Sukhothai’s vast Historical Park is a draw for many visitors to Thailand, and we explored it in the best possible way—by bike.
For families interested in ancient civilizations and wandering through ruins, Sukhothai offers the chance to weave past ancient temples, towering Buddhas, quiet ponds, and wide-open spaces. From the very first temple, Sukhothai Historical Park captivated our entire family, with our kids happily leading the way.
Visiting a large archaeological site with kids might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning, it can become a memorable experience you share together.
Read on for practical tips for planning your time at Sukhothai.
Sukhothai’s Historical Park
Located roughly halfway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Sukhothai makes for a fascinating stop and a great way to break up your journey through Thailand.
Sukhothai is one of Thailand’s most significant archaeological sites, as it was the first capital of the Siamese Kingdom. The expansive historical park—shaped by Khmer and Sinhalese influences—is home to numerous well-preserved temples, chedis, and Buddha statues, all set among natural ponds and green spaces.
The Three Main Zones of the Park
Sukhothai Historical Park is enormous, spanning more than 70 square kilometres, and is divided into three main zones. Cycling is the recommended way to explore the park, though tuk-tuks are also available for hire.
Northern Zone: Located outside the main walled city, the Northern Zone has one of Sukhothai’s most iconic sights—Wat Si Chum, a massive seated Buddha framed by a narrow opening.
Western Zone: More spread out and set in a forested area, the Western Zone includes temples such as Wat Saphan Hin (the “stone bridge” temple), which offers visitors views of the surrounding landscape.
Central Zone: The Central Zone is the most popular area of the park due to its concentration of major ruins. Highlights include Wat Mahathat, the largest and most important temple, and the remains of the Royal Palace grounds.
Planning Your Visit to the Central Zone
Little did we know just how vast Sukhothai Historical Park truly is. We initially planned a full day of exploration, but with temperatures soaring into the 40s°C, we quickly adjusted to a morning visit instead.
With only one day in Sukhothai, we chose to explore the Central Zone in depth rather than rushing through all three areas. As we entered the park and cycled toward the first cluster of ruins, it felt like stepping back in time. Once inside the gates, the noise and movement of the city fade away, replaced by a serene landscape of temples, water, and trees—it truly feels like an ancient city frozen in time.
Wat Mahathat
Often considered the spiritual heart of the ancient kingdom, Wat Mahathat is the largest and most important temple in the park. It features a central chedi and numerous Buddha statues in various poses. The temple is next to the remnants of the royal palace complex.
Wat Sa Si
Wat Sa Si was one of the most peaceful and picturesque stops of the morning. Resting on a small island connected by a wooden bridge, the temple features a bell-shaped chedi and a seated Buddha image.
Wat Traphang Ngoen
Wat Traphang Ngoen stood out for its simple symmetry—a central chedi, Buddha image, and crumbling stone structures laid out across flat, open ground.
Wat Sorasak
This temple immediately caught our attention, with the boys running up to admire the detailed elephant statues encircling the chedi.
Wat Si Sawai
Reminiscent of the temples we saw at Angkor Wat, Wat Si Sawai stands out for its three towers. We later learned that it was built with the distinctive three Khmer-style prang towers and originally functioned as a Hindu temple before later being converted to Buddhism.
Tips on Biking Sukhothai Historical Park with Kids
Break up your visit: Rather than tackling the park in one long day, consider splitting it over two mornings. Visit the Central Zone on one day (3–4 hours), and explore the Northern and Western Zones the next (another 3–4 hours). Note: Each zone costs 100 THB per person.
Start early to avoid crowds and heat: The park opens at 6:30 a.m. Arriving early allows you to explore during the coolest part of the day and beat the crowds. We had the park mostly to ourselves, allowing a peaceful bike ride.
Dress for the heat and temple rules: Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, but be mindful of the dress code. Women should have their shoulders and knees covered (although this was not enforced). Men and kids should have shorts to their knees.
Bike rentals: Many hotels in Sukhothai offer bike rentals on-site. If not, several rental shops are located near the Central Zone entrance.
Sun protection: Shade is limited, so hats and sunscreen are a must.
Stay hydrated: Convenience stores near the park entrance make it easy to stock up on water before you start.
Encourage exploration: Let kids wander through the ruins, duck behind pillars, and search for Buddha statues and carvings. Giving them freedom to explore made the experience feel adventurous and kept them engaged.
Consider a guide: Guided tours are available for those wanting a deeper historical context. For our family, cycling independently and soaking in the atmosphere was enough.
Plan for breaks: Our tickets allowed in-and-out access. After three hours in the heat, an ice cream break outside the park gave us the energy to squeeze in another hour.
Where We Stayed
Our apartment in Sukhothai was a spacious two-bedroom with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and air conditioning. A restaurant downstairs made ordering easy, with the option to have food delivered directly to your room. It is located approximately 7.5 miles from Sukhothai Historical Park.
Biking Around Sukhothai with Kids
Cycling through Sukhothai Historical Park is a wonderful family-friendly experience that blends history and exploration. With a relaxed pace and a bit of planning, visiting this remarkable site as a family brings ancient history to life and offers a glimpse into Thailand’s past.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
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