A Visual Journey Through Sukhothai Thailand

Lying midway between Chiang Mai and Bangkok is Sukhothai. With a name that means ‘dawn of happiness’ in Sanskrit, this beautiful city was once the country’s capital city, and is now home to a myriad of ruins which have truly stood the test of time.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has become increasingly popular with foreign tourists as the ancient city has been remarkably well preserved and restored, giving tangible insight into how people lived and worshipped deities over 800 years ago.

Wat Mae Chon was originally made up of five expansive chambers. Now, all that is left is a well restored Buddha image. It is facing towards the rising run, thus catching the day’s first light.

Wat Si Chum is one of the most striking Buddhist temples in the ancient city. Still being encased in its original room, the enormous religious statue peers down on its worshippers, who pay their respects by placing gold leaf on its fingers.

Known as the Phra Achana Buddha image, which means ‘one who is not disturbed’, the fingers of the statues point down towards the earth, demonstrating its grounded ideologies.

Wat Sa Si is a striking monument, created in a Sri Lankan bell-shaped style.

The most important of all the temples in ancient Sukhothai is Wat Mahathat, located in the heart of the city.

This was the city’s main temple, consisting of 200 chedis. It is an elaborate complex full of Thai and Khmer influenced architecture.

Located south of Wat Mahathat is Wat Si Sawai, due to its architecture it is originally it is thought of as being Hindu, before being changed to a Buddhist temple.

As well as its architecture, Sukhothai is also a bustling province, home to over 600,000 residents. Be sure to also explore the amazing night markets.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.