“New Sukhothai” refers to the modern city of Sukhothai Thani, which is distinct from the historical park of Sukhothai, known as “Old Sukhothai”.
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After dropping my big backpack in a very not safe looking room at RuengSriSiRi Guest House I was heading down to the city. First, I wanted to get a massage as my back and legs were sore and then to find something to eat.
How to Get to New Sukhothai
Navigating to New Sukhothai is straightforward, whether you are coming from Thailand’s vibrant capital, northern mountains, or key historic sites along the northern travel corridor. Below is a complete breakdown of travel options structured by your point of origin, preferred mode of transport, departure frequencies, and direct booking links.
1. From Bangkok
Bangkok lies approximately 425 km south of Sukhothai. Travel times vary significantly based on whether you opt for air, rail, or road transport.
✈️ By Airplane
- Direct Flight (Sukhothai Airport – THS):
- Frequency: 1 to 2 daily flights.
- Details: Bangkok Airways is the sole carrier operating direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Sukhothai Airport (THS). Flight time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Sukhothai Airport (located roughly 30 km from New Sukhothai), airport shuttle vans run in sync with flight arrivals directly to hotels.
- Booking: Bangkok Airways Official Site | Compare schedules on 12Go Asia.
- Indirect Flight (Phitsanulok Airport – PHW):
- Frequency: 4 to 6 daily flights.
- Details: Budget carriers such as AirAsia and Nok Air fly from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Phitsanulok Airport (PHW). Flight time is about 1 hour. From Phitsanulok, shared minivans or taxis connect to New Sukhothai in about 1 hour.
- Booking: Book via AirAsia or 12Go Asia.
🚌 By Long-Distance Bus
- Departure Point: Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2).
- Frequency: Departs roughly every 1 to 2 hours throughout the day and late evening (approx. 07:00 to 22:00).
- Details: Express, VIP 32, and VIP 24 seaters (operated by companies like Transport Co., Phitsanulok Tour, and Sombat Tour) offer direct service to New Sukhothai Bus Terminal.
- Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours.
- Booking: Reserve online via 12Go Asia or directly through Sombat Tour.
🚆 By Train (+ Local Bus / Taxi)
- Departure Point: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok.
- Frequency: 5 to 8 daily northern line trains stop at Phitsanulok.
- Details: Take a train to Phitsanulok Railway Station (4.5 to 6 hours depending on train class). From Phitsanulok, take a short tuk-tuk to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1, then hop on a local bus or minivan departing every 30 to 60 minutes for New Sukhothai (1 hour).
- Booking: Official State Railway of Thailand portal at D-Ticket or via 12Go Asia. BOOK TICKET IN ADVANCE!
🚕 By Private Taxi or Private Car
- Frequency: On-demand (24/7).
- Details: Private door-to-door car transfers directly from central Bangkok hotels or airports to New Sukhothai.
- Travel Time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
- Booking: Book in advance on 12Go Asia or through hotel concierge services.
🚘 By Organised Tour or Private Van
- Frequency: Daily departures (must be booked in advance).
- Details: Multi-day private or group overland tours passing through Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, and Sukhothai before ending in Chiang Mai.
- Booking: Browse options on travel platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator.
2. From Ayutthaya
Located about 350 km south of Sukhothai, Ayutthaya is a common heritage stop when traveling north from Bangkok.
🚆 By Train (+ Local Bus / Taxi)
- Departure Point: Ayutthaya Railway Station.
- Frequency: About 6 to 8 northbound trains daily stop at Phitsanulok.
- Details: Express and Rapid trains run regularly along the Northern Line to Phitsanulok Railway Station (3.5 to 4.5 hours). Transfer from Phitsanulok Railway Station to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 for a 1-hour connection by local bus/minivan to New Sukhothai.
- Booking: Book via D-Ticket Official or 12Go Asia. BOOK TICKET IN ADVANCE!
🚌 By Long-Distance Bus
- Departure Point: Ayutthaya Bus Terminal or major highway stops along Highway 32 (Asia Road).
- Frequency: 3 to 5 departures daily.
