Sukhothai hotel and restaurant guide

Sukhothai hotel and lodging guide

The bell shaped chedis are distinctly Sukhothai in style

Although Sukhothai is a major tourist attraction, the town centre itself is rather small and none-descript. There are a limited number of hotel and lodging options here, but enough to make a selection. Some plush resorts are popularly used by tour groups, while guesthouses and modestly priced local family-run hotels are found in Sukhothai town, which is a few kilometres from the historic park. For more ambience, there are a couple of really nice places just outside of the Sukhothai Historical Park, and for a bit of pampering, expect to pay about 1,500 baht at the top hotels.

There’s not much going on in Sukhothai by night and if you’re comfortably put up in a plush resort then you’re better off staying there. Those staying in the town itself might want to wander to the evening market and will discover a number of local Thai restaurants/bars within walking distance. They’re fine for a quiet meal and a few drinks. Restaurant guide.

Guesthouses in Sukhothai

Ban Thai: one of the friendliest and most popular guesthouses in town has simple bungalows situated around a garden. Kid-friendly and full of information, even the food here is good. Prawet Nakhon Road; fan bungalows start at 150 baht. Tel: 05561 0163

Friend House: a rare air of professional management sets this bungalow operation apart. Rooms are huge and cluster around a clean garden. Lor Thai Road; 300 to 550 baht. Tel: 05561 0172

River View Hotel: this small mid-range hotel overlooking the Yom River is a real gem, although it often gets missed by travellers. Clean, air-con rooms and professional management make this the ideal riverside choice. Nikhon Kasem Road; rooms range from 350 to 800 baht. Tel: 05561 1656

Old City Guesthouse: this is the place to stay if you want to be next to the Sukhothai ruins. There’s a room for every budget in this sprawling teak house, but the massive, modern air-con rooms are the best deal. Moo 3; from 100 to 500 baht. Tel: 05569 7515

Orchid Hibiscus Guesthouse: this excellent mid-range choice is just minutes from the old city ruins in a wonderful old house with just eight charming rooms. The pool and jacuzzi add that perfect touch to the relaxing garden grounds. Route 1272; rooms are 800 baht, the private house is 1,200 baht. Tel: 05563 3284

Cocoon Guesthouse: the four stylish rooms of this quaint guesthouse will make you feel like you’re staying in an old Thai home with a modern, chic touch. Singhawat Road; rooms start at 450 baht. Tel: 05561 2081

There are plenty of affordable bungalow operations, guesthouses in old homes and concrete hotels in the new city district of Sukhothai. If you accept a free ride from a red taxi driver at the bus station, expect to stay wherever he takes you, though thankfully there aren’t many disappointments in Sukhothai. Things are steadily moving upscale, with more stylish boutique hotels opening every year.

Restaurants, bars and nightlife in Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a great place to tuck into traditional Thai food in all its myriad forms. Thanks to a busy tourism scene, most restaurants in Sukhothai have English menus and know a little bit about Western service concepts. Be sure and browse the food stalls in the new city that open after dark. Cheap and delicious, these streetside vendors serve up some surprisingly tasty treats.

Budget rating
approximately
$ dishes b30 - b70;, quart of beer b70; whiskey shot 80 baht; cocktails b100
$$ dishes b70 - b120; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot 100 baht; cocktails b120
$$$ dishes b100 - 250; quart of beer b120; whiskey shot 130 baht; cocktails b150

Recommended Sukhothai Restaurants

Dream Cafe: the old Thai antiques decorating the walls add a special ambience to this charming cafe known for its dessert menu, pastas and sandwiches. Singhawat Road; tel: 05561 2081; $$

Coffee Cup: even if you’re staying in the new city, make this sharp morning cafe your place for breakfast. Mu 3 Old Sukhothai; $-$$

Ran Je Hae: stop by this popular spot if you want to try Sukhothai’s famous noodles, known as kuaytiaw. Jarot Withithong Road; $

Sukhothai Suki-Koka: this is the place for Thai-style sukiyaki, but this cozy cafe also has a full menu of other Thai favorites. Singhawat Road; $-$$

Bars

Chopper Bar: just on the edge of the guesthouse neighborhood in the new city is this popular hangout for locals and travelers alike. Live music, cheap drinks and food bring them running after dark. Prawet Nakhon Road.