The Sukhothai Historical Park occupies the old walled capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, founded around 1238 and at its height under King Ramkhamhaeng in the late 13th century. The site covers 70 square kilometres and contains the remains of 193 monuments — 21 temples within the central rectangular enclosure (about 2 km by 1.5 km, defined by three concentric ramparts and moats) and more scattered through the surrounding plain.
The park is divided into five zones. The central zone, ticketed separately, contains the most famous temples — Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Sa Si, and the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Northern, southern, eastern, and western zones each have their own ticket. The best way to see the central zone is by bicycle, rented for around 30 baht just outside the eastern gate; the outer zones are best reached by motorbike or songthaew. Allow two days for a thorough visit.
Open daily 06:30 to 17:30; evenings during the November Loi Krathong festival the central zone is dramatically lit and stays open late.