Sukhothai Hotels

Sukhothai is a small city (population 35,713) which serves as the capital of Sukhothai Province, in lower Northern Thailand. The name translates as "the dawn of happiness". The city is a popular tourist destination because it is located near the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai, which was the Thai capital during the 13th Century A.D. that Siam took from Khmer Empire . As Thailand's first capital, Sukhothai (Rising of Happiness) flourished from the mid-13th century to the late 14th century. The Sukhothai kingdom is viewed as the ‘golden age' of Thai civilisation – the religious art and architecture of the era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles. The meuang kŕo (old city) of Sukhothai features around 45 sq km of ruins, which are one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Almost 450km from Bangkok, the market town of New Sukhothai with the Mae Nam Yam running through it, is not particularly interesting. Yet its friendly and relaxed atmosphere, good transport links and attractive accommodation make it a good base from which to explore the old city ruins. These can also be visited via a day trip from Phitsanulok.