Northern Thailand · city
Sukhothai
The UNESCO-listed historical park is the centrepiece, with the old city best explored at an unhurried pace.
The feel of the place
A quiet heritage stop for temple ruins, cycling and open historical parkland.
Sukhothai is a heritage destination centred on a historical park of temples, ponds and open grounds. Cycling and slow exploration suit the old-city area, while the modern town provides a separate base farther east. Choose where to stay around the park visits and evening convenience you prefer.
Keep in mind
The historical park and modern town are separate bases, so staying in one means arranging transport to the other. Restaurant and evening choices are smaller around the park.
Get to know Sukhothai
What is Sukhothai like?
Our editorial assessments · Select a factor to see how we scored this place.
Why we rate Sukhothai 0/10
Sukhothai is inland, so there are no sea beaches.
What we assess
Beach appeal, convenient access and variety during a beach-focused stay, within the destination itself.
Why we rate Sukhothai 5/10
Open parkland, ponds and countryside give Sukhothai a peaceful natural setting. The celebrated temple ruins are its cultural draw.
What we assess
The visual impact of natural surroundings and how central those landscapes are to a typical stay.
Why we rate Sukhothai 10/10
Sukhothai Historical Park, Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum make temple architecture and early Thai history the focus of a stay.
What we assess
The variety, depth and practical access to historic places, temples, architecture, traditions and cultural experiences during a typical stay.
Why we rate Sukhothai 6/10
Local noodles, markets and everyday Thai restaurants provide enjoyable meals, though the choice is smaller than in major cities.
What we assess
Food quality, variety, distinctive local cooking and how readily visitors can find good places to eat, regardless of price.
Why we rate Sukhothai 2/10
Evenings are mostly quiet, with a few casual restaurants and bars rather than a varied nightlife scene.
What we assess
The choice, variety and liveliness of evening venues, their opening hours and how easily you can enjoy a typical night out.
Why we rate Sukhothai 8/10
A calm town and spacious historic park make a peaceful stay easy, outside occasional visitor peaks.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a peaceful stay, considering traffic, nightlife noise, crowds and practical quieter bases.
Why we rate Sukhothai 0/10
Sukhothai is inland and has no sea-island excursions.
What we assess
The variety of worthwhile sea-island trips, convenient departures, journey times and flexibility under normal operating conditions.
Why we rate Sukhothai 6/10
Bicycles, tuk-tuks and local transport serve the park and town, but the old and new town areas are separated.
What we assess
Freedom to explore without renting a scooter, using walking, public transport, taxis, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing or boats; transport price is assessed separately.
Why we rate Sukhothai 8/10
Simple stays, low-cost local food and inexpensive park transport make a modest heritage trip practical.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a typical stay on a modest budget, including simple accommodation, food, realistic transport and characteristic activities.
Scores out of 10 · Higher means more of that characteristicAbout these scores
How to read the scale
Scores describe how strongly a destination offers each characteristic. They are editorial assessments, not visitor ratings.
Higher does not always mean better
A higher nightlife score means a livelier scene. A higher quietness score means a calmer atmosphere. The right balance depends on your trip.
Plan your trip
When to go
See how temperature, rainfall and travel conditions change through the year. Select a month to focus on your travel dates.
| Factor | Sukhothai |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | 31°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 13 mm |
| Rainy days | 1.8 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 13 mm |
| Rainy days | 1.6 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 36°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 22 mm |
| Rainy days | 3.4 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 38°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 65 mm |
| Rainy days | 5.5 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 36°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 185 mm |
| Rainy days | 14.1 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 34°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 191 mm |
| Rainy days | 16.3 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 141 mm |
| Rainy days | 16.5 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 192 mm |
| Rainy days | 17.8 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 255 mm |
| Rainy days | 17.6 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 196 mm |
| Rainy days | 12.5 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 30 mm |
| Rainy days | 3.2 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Average daytime high | 31°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 9 mm |
| Rainy days | 1.4 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Not applicable |
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai |
31°C
|
34°C
|
36°C
|
38°C
|
36°C
|
34°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
31°C
|
| Monthly Rainfall | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai |
13 mm
|
13 mm
|
22 mm
|
65 mm
|
185 mm
|
191 mm
|
141 mm
|
192 mm
|
255 mm
|
196 mm
|
30 mm
|
9 mm
|
| Rainy days | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai | 1.8 | 1.6 | 3.4 | 5.5 | 14.1 | 16.3 | 16.5 | 17.8 | 17.6 | 12.5 | 3.2 | 1.4 |
| Crowds | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai | High | High | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Stay prices | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai | High | High | Typical | Typical | Typical | Typical | Typical | Typical | Typical | Typical | High | High |
| Sea conditions | ||||||||||||
| Sukhothai | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Temperatures are historical average daytime highs, not the highest temperatures you might experience. Rainfall and rainy days are monthly averages, not a forecast. A rainy day need not mean rain all day.
Stay prices are relative to each destination’s usual rates. Holidays can bring extra crowds and higher prices. Sea conditions vary by beach and day; check local conditions before boat trips.
Sukhothai: Thai Meteorological Department — SUKHOTHAI, 1999–2020.
The practical side
Getting to and around Sukhothai
Arriving
Sukhothai has an airport, with an onward road transfer to your stay. Check whether you are booking in the modern town or near the historical park, as these are separate bases.
Without a scooter
Bicycles, tuk-tuks and local transport serve the park and town, but the old and new town areas are separated.
Before you decide
How does Sukhothai compare?
Your trip, your kind of place
Is Sukhothai the right fit for you?
Tell us what you enjoy. See which destinations suit your trip.