🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The Uttaradit–Sukhothai route suits anyone who loves old towns and easygoing temple trips — no jungle treks or mountain climbs needed. The highlight here is pairing Sukhothai's two World Heritage parks (Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai) with Uttaradit's ancient town of Thung Yang and the town of Laplae, all of which happen to sit along the same line. Driving yourself is the smoothest option, but if you don't have a car there are coaches and rental cars in town.
Route Overview and Getting Around
Uttaradit and Sukhothai are linked by Highway 102, with around 80–90 km from town centre to town centre and roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of driving. The road passes right through Si Satchanalai district, so it's easy to stop there before heading into Sukhothai's old city. If you fly into Sukhothai Airport (Bangkok Airways flies direct from Suvarnabhumi in about 1 hour 20 minutes) and rent a car from there, that's the fastest way.
- Self-drive — the most convenient choice for this trip, since the sights are spread out beyond the towns. Both Si Satchanalai and Thung Yang sit right by the highway, with easy parking.
- Coach/van — buses run between Uttaradit and Sukhothai daily, but once you arrive you'll need to catch another ride around town. Best if you're only visiting the old cities.
- Bicycle/tram hire — inside both historical parks you can cycle or ride the electric tram to look around. It's a nice way to do it and easy on the site.
Recommended direction
If you're starting from Uttaradit, head down to Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai first, then loop back to finish at Thung Yang and Laplae on the Uttaradit side — that way you won't double back.
Book the activities in your Uttaradit trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Sukhothai Old City, the World Heritage Heart of the Trip
Give the first day fully to Sukhothai Historical Park. Leave Uttaradit town in the morning and the hour-and-a-half drive gets you to Sukhothai's old city just before the sun gets harsh. The park is open 06:30–19:30, with a 20 THB entry fee per zone for Thai visitors, or a combined ticket for 40 THB. Inside the old walls you can cycle around comfortably — hire a bike for a few dozen baht near the park entrance.
Uttaradit town → Sukhothai Historical Park
Day 1 tip
Sukhothai's midday sun is strong — bring a hat and water, start early, and save photos for the evening to make it much more comfortable.
Day 2 — Si Satchanalai, the Old Town by the Yom River
On day two, move north toward Si Satchanalai, which happens to be right on the way back to Uttaradit. This ancient town sits beside the Yom River, ringed by hills, with a shadier feel and fewer people than Sukhothai. It's open 08:00–17:00, with a 10 THB entry fee for Thai visitors. The site is set up as a low-carbon zone, so you can walk, cycle or ride the electric tram around it.
Sukhothai → Si Satchanalai Historical Park → into Uttaradit
Saturdays have an edge
The Uttaradit walking street runs every Saturday from 15:00–21:00. If you plan the trip so night two lands on a Saturday, you'll get to wander, eat local food and pick up souvenirs at just the right time.
Day 3 — Thung Yang, Laplae Town, and Temples to Close the Trip
Save the last day for the Uttaradit side, the highlight for old-town lovers and temple-goers. Start at the ancient town of Thung Yang in Laplae district, which dates back to the late Sukhothai era, then carry on into the town of Laplae — the legendary place where you mustn't tell a lie. Close out with visits to key temples and a climb up to temples on the hillside.
Wat Phra Thaen Sila At → Thung Yang → Laplae town → Phraya Phichai Dap Hak Monument
Adjusting the Plan to the Time You Have
Only 2 days, 1 night
Combine Sukhothai's old city (day one) with Thung Yang and Laplae (day two), and skip Si Satchanalai for now — save it for a return trip.
Have a car and time
Add Mae Phun Waterfall in Laplae on the last afternoon, or carry on to Sirikit Dam if you want some natural scenery.
All about the temples
Focus on temples — trim the parks down to just Wat Mahathat, then pour your time into the key temples in both provinces.
A Few Honest Things to Know Before You Go
- Strong sun — both Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai are open sites with little shade at midday. Skip noon and go in the morning or evening for more comfort.
- Spread-out sights — Thung Yang, Laplae and the two parks sit in different directions, so without your own car you'll lose a fair bit of time changing vehicles.
- Laplae durians are seasonal — the famous Long and Lin Laplae varieties only come out around June–July. Come in the wrong season and you won't find fresh fruit.
- Shops close early — many local restaurants in Laplae and Si Satchanalai close in the afternoon, so plan lunch for no later than 2 pm.
Want a well-located hotel in Uttaradit town to use as your base for this trip
See the Top 10 Uttaradit hotels →