Top attractions in Sukhothai, Thailand

Many travelers think of Thailand as either a shopping haven or a beach bum’s dream, but not looking beyond this is a shame. A mere hour away from Bangkok lies Sukhothai, a place that exudes raw, untainted charm, coupled with the warm hospitability that the Thais are well-known for. This is the place to explore the alternate beauty of Thailand and soak in its history and culture.

If you are looking for a slower pace of life and a change of scenery, Sukhothai is the place to consider for your next Southeast Asian vacation. Here are five places to visit in the province of Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Old City

This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a testament to Thailand's storied and colorful past. Nearly 200 temples were excavated and partly reconstructed here, providing visitors with a chance to get a unique look at what Thailand's early capital might have been like.

In the city's heyday, three earthen walls and two moats surrounded the old center. Twenty-one wats and four ponds were uncovered during excavations. This was the cradle of Thai culture, and archaeologists have found the remnants of artistic and religious works that would define a society for centuries. Foreign visitors will find here an information center detailing Sukhothai activities and self-guided tours, plus display boards in English outside every building.

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

Located in the Sukhothai Historical Park area, this museum is one of the regional museums of the Fine Arts Department, which was built in 1960. It houses a wide range of artefacts, from ancient remnants, art objects and antiques that were excavated from the ruins discovered in Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai Historical Parks. These exhibits present a vivid display of lifestyle, customs, traditions, cultural habits, beliefs and art styles that reflect the daily life of people during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods.

Wat Sorasak

The 24 exquisitely carved elephants that still guard the decaying chedi of Wat Sorasak are the real highlight of the park. Wat Sorasak was constructed in 1412, toward the end of the Sukhothai Empire. The niches are occupied by statues depicting Buddha sitting in a “western” position, with legs hanging down.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

A visit to Sukhothai will only be complete with a visit to the historical site of the ancient Si Satchanalai City, which was the second largest city after Sukhothai during its glory days. The 45-square-metre park is home to remaining structures of what used to be palaces, temples and homes. The main attractions are Wat Phra Si Mahathat, Wat Chang Lom and Wat Chedi Jet Taew, all of which feature authentic Sukhothai architectural style.

Wat Si Chum

Photo Colombo

Visitors to Wat Si Chum will be especially impressed by the mondhop, a huge, windowless cuboid construction that stands on a high pedestal. Built in the 14th century, the temple is easily recognizable because of its 15-meter-tall silver seated Buddha leaning against a brick wall in the open.

A narrow enclosed staircase on one of the southern walls leads to the roof and to beautiful open views of the park. The enclosed stair passage was once home to engraved slates featuring different images of Buddha. Ruins of another temple and a brick building that contains a seated Buddha can also be found in the area.

See more: 6 beautiful destinations outside Bangkok, Thailand

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Things you may not know about Ayutthaya, Thailand

Escape the current capital of Thailand to visit the old one: Ayutthaya. The historical city is about 70 kilometers from Bangkok, and it is filled with delicious food, a laid-back city vibe, and the ancient ruins found throughout. Here, a brief history of these intriguing remains found in Ayutthaya.

History

Sukhothai was the first Siamese capital of Thailand and was founded in 1238. Ayutthaya was later founded in 1350, but it did not become a thriving city until about 1378. It remained the flourishing capital for about 400 years (until 1767). Sukhothai took a back seat to the thriving new capital and was, for the most part, forgotten. It was put back on the map by Rama I, when he used ancient Sukhothai artifacts to enrich and decorate his temples in Bangkok during the Chakri dynasty.

Power

Ayutthaya remained the capital for so long for a number of reasons. For one, it was home to an extensive trading port that welcomed international merchants, many of whom were from Europe. The city was a memorable one to these travelers because of the many temples and palaces found here. In addition to trading, the waterways that surrounded the city were useful in terms of protecting it, creating a watery fortress of sorts.

Name

The city was named by the same man who made Ayutthaya the capital: King Ramathibodi. Ayutthaya was named after a magical kingdom from Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien.

The city’s demise

The old capital of Thailand came to a brutal end when it was attacked by the Burmese. Much of the city was devastated by fire, and those who were not killed were taken by the Burmese and forced into slavery. The city fell in 1767. Most of the city was destroyed, and what is left of these relics and temples are still found in Ayutthaya today, of which there are about 50.