- Details: Northbound express buses coming from Bangkok pass near Ayutthaya and go directly to New Sukhothai Bus Terminal (5 to 6 hours).
- Booking: Book via local travel agents in Ayutthaya or online at 12Go Asia.
🚕 By Private Taxi or Car Transfer
- Frequency: On-demand (24/7).
- Details: Private door-to-door transfers from Ayutthaya directly to your New Sukhothai hotel (4.5 to 5 hours).
- Booking: Reserve via local agencies or online via 12Go Asia.
🚘 By Organised Multi-Day Tour
- Frequency: Scheduled weekly or private daily departures.
- Details: Overland van tours connecting Ayutthaya to Sukhothai with driver and English-speaking guide included.
- Booking: Check options on Viator or GetYourGuide.
3. From Lop Buri
Lop Buri lies roughly 300 km south of Sukhothai and is famous for its historical ruins and monkey temple.
🚆 By Train (+ Local Bus / Taxi)
- Departure Point: Lop Buri Railway Station.
- Frequency: 5 to 7 daily trains northbound toward Phitsanulok.
- Details: Ride the train to Phitsanulok Railway Station (3 to 4 hours). From Phitsanulok, take a quick tuk-tuk to Bus Terminal 1 and catch a 1-hour local bus to New Sukhothai.
- Booking: D-Ticket Official SRT Portal or 12Go Asia. BOOK TICKET IN ADVANCE!
🚌 By Bus or Minivan
- Departure Point: Lop Buri Bus Terminal.
- Frequency: Departures run every 1 to 2 hours (mostly requiring a connection in Nakhon Sawan or Phitsanulok).
- Details: Direct buses are limited; most travelers take a regional bus or minivan to Nakhon Sawan/Phitsanulok and transfer to a Sukhothai-bound bus (total travel time 5 to 6 hours).
- Booking: Purchase tickets directly at Lop Buri Bus Terminal upon arrival or check options on 12Go Asia.
🚕 By Private Taxi / Private Transfer
- Frequency: On-demand (24/7).
- Details: Direct road transfer from Lop Buri town to New Sukhothai (4 to 4.5 hours).
- Booking: Inquire via hotel desk or book in advance through 12Go Asia.
4. From Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sits roughly 300 km north of Sukhothai, making it a natural stop when travelling south.
🚌 By Long-Distance Bus or Express Minivan
- Departure Point: Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2 & 3).
- Frequency: Departs roughly every 1 to 2 hours between 07:00 and 15:00, with overnight buses available.
- Details: Express buses and minivans (operated by companies like Tour With Thai and GreenBus) travel directly to New Sukhothai Bus Terminal without transfers (4.5 to 5.5 hours).
- Booking: Reserve online at 12Go Asia or directly at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal.
🚆 By Train (+ Local Bus / Taxi)
- Departure Point: Chiang Mai Railway Station.
- Frequency: 5 daily southbound departures.
- Details: Take a southbound train through the mountains to Phitsanulok Railway Station (6 to 7 hours). Transfer at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 for the 1-hour local bus to New Sukhothai.
- Booking: D-Ticket Official SRT Portal or 12Go Asia. BOOK TICKET IN ADVANCE!
🚕 By Private Taxi or Private Transfer
- Frequency: On-demand (24/7).
- Details: Private car or VIP van direct from Chiang Mai to New Sukhothai (4 to 4.5 hours).
- Booking: Reserve online via 12Go Asia.
🚘 By Organised Tour
- Frequency: Daily private tours or scheduled multi-day group tours.
- Details: Guided transfers down to Sukhothai Historical Park, with options for return transfers to Chiang Mai or onward travel to Bangkok.
- Booking: Book via GetYourGuide or local Chiang Mai travel agencies.
5. From Phitsanulok
Phitsanulok is the main regional transport hub for Sukhothai, located just 60 km east of New Sukhothai.
🚌 By Local Bus or Shared Minivan
- Departure Point: Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 (Downtown) and Terminal 2.
- Frequency: Highly frequent — departs every 30 to 40 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00.
- Details: Local air-conditioned minivans and iconic open-window wooden buses carry passengers directly to New Sukhothai Bus Terminal (1 hour).
