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Sukhothai and the Northern Plains: Route Guide

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Sukhothai Wat Mahathat — Sukhothai & the Northern Plains
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Drive from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai’s lotus-bud stupas and the great seated Buddha at Wat Si Chum, then through Si Satchanalai’s historic park to Lampang’s old town and teak temples. Four days explore the northern plains; bike hire and horse-carriage rides are optional ways to add to the journey.

Sukhothai and the Northern Plains is a 269 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for December, built from 172 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4
days
269km
distance
4
Stops
172
curated stops

View ready-made plans 4-day plan · best time to go

The route

Phitsanulok→ 59 kmSukhothai→ 55 kmSi Satchanalai→ 155 kmLampang

What you'll see

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Marvel at the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue, Phitsanulok's most sacred Buddha figure.
Phitsanulok
Wat Tra Kuan
Explore serene ruins surrounded by lush greenery in the heart of ancient Sukhothai.
Sukhothai
Si Satchanalai confirmed-open historic-park circuit
Use confirmed current access for a bounded circuit through Si Satchanalai’s walled historic landscape and principal monuments. Workshops, festivals and national-park excursions remain optional.
Si Satchanalai
Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao
Visit a historic temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha, featuring a large chedi with Buddha's hair.
Lampang
King Naresuan Shrine and Wang Chan Palace Ruin
Visit a shrine honoring King Naresuan and explore the ruins of his birthplace palace.
Phitsanulok
Wat Asokaram
Discover elegant prang spires and tranquil courtyards amidst well-preserved historical stones.
Sukhothai
Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang
Appreciate 19th-century Lanna murals and the city's iconic white cockerel at this hilltop temple.
Lampang
Wat Wihan Thong
Observe the ruins of a 15th-century royal temple with Sukhothai-style architecture.
Phitsanulok

Choose your length

4-day plan7 stops · 6.3 h transit1.8 stops/day · 1.6 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: November, December, January, February

Loy Krathong at Sukhothai — where the festival began — floats candlelight across the ruins' ponds in November; cycling the old city is cool-season pleasure.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

View ready-made plans