The ruins

All of the ruins found in Ayutthaya today took about 150 years to complete in total. Many of the palaces were made of wood which did not withstand the fires that destroyed the capital – which is why mainly stone temples remain. The temples have their own Siamese style, but many of the temples’ construction drew upon inspiration from other influences, including Sri Lanka. There are also instances of Khmer architecture, as the capital started out as a Khmer military and trading outpost. These ruins were discovered in 1991, and they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the ancient city has been squeezed into busy Thailand travel itineraries and makes a great day trip for those who have a few days in Bangkok.

See more: Top activities in Patong, Thailand

Top Pattaya’s beaches to discover in 2020

If you too want to experience the true essence of Pattaya, you need to lose yourself in its untouched nature and lovely beaches. And so, to help you with it, here are some of the best beaches in Pattaya. Have a look!

Jomtien Beach

Located just south of Pattaya's city center, Jomtien Beach has a lot going for it. It is quiet enough that you will not feel like you are at a party, but there still plenty of things happening. Bordered by glistening condo towers where expats and wealthy Thais alike make their coastal homes, Jomtien is a bit cosmopolitan compared to some of the other beaches, though there is plenty of Thai flavor here, literally, thanks to all the street food stalls on the main road.

Koh Larn

Koh Larn, or Coral Island, has much more in common with the famous southern Thailand beaches than with other beaches in Pattaya. It is a little slice of paradise nestled away from a city which can at times feel like anything but. Perfect for a romantic getaway, the coral from which its name derives can be enjoyed through snorkeling or taking a glass bottom boat, and the clean, transparent water surrounding the beach should make for good visibility.

Wong Amat Beach

Wong Amat, located next to northern Pattaya Beach, is one of the cleanest and the best beaches in Pattaya. It is mostly visited by families and you can see kids playing with sands and families engrossed in day picnic on the beach. With spectacular view of azure sea, the beach has many luxury sea-facing hotels and restaurants for travelers.

Bang Saray Beach

Located the farthest south among all the beaches on this list, Bang Saray also feels the most isolated. This is perfect if you are looking for some R&R and do not want to be stimulated, intellectually or otherwise. However, you can make the journey all this way worth it by visiting the nearby Ramayana Water Park, or stopping at Pattaya Dolphin World en route.

Naklua Beach

Naklua means ‘salt field’ in local language. Surrounded by fishing habitat, Naklua Beach is located in the northern part of Pattaya. It is popular for fishing boat rentals, surfing, and swimming, a few things that make it one of the best beaches of Pattaya. Chilling out under the sun in sun loungers at the outdoor shacks is a popular thing to do here. The beach shore is gradually becoming a little crowded with some five-star hotel chains establishing their resorts and hotels on the beach.

Pattaya Beach

There is no better place to start than the most popular and most lively beach in the city – Pattaya beach. At four kilometers long, this crescent-shaped beach has plenty of space for visitors and it needs it too, with plenty of people descending upon it to take advantage of the blazing sun and warm weather.

There is more than sunbathing on offer though. Parasailing, jet skiing and the classic banana boat are all available for you to enjoy, as well as beachside shacks that can prepare your favourite Thai dish should you get peckish. It is also home to some great parties at night, if that is your cup of tea.

Dongtan Beach

Located north of Jomtien Beach, Dongtan is the quietest beach in Pattaya city. It is about 1.5 km long strip of golden sand backed by palm trees. This scenic beach is perfect for swimming, sailing, and fishing. Dongtan is also famous for watersports like jet skiing and banana boating and has several Thai body massage parlors on the shore. There is a special gay section on the beach itself. The otherwise serene beach gets busy in the afternoon during weekends.

See more: A guide to Pattaya's nightlife

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Explore Prachuap Khiri Khan in 48 hours

Prachuap Khiri Khan can be described as an unspoiled sleepy beach town. Unlike the hot tourist parts of Thailand, the beaches of Prachuap Khiri Khan are not yet fully discovered by many tourists. In the past, the city used to be a favorite holiday destination of the Royal family.

The beaches of this town are calm and tranquil, perfect for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing, away from the choking crowd of Pattaya. Below are some attractions you can discover in 2 days.

Visit Ao Manao

With its attractive beach lined with cool, shady trees and umbrellas, Ao Manao embodies what the resort beaches to the north would like to be when they grow up.

At the same time, it has more of the feeling of a national park than a beach resort, it is no doubt because it is located on an airforce base, the 53rd Air Division, just to the south of town. There are plenty of food stalls and even a food court on the beach road, but few other services or tourist-oriented businesses.

