Cycling

There's a serenity in the Sukhothai Historical Park that comes not just from the spirituality of the temples or the trees swaying in the breeze. It's also due to the quietness you find here because no motorised vehicles are allowed in the Central Zone. While it's possible for visitors to walk or to use an electric car, the most popular way to explore is by bicycle.

As you get further out to the other zones in Sukhothai, the distances make it impractical to walk, so it's here that a bicycle allows you to discover more. Although cars are allowed in these outer zones, some of the temples are easier to reach on the dirt trails that only bikes can access. And slowly cycling along the roads allows you to take in more of the sights and sounds of the countryside.

For excellent guided tours of the area, you can join Sukhothai Bicycle Tour, a local company that leads groups through the important historical sights and to some of the most interesting local experiences. With an emphasis on the heritage and culture of the city, visitors have the advantage of knowledgeable guides who can interpret everything you're seeing during the ride.

In the other historical parks at Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, bicycles are also the most enjoyable way to get between the temples. Motorised vehicles are also not allowed in the centre of Si Satchanalai, so the other options would be to walk or hop on the electric tram. And at Kamphaeng Phet, the dense forest landscapes are a wonderful backdrop to cycle through.