- Booking: No advance booking required; purchase tickets at the terminal window on departure (approx. 50–70 THB). The ticket can be also be booked online via 12Go Asia.
🚕 By Private Taxi, Grab, or Tuk-Tuk
- Departure Point: Phitsanulok Airport, Phitsanulok Railway Station, or anywhere in town.
- Frequency: On-demand (24/7).
- Details: Taxis and Grab rides offer direct door-to-door service to New Sukhothai (45 to 60 minutes).
- Booking: Request on arrival using the Grab app or arrange at official airport/station taxi stands.
🛵 By Rental Car or Motorbike
- Departure Point: Phitsanulok Airport or downtown Phitsanulok.
- Frequency: Daily rental availability.
- Details: Self-drive along Highway 12 straight into New Sukhothai (45 minutes).
- Booking: Reserve via rental agencies such as Drive Car Rental or international providers at Phitsanulok Airport.
Exploring the New Sukhothai
I thought I will just walk there, but suddenly I understood that it is not that easy. My first attempt was to go to one side of the guest house. All I could see was a dried out corn field and some narrow street with houses. I wasn’t sure that I will be able to get out where I need to get out. Also, wasn’t sure how safe it was there in those small narrow streets.
So I decided to go on the main road, but it is not really made for pedestrians. Almost no pavements by the main road. I should have taken that narrow path afteral! Probably I could have seen more of the local life instead of the dust from the cars. After walking a bit and seeing that funny car with a cat inside, which first I thought was real, I decided to take tuk tuk. We agreed on ฿100 to the massage centre. Oh yes, Bolt doesn’t work in Sukhothai!
So I arrived to the spot on the map, where I was supposed to get the massage and it was closed! Either I was too early, or they weren’t open today. I saw the sign and I could have called, but it is always a struggle to talk on the phone with a heavy Thai accent even if they do speak English. So I gave up on the idea to get a massage.
There was also Thai Ridgeback dog on the pavement nearby, that looked almost like Peruvian Inca Orchid dog. Literally few hairs and seemed quite big for a ridgeback too! Very well fed!
I passed a river or canal and it looked really green and lush around it! However, crossing the street to the other side of the road was a challenge! There are no pedestrian crossings and the street was quite wide. You just hope that no one will hit you with a car or motorbike. As you can see in the picture below, almost all pavements are non existent or blocked by cars. Literally, no one walks here!
Street Food in New Sukhothai
Luckily, some food stands were nearby. I saw them when turning around in Tuk Tuk and it looked really local, so I decided to give a try!
First, I got a back of these fried dough balls, which were really good! I paid ฿30 if I remember correctly.
Then in another stand I bought a couple of things. One was kind of like spring roll and the other deep fried dumplings of some sort. The spring rolls were really good, dumplings were tasty, but personally a bit too hard to chew. They came with two sauces too! I paid something like ฿100. I can’t remember anymore.
Walking Back to My Accomodation on Foot
After I finished my meal, I decided to walk back. There was literally not much to see. The only thing that was interesting was this old truck transfromed into mobile shop. Though I really doubt it moved the last 10 years or so. I must say walking in New Sukhothai was challenging as most of the places didn’t have pavement for pedestrian as it meant to go only by car or Tuk Tuk.
On my way back I also spotted “Amway” centre if you want to join MLM cult and also a field of bananas!
The final challenge was to cross this enormous crossing with zero pedestrian crossings. I had to wait for awhile to literally run through it and wait for the next window to cross the next road. Also those kerbsides were quite tall! Not you regular one that you climb over with a car. This one I think would either make your car fly into the air or push it down to the engine!
Finally, at 11:30 am I got back to the guesthouse and my room was already ready. I picked up by backpack from the questionable storage and was heading to my room at the top floor to drop off my things. For the price I’ve paid (฿480 for two nights) the room looked pretty good! Also, two more people could have fit in here. Even aircon was working more or less properly too! The only thing was that towels were like a cleaning cloth and they struggled absorbing the water from the body. Oh yes, and the shower was one big space: you can shit and shower all at the same time! Also, I had an “amazing” view of local housing roofs from my window too! Well at least I could see the sky!