Take a trip to the Wat Thammikaram or Monkey temple

The Wat Thammikaram or Monkey temple gives you an awesome taste of an adventurous trip through a hill full of monkeys. The temple is located at the top of Khao Chong Krajok hill, which gives a 360-degree view of the whole town from the top.

The mouth of the staircase which leads to this temple is located at the Sao Noi Road, there are a total of 418 steps which lead to the top of the hill, into the temple. The troop of monkeys live on the way, but enjoy their sight and presence from afar, do not try to disturb them or to feed them to avoid any unseen attack.

Take a visit to King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology Waghor

King Mongkut Rama IV established this science museum in the year 1989 to showcase his father’s study in the scientific field. One of the main attractions of this science museum is Waghor Aquarium. The other attraction of this place is the butterfly garden.

Enjoy local food at Rim Taley Market

The Oceanside Market is not very large, but it makes an ideal dinner destination because you can eat your food on the promenade or pier. On Friday and Saturday the few dozen regular vendors are joined by about 200 more as the market morphs into Walking Street, though there is little in the way of artistic or handmade goods on sale.

Discover Haad Wanakorn National Park

Photo @IkeSuruwong

This intsy wintsy national park roughly midway between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Namtok Huay Yang National Park offers deserted beach scenes and plentiful bird spotting. Gazetted in 1995, Haad Wanakorn National Marine Park is Thailand’s smallest park at just 38 square kilometres, of which 23 is coastal scrub and woodland and 15 is marine, including the two small islands of Ko Chai and Ko Thaisi.

See more: Spend 3 days discovering the beautiful towns in Thailand

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5 best multiple-country trips in Asia

Asia is without doubt one of the best regions of the world for an exciting multi-country holiday. With so many countries relatively close together, it seems almost like a wasted opportunity to see only one.

Cultural tour of Southeast Asian capitals

A tour that traverses the capitals of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia is a great way to delve into local history and culture. There are many similarities between these three countries at surface level, but a multi-country trip like this can expose the nuances of each culture to reveal three proudly distinct nations. Compare modern capitals with ancient kingdoms, see how Buddhist temples differ, cruise the countries’ rivers, see their museums and learn about their local handicrafts.

This 12-day, 11-night tour begins in Bangkok, giving you time to take in the capital’s most famous sights – the Grand Palace and the home of the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho – getting you around the city via river ferry, canal boat and tuk tuk. Next it’s off to Luang Prabang, where you swap bustling streets with serene mountainscapes, before heading to Vientiane, the smallest capital city in the world. In Cambodia, you’ll be charmed by the capital, Phnom Penh, before heading to Siem Reap to see an ancient capital on the grandest scale at Angkor Wat.

Mekong River journey

This epic journey begins in picturesque Kengtung in the mountains of Shan State, in the far eastern reaches of Myanmar. From here, you’ll make your way down through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, traveling on the Mekong, overland and by taking short flights. You’ll stop in myriad little towns and some big cities along the way, meeting local communities, enjoying cultural activities and even taking part in sustainability projects. Temples, markets, ancient ruins, palaces, museums, serene countryside and idyllic shores are all part of this amazing multi-country trip.

An Indochine foodie trip

This tour from Vientiane, Laos through Cambodia to Halong Bay in Vietnam, combines must-see sights with must-eat dishes. Certain Vietnamese dishes have already won worldwide acclaim but on this trip you’ll also learn about Laos food. For instance, did you know that many of your favorite Thai dishes originated in Laos? Add in the influence of French gastronomy and you have a foodie tour with true breadth – and good wine. Eat through seven cities and three nations on this multi-country Asia holiday, peppered with iconic experiences: a meal at Angkor Wat, dinner about a private boat on Halong Bay, a Hanoi city tour by Vespa, a cooking class in Luang Prabang.

A short trip from Bangkok to Angkor Wat

For many travelers to Southeast Asia, Thailand is at the top of the list of must-see places. Bangkok itself is worthy of indepth exploration, and this tour gives you a couple of days in ‘the Big Mango’ to see the main sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You’ll also have some time for choice of different urban expeditions, from cruising the canals of Thonburi to exploring vibrant Chinatown.

Next, it’s off to Siem Reap, where you’ll waste no time getting to the most famed of ancient temple complexes, Angkor Wat. You’ll explore the site with a guide, who can explain the building’s intricate architecture and countless bas-reliefs. The next morning, you’ll rise early to see another famous local landmark, Ta Prohm, wreathed in vines and roots and tinted green with moss. The smaller Banteay Srey and the famous Angkor Thom are also part of the day’s travels. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a unique performance by local troupe, Phare Circus, whose lithe acrobatics tell a deeper story about Cambodian society.

