Sukhothai is just on 300 kms south of Chiang Mai & about 3 1/2 - 4 hrs fast ride.
The province is famous for its world heritage site the Sukhothai Historical Park
From 6.30 am - 5.30 PM no vehicles are allowed in, but if you go outside of these times you can ride your bike & quickly go around for a few photos. Morning time is best, because in the afternoon you are facing the sun looking at the Buddha images & so don't get such great photos.
The park is 12 kms north of new Sukhothai city & there are a stack of guesthouses / hotels resorts near the ancient city ruins.
Or you can stay in town, enjoy some good food & a bit of laid back city nightlife, then cruise on out to the ruins in 15 minutes.
Some afternoon piccies I managed to snap after 5PM when I was allowed in through the back gate early & able to cruise around a bit.
Go in the early morning at first light & it is a surreal scene
Make the journey it is worth it
The province is famous for its world heritage site the Sukhothai Historical Park
It currently costs 100 baht to get into the park & bicycles are provided to peddle around, or take one of the park "carriages"The Sukhothai Historical Park (Thai: ?????????????????????????? (Pronunciation)) covers the ruins of Sukhothai, which literally means "Dawn of Happiness", capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries,[1] in what is now the north of Thailand. It is located near the modern city of Sukhothai, capital of the province with the same name.
The city walls form a rectangle about 2 km east-west by 1.6 km north-south. There are 193 ruins on 70 square kilometers of land.[1] There is a gate in the centre of each wall. Inside are the remains of the royal palace and twenty-six temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat. The park is maintained by the Fine Arts Department of Thailand with help from UNESCO, which has declared it a World Heritage Site. The park sees thousands of visitors each year, who marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. The park is easily toured by bicycle or even on foot
From 6.30 am - 5.30 PM no vehicles are allowed in, but if you go outside of these times you can ride your bike & quickly go around for a few photos. Morning time is best, because in the afternoon you are facing the sun looking at the Buddha images & so don't get such great photos.
The park is 12 kms north of new Sukhothai city & there are a stack of guesthouses / hotels resorts near the ancient city ruins.
Or you can stay in town, enjoy some good food & a bit of laid back city nightlife, then cruise on out to the ruins in 15 minutes.
Some afternoon piccies I managed to snap after 5PM when I was allowed in through the back gate early & able to cruise around a bit.
Go in the early morning at first light & it is a surreal scene
Make the journey it is worth it