Key hubs
Sukhothai airport and railway station
- Airport
- Sukhothai Airport (THS) near Sawankhalok, run by Bangkok Airways with flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi only; Phitsanulok (PHS) is the larger alternative, about an hour away by road. Check which flights are running before you plan.
- Railway station
- No station in Sukhothai Thani itself. The usual railhead is Phitsanulok station on the Northern Line, then about an hour by road or bus. The Sawankhalok branch line is not a practical way to arrive.
- Getting around
- Hire a car with driver for day trips; in the old city many visitors hire bicycles or join a park tram or guided car. Songthaews and motorcycle taxis link the new town to the ruins.
How to reach Sukhothai by air
Sukhothai Airport (THS) is near Sawankhalok and is run by Bangkok Airways, with flights listed to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi only. Phitsanulok Airport (PHS) is the larger alternative, with budget flights to Bangkok Don Mueang, about an hour by road away. No direct flights from Indian cities are verified for either; connect in Bangkok.
How to reach Sukhothai by train
There is no practical station in Sukhothai Thani. Phitsanulok station on the Northern Line, about an hour by road away, is the usual railhead. The Sawankhalok branch line from Ban Dara Junction is not a practical way for visitors to arrive.
How to reach Sukhothai by road
Sukhothai Thani lies about 427 km north of Bangkok and about 300 km south of Chiang Mai. Highway 12 links the east to Phitsanulok. Intercity buses serve Sukhothai Thani; a hired car with driver is easier for the park and Si Satchanalai.
Getting around Sukhothai
The old city ruins lie about 12 km west of the new town. Songthaews, taxis and motorcycle taxis link the two; once in the park, many visitors hire a bicycle, take a tram or car, or walk the central zone.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Sukhothai
- Distances inside the 70 square kilometre park are real. Hire a car with driver, or a bicycle, tram or guide if you want to cover more than the central zone.
- Carry water, a hat, a light scarf and your regular medicines. Temple dress asks for covered shoulders and knees.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.