On the final day of your trip, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Tonle Sap lake. You’ll cruise to an local village where the school, temple, houses and even an ice factory are all over water. You’ll have lunch in traditional stilt house over the river then return to Siem Reap in time to do some souvenir shopping before your onward transfer.

See more: 7 perfect day trip in Thailand

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Things you can do in Pattaya in one day

Pattaya shot to fame in early 1980s and stay there. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya's beach are constantly brimming with life as water sports and activities. Enjoy a raw beauty of the rainforest canopy or the glitz and glamour of the cabaret stage.

Visit Snow Capped Mountains at Chonburi’s Grand Canyon

Hidden deep within the Khiri district, the Grand Canyon might be slightly hard to find and for good reason! But, trust us when we say the stunning views would make the journey all worth it.
The Grand Canyon is actually an old mine pit that offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and man-made lake below the viewpoint.

One of the highlights of this place is the Snow Mountain. The snow mountain is not actually made of snow but of white rocks. Be sure to climb up those rocks for some great photos.

Escape to a little French village at A La Campagne

Escape from the Pattaya beach bum life for the afternoon and head to this beautiful French inspired little village A La Campagne. Home to a tea factory, a restaurant named Somtum Villa and even a farm, traveling out of the city will surely be worth it.

Wander through gardens at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Calling all horticulture enthusiasts, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden should definitely be on the top of your list! From a world-class orchid nursery with 670 native varieties to a 17th-Century French garden and a recreation of Stonehenge, you’ll be wishing you had such green fingers too.
Don’t forget to catch the elephants in action while you’re there. These talented gentle giants can play football and basketball as well as perform many other tricks! If you’re lucky, you might even be selected as a volunteer and get the chance to interact with these friendly creatures!

Live the beach life at Coral Island

Whenever we head to a beach holiday destination, we are often always spoilt with choices at the wide array of activities and want to try them all. Discover all that Pattaya has to offer from parachuting, banana boating, snorkeling and even jet skiing- all on a secluded beach.
Kickstart the day with the parachute activity! Feel the wind in your hair, as you glide across the blue skies and enjoy the views from the top. After that, cool off in the water as you snorkel in the clear blue waters and try to spot as many sea critters as possible.

Peek into the Pattaya Floating Market

From traditional handmade toys, textiles, silverware, little boutique, and even exotic animals, there is so much to see and buy in the largest floating market in the world. Of course, this would be the best place to get souvenirs for your loved ones. 

See more: A guide to Pattaya's nightlife

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Explore amazing night markets in Phuket, Thailand

Whether you are looking for delicious delicacies, local handicrafts, clothes, unique souvenir, or simply get a taste of island life after night falls, these interesting markets offer something for everyone traveling to Phuket.

Chillva Market

Chillva Market in Phuket is a trendy night market with a somewhat bohemian vibe and an impressive selection of food, fashion and souvenir stalls. Located by the side of Yaowarat Road, it has colourful shipping containers as shopfronts. The night market also has an overwhelmingly local feel, with attractively low prices to match.

OTOP Night Market

Photo @WillyThuan

OTOP, which serves as an acronym for ‘One Province, One Product’ once translated, was initially designed as a local market to promote the handicrafts of each province of Thailand. This idea did not last very long, and today the Patong OTOP market mostly sells a lot of copies, fake stuff and souvenirs you do not even need. What is more interesting is the food street and the small beer bars in the back.

Phuket Weekend Night Market Na Ka

The Phuket Weekend Market, otherwise known as the Na Ka market, is a comprehensive bazaar which is located in Central Festival in Phuket. Also known as the Chatuchak of Phuket, the locals call this market ‘Talad Tairod.’ This market is perpetually crowded and sometimes overwhelming. Feel like a child spoilt for choice at the market with the wide array of goods and services offered here.

The market can be divided into two major sections - food and shopping. Many famous brands are offered at this market. Their low costs will obviously give one a hint of the authenticity of these apparel. There are also DVD copy shops here which will sometimes sell movies even before the movies are released. Food is sold in abundance, allowing a newbie to try a whole range of things like fried, boiled, steamed, rolled food and many more. There is ample parking space at the back of the market.

Phuket Indy Market

As its name suggests, the Indy Market is home to independent traders rather than professional peddlers and, being locally known as “a market to let go of your goods”, is the closest thing Phuket has to a ‘bring-and-buy’ sale.

