Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns

This protected area preserves more than 190 archaeological sites including royal palaces, Buddhist temples, and city walls from the medieval period. The ruins spread across several zones that show how this royal city was once structured and organized.

The kingdom was founded in the 13th century as the first independent Thai state with its own artistic and architectural styles. This early period created the foundation for many features that later defined Thai culture.

The temples show how design shifted from Hindu-Khmer forms to Thai Buddhist architecture through their layouts, sculptures, and decorative details. This change reflects how people expressed their beliefs and shaped their surroundings based on their own traditions.

Bicycles can be rented at the entrance to help you move between the scattered ruins and explore at your own pace. Maps with suggested routes help you navigate the four zones in a logical way.

The site holds Thailand's earliest Thai script inscription, created during King Ramkhamhaeng's reign and later used as the model for modern Thai writing. This written record shows how a written system emerged for the developing nation.

GPS coordinates: 17.02111,99.70361

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23