Ngarm.

I did not meet a single soul here when I was exploring the western zone of the Sukhothai Historical Park, so if you are looking for a place to visit without having to deal with the tourist crowds like in the central zone, you will thoroughly enjoy the western zone as I did.

14. Spend a Day at Si Satchanalai Historical Park ☀️ Great Day Trip

Si Satchanalai is the twin ancient city of Sukhothai, with a ton of old ruins and temples in its own caliber that you should check out if you have an extra day in Sukhothai.

The journey with public transport will take you the entire day, starting at 7 AM from Sukhothai Old town and arriving back at 6 PM, with around 3-4 hours of time for you to explore Si Satchanalai Historical Park on a bike.

One of the first places you will visit is Wat Phra Sri, a 12th-century temple that is still active today. The temple is actually outside of Si Satchanalai Historical Park, but it is one of the oldest in the area. You can clearly see it from the Khmer-style prang that you can climb up to, just like the Angkor Wat.

From Wat Phra Sri, you will have to cycle for about 20 minutes to get to Si Satchanalai Historical Park. The ride is really nice on a flat road going through small villages, where you will be able to see how the locals live around the area. This is as authentic as it gets.

Once you arrive at the park, you will have to pay 100 THB for the entrance fee (20 THB if you are Thai), and you are free to roam the park as you wish. There are several points of interest you should definitely check out while you are there.

Wat Chang Lom Si Satchanalai, a large pagoda located in an open field, is one of the most beautiful ruins in the park. Wat Chedi Chet Thaew is also another great point of interest with a large area filled with pointy pagodas, hence the name Chedi Chey Thaew, which translates to "Seven Rows of Pagodas".

Other temples worthy of your visit to Si Satchanalai Park are Wat Nang Phaya, Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng, and Wat Khok Singkharam, just outside the park. So, be sure to check those out before leaving the park.

How to Get from Sukhothai to Si Satchanalai?

To get from Sukhothai Old Town to Si Satchanalai Historical Park, you will have to get to Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is an hour Song Taew ride away. So, I would recommend you start as early as you can. You can catch the Song Taew from the main road in the old town or in front of the historical park.

The bus from Sukhothai to Si Satchanalai does not have a fixed schedule, and it often shuffles around all the time. Hence, I recommend you to come to the bus terminal as early as you can so you have some breathing room on which bus to take.

When I was at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, I was told that there were 5 buses that day at 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, and 17:00. So, I got on the 10:00 bus and asked the bus driver to drop me off at the bus stop near Wat Phra Sri.

The journey will take you 1.5 hours one-way, and it will cost you 49 THB for the bus ticket from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Si Satchanalai. The same goes for when you get back to Sukhothai.

From the bus stop, you can rent the bike right on the spot as there will be a guy with his bikes waiting for you. It's 50 THB for a day, and he will also provide you with the bus schedule back to Sukhothai. When I was there, he told me to come back before 15:00 as there are 3 buses bound for Sukhothai at 12:00, 14:00, and 15:00.

Keep in mind that the bus is often late, so do not expect it to be right on time. I caught a 14:00 bus back to Sukhothai at 14:40, so keep that in mind when you are out and about.

Looking for a complete guide to Si Satchanalai?A Complete Backpacking Guide To Si Satchanalai

What to Eat and Drink in Sukhothai?

1. Try the Delicious Sukhothai Noodle at Chan Thong Restaurant

Sukhothai Noodle is probably one of the most delicious noodles Thailand has to offer, and you can find them all over the place in Sukhothai. One of the local restaurants I would recommend you try the noodle at is called Chan Thong Restaurant, which is cheap and delicious, unlike the other tourist-catered restaurants that are often extremely overpriced and very slow.

Sukhothai Noodle is often served with yellow egg noodles, sliced pork or sweet pork-based broth, ground pork, and crackling as toppings, and sometimes comes with boiled eggs. It is extremely tasty, sweet, and a bit spicy, which will make you forget all the other noodles you have tried elsewhere.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to Visit Sukhothai?

The best time to visit Sukhothai is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate, making it much more enjoyable to cycle around Sukhothai Historical Park.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. The air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime. However, now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Sukhothai, Thailand?

Getting to Bangkok, Thailand

In order to get to Sukhothai, you will first have to get to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Thankfully, Bangkok is a large hub in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport (budget airlines only), Thailand.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no longer direct flights offered from Bangkok to the US via Thai Airways due to operational costs. However, you can get a cheaper and possibly better service through Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast, or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast, with only one transit.

From Europe, you can fly directly from popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa. If you don't mind transiting, you can also choose Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok that you can choose from. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are great low-cost options, but keep in mind that with budget airlines like these, you will be landing at Don Muang Airport instead of Suvarnabhumi Airport. This might be more ideal if you plan to fly domestically afterwards rather than using a regular carrier.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Sukhothai, Thailand

By Air + Shuttle Bus: There are several ways you can go to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai. The fastest way, and not too expensive, is to buy a flight ticket from Bangkok to Sukhothai via AirAsia, where the flight will take you from Don Muang Airport to Phitsanulok Airport.