One of Phuket’s quieter night markets, it is popular with young Thais for its entertainment and great homemade snacks. Despite its small size, it is one of the most cool and comfortable markets, where you are sure to find something special to buy at a great price.

Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza Patong is particularly popular for its food stands, but you can also find an impressive range of souvenirs. The night market is fairly small, with its main part protected from the elements under a high metal roof.

If you are here for dinner, must-tries include fried chicken and chips, crepes, ice cream, sushi, 90-baht cocktails, and fresh fruit. Prices are low, making Malin Plaza Patong a popular dining spot for budget travellers in Patong.

Fun Friday Avenue Market

Fun Friday Avenue Market is a small weekend market popping up every Friday evening at the Boat Avenue on the way to Phuket Laguna. It is modest in size but fun to visit if you are staying in the Bangtao Beach area. Night markets are part of Thailand life, and wherever there is a market, there is a crowd and lots of food!

See more: Best Phuket beaches in Thailand

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7 day trip to Southern Thailand

The southern part of Thailand is a beautiful place, full of splendid beaches, bays, and temples. These fab places to visit in South Thailand have transformed in the last two decades into a hub for tourism and nightlife.

If you are looking for a great vacation spot for your next tropical holiday, there are several popular as well as remote places for you to consider. Ranging from resort towns to remote islands, these places represent the best that Thailand has to offer.

Krabi

Krabi has plenty going for it, the stunning coastline of Ao Nang that most visitors see, plus beautifully secluded beaches on the Railay peninsular, which includes Railay East, Railay West and, most hidden away of all, Ao Tonsai. There are also countless smaller islands offshore with jaw-dropping beauty that makes them perfect for memorable day trips.

And back in Krabi town, a destination much overlooked by tourists keen to feel the sand between their toes, there is a killer food scene influenced by southern Thai cuisine’s reliance on spices of Malaysian and Indian origin, as well as a general easy-going vibe that makes it a more than pleasant place to spend a few days relaxing.

Phuket

Phuket is a tiny province in the southern part of Thailand and one of the busiest tourist places to visit in South Thailand. You can find the liveliest nightlife here on the stretch along the Patong beach, and also elsewhere in Phuket.

This is the place to come if you are looking for wild parties, the most amazingly beautiful South Thailand beaches as well as great diving spots where you can go snorkeling as well as scuba diving. There are also some amazing temples at Wat Chalong and Wat Luang Pu Supha for a more diverse experience of Thailand.

Mu Ko Ang Thong

In the Gulf of Thailand close to Koh Samui is the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. This archipelago is made up of 42 islands, most of which are located close to one another. That makes it a breathtaking place to tour by boat, because the close proximity of these lush green islands makes for amazing photographs. One island you cannot miss is Ko Wua Talap where you can dine at a seafront restaurant, explore the Buaboke Cave, relax on one of two amazing beaches or walk across the island in 30 minutes through a jungle trail.

Koh Tao

The island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a favorite of divers who come here for the exotic marine life and coral formations. The island is only accessible from a ferry from the town of Chumphon. If you are not a diver, you will be able to find PADI certification courses at various places on the island. The Chumphon Pinnacle on the island is where most people go to see the famous bull sharks, but the evolutionary sculptures in the Val Tong Tao Bay are also popular with tourists.

Railay

Whether you are searching for the next adrenaline rush or unparalleled scenic beauty, Railay may be the answer. Railay is a peninsula surrounded by oceans and mountains, which means that it is primarily accessible by boat. On stunning white-sand beaches, tall limestone formations tower over the water.

At Phra Nang Beach on Railay, you can swim underneath incredible limestone structures. At Rai Leh West Beach, the vibe is a little quieter but the scenic beauty is just as appealing. You will have the chance to explore caves in Railay, and the truly adventurous can also try out some of the ample rock climbing available.

Trang

Though arguably still better known for its pristine islands like Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Muk, Trang is home to a ridiculously photogenic provincial capital that is well worth visiting all by itself. If you are a fan of strong coffee and fried pork, you will fit right in here, throw fiery southern Thai food into the mix along with some dim sum and plenty of beautiful colonial-style Sino-Portuguese architecture, and you have got a combination to rave about.

Trang city is largely walkable, or else its one-of-a-kind green frog-like tuk tuks make getting around easy and, if you have got wheels or fancy a minivan ride, Pak Meng Beach is a pretty stretch of sand that makes for a pleasant day trip.

See more: How to have breakfast like a local in Thailand

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