Si Satchanalai Historical Park
The 'sister city' of Sukhothai, a second UNESCO-inscribed ancient town on the Yom River with forested, less-restored ruins, elephant-encircled stupas and hilltop temples.
- Category
- Historical Sites & Ruins
- Entrance fee
- Foreigners ~100 THB for the main zone as of 2026, +10 THB per bicycle; some outlying temples/zones ticketed separately. Confirm locally.
- Hours
- Daily approx 08:00-17:00. Confirm locally.
- Best time
- Nov-Feb cool season, early morning; the forested setting is atmospheric and far less crowded than Sukhothai.
- Time needed
- Half day (3-4 hours) including travel time on site.
- Difficulty
- Easy - flat and cyclable, with a short hill climb for Wat Khao Phanom Phloeng.
About Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Sukhothai's sister city, and for a lot of travellers it ends up being the highlight of the whole trip. Set on the Yom River, this second UNESCO-inscribed old town has forested, less-restored ruins, elephant-ringed stupas and hilltop temples. It is quieter, greener and more evocative than the main park.
It is a proper day out though. Figure on 55 to 70 km north of New Sukhothai, either a bus up Highway 101 plus local transport, or a hired car or tour. Once there, rent a bicycle and roll through the ruins; it is flat and easy, with one short hill climb.
Go in the cool season and start early. The forest setting is atmospheric in the morning and you will often have the place close to yourself.
Highlights
- Second UNESCO-inscribed ancient town on the Yom River
- Forested, less-restored ruins with real atmosphere
- Elephant-encircled stupas and hilltop temples
- Far quieter than the main Sukhothai park
- Flat and bike-friendly with one short hill climb
Tips
- Start early in the cool season for atmosphere and solitude
- Plan for a half day including the travel up Highway 101
- Rent a bicycle at the park to cover the ruins
- Note some outlying temples are ticketed separately from the main zone
How to get there
~55-70 km north of New Sukhothai. Take a bus/songthaew up Highway 101 toward Si Satchanalai (~1-1.5 hrs, roughly 50 THB) then local transport, or hire a car/tour. Rent a bicycle at the park to tour the ruins.