AirAsia will provide you with a shuttle bus transfer to Sukhothai, all included in the price. It should cost about 800 - 1400 THB and takes 1 hour to fly from Bangkok to Phitsanulok and 2.5 hours to transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park by bus.

By Bus: You can take one of the 4 direct buses that leave daily at 7:00, 12:30, 20:00, and 21:30 from Morchit Bus Terminal to Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which should take about 8 hours and cost around 400 THB per person.

Keep in mind that the bus will drop you off at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is in the new town, and you will have to find another means of transportation to reach the historical park. Check out the next section on how to get from Sukhothai New Town to Sukhothai Old Town.

To get a bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai New City, you can book through here: Book a bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai, Thailand.

Getting from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, Thailand

If you are coming from Phitsanulok, you can take one of the 13 buses that go through Sukhothai New Town daily from 7:00 AM to 6:10 PM. The journey will take you about 1 hour and will cost you 42 THB per person.

The bus leaves from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal, which can be quite far from Phitsanulok city center. So, I would recommend that you stand by this bus stop along the road towards Sukhothai instead and catch the bus heading to Sukhothai from there. The bus will drop you off at Sukhothai Bus Terminal.

How to Get from Sukhothai New Town to Sukhothai Historical Park?

If you are taking a bus from Bangkok or Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, you will likely be getting off at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is located in Sukhothai New Town, 12 km away from Sukhothai Historical Park, where your accommodation will likely be.

In order to get from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Sukhothai Old Town, you will have to take the local Song Taew (the marshrutka of Thailand, if you will), which is the local public transportation that runs between the old and new city every 30 minutes.

Once you arrive at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, you will find the old-looking Song Taew (as seen in the photo) waiting for you. Make sure that you get on the one with the Sukhothai Old City sign on top of the Song Taew.

The journey will take about 1 - 1.5 hours, depending on how often they stop to pick people up. It costs 30 THB per person, and you can pay directly to the driver after you get off. The Song Taew will end its journey in front of Sukhothai Historical Park, so you can let the driver know where to drop you off.

How to Get Around Sukhothai?

The best way to get around Sukhothai is by bike. There are 3 historical zones: the central, the north, and the west, all of which would take some time to cover on foot, especially in the heat. Therefore, I would advise against walking and suggest opting for a bike instead.

You can rent a bike for 30 THB per day (until 6 PM, as most bike rental places will be closed by then) from one of the many bike rental places in front of Sukhothai Historical Park.

I went with OR Shop because the bikes are quite new, and it is in front of the historical park and near my accommodation. The bike was in good condition, and the whole process of renting and returning was very easy and efficient.

You can also take a guided tour on an electric tram provided by the park for 40 THB per person, and the tram will stop at each attraction within the park. However, you will have to align your time with their schedule, which is not suitable for me.

How Many Days to Spend in Sukhothai?

If you are only interested in seeing Sukhothai Historical Park, a minimum of 2 nights is recommended so that you can experience both the sunrise and sunset at the park.

That said, if you want to see other old cities in the area, such as Si Satchanalai Historical Park, you will need another day to do it. In order to follow everything in this itinerary, it is recommended to spend 3 nights in Sukhothai.

Day 0: Visit the Ramkhamhaeng Museum to learn about the history of Sukhothai. Walk by Wat Traphang Thong and check out the Wat Traphang Thong Market before ending the day.

Day 1: Spend the morning cycling around the Sukhothai Central Zone, and continue to explore the North and West Zones of the park in the afternoon before experiencing sunset back at the central zone.

Day 2 (optional): Travel to Si Satchanalai and cycle around Si Satchanalai Historical Park before taking the last bus back to Sukhothai.

How Much Money Do I Need For Sukhothai?

From the itinerary above, we can roughly calculate how much money you will be spending for a 2-day itinerary in Sukhothai as follows:

Accommodation: With a total of 2 nights, you will be paying around 16 USD (509 THB).

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum per meal per person in Sukhothai, so you can expect to pay about 150 THB for a day in Sukhothai.

Transportation: You will pay 30 THB for a bike rental in Sukhothai, 50 THB for a bike rental in Si Satchanalai, and 150 THB for 5 trips between Sukhothai Old and New City on a Song Taew. You will also have to pay for a bus from Sukhothai to Si Satchanalai and back, which should be around 100 THB. In total, you can expect to pay 330 THB for transportation.

Activities: The entrance fees for each zone are 100 THB for foreigners and 20 THB for locals. Since you will be entering all the zones as well as Si Satchanalai Historical Park, you will be paying 400 THB for activities in total.

Total Budget for 2 days in Sukhothai: 1,389 THB (43.65 USD)

Is it Safe in Sukhothai, Thailand?

I felt very safe cycling around Sukhothai both during the day and in the evening. I did not encounter any sketchy situations the entire time I was there, so I do not think you have anything to worry about when it comes to safety in Sukhothai.

That said, I always recommend everyone to exercise precautions like you would when visiting any city. Do not leave your things unattended, and do not make yourself an easy target.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Sukhothai?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Sukhothai, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Sukhothai, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages, as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS because I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three packages available for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Sukhothai, Thailand?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sukhothai, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sukhothai, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods is among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here is 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here is a list of the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day-trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off-the-beaten-path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery, waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.