Sukhothai (meaning dawn of happiness) was the first independent kingdom of Thailand. As a result it now offers a myriad of sightseeing opportunities close at hand and also a little further afield. The superb temples and monuments of this great city have been lovingly restored in Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for all travelers. Our reception staff will gladly assist in making any sightseeing arrangements you may require to see the local area. Sukhothai Historical Park This World Heritage Site was the original capital of the first Siamese kingdom. Surrounded by two moats and bridged by four gateways, the old walls contain the partially restored remains of 21 historical sites, including royal palaces and Buddhist temples. Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park and Ban Ko Noi Set among hills, Si Satchanalai's ruins are larger, less restored and less visited than the usual temple fare, arguably making for a more authentic, cultural experience. Si Satchanalai was an important producer of glazed pottery that was exported to Asia, while Ban Ko Noi features displays of kilns, artifacts and ceramics. Ban Hat Siaw The Thai Phuan settled here over a century ago from Xieng Khuang in Laos. Famous for beautiful hand-woven textiles, particularly brocade-bordered skirts, almost every stilt house in the village has a loom beneath it. Buy direct from the manufacturers or from the village shops.

Sukhothai Airport – Tranquil Airport Complex
When visiting Sukhothai, there are a surprising number of things to see and do at Sukhothai Airport. Lush gardens and an orchid greenhouse; exhibitions of ancient ceramics as well as live demonstrations of local pottery making; an organic rice farm where traditional rice-growing techniques are still maintained, including the use of water buffalo to plough the paddies; shrines to important local religious deities such as Brahma and Luang Poh Sila; a scale model replica  of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat; and for those who would rather absorb the local culture gastronomically, the Kueytiew Lanbin Restaurant is the place to go to get a taste f sumptuous Sukhothai noodles!

• The Organic Rice Farm
  This demonstrative are is where you can observe the Thai rice farmers’ traditional way of life. Depending on the season, you may see the farmers in their distinctive indigo colored cotton uniforms ploughing the paddies with water buffalo, transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting, or milling rice.

• Ceramic Exhibition Building
  Constructed in the graceful Sukhothai Style, the Ceramic Exhibition Building houses a rare and beautiful collection of earthenware ceramics excavated from local archaeological sites at the ancient kilns. Experts are available to guide visitors through the exhibition or to answer questions.

• Miniature Angkor Wat
  A model of Cambodia’s famed stone temple Angkor Wat was meticulously carved in tropical hardwood at a scale of 1:50. The culture and architecture of ancient Cambodia is significant to Sukhothai as it was once an outpost of the ancient Cambodian empire.

• Orchid Greenhouse
  The orchid greenhouse contains over 100,000 plants in numerous varieties including both indigenous and exotic species that offer lush and festive floral displays all year round.

• Ceramic Demonstration
  This exhibition offers lively demonstrations of local ceramic making methods.