Chiang Mai to Sukothai
 

Leaving for Thailand is less than 2 weeks and I'm trying to iron out some of the details. I would like to know if Sukothai is worth the trip and what is the easiest way to get there?

MichaelBKK made a recent report on his trip to Sukothai. Do a search on Sukothai and you'll find his report and a link to some of his photos, also Hanuman posted a link to his photos.

Best see my report to decide if it's for you or not. I've got photos (and a longer report) up on my journal site as well (links in the post).

Getting there from Chiang Mai is a bit tricky. Thai used to have a flight from Chiang Mai to Phitsunulok, but I'm not sure if they still do (if they do, it's probably a code-share with Nok or GDA). There will almost certainly be a van service from Phitsunulok airport to Sukhothai. Otherwise, there's the bus. There's definitely a VIP bus service from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai.

Thank you both. Do either of you know if it's feasible to do Ayuthaya and Lopburi (via train) in the same day and still catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai?

Jenn,

If you're interested in seeing the ruins and from your post this seem to be the case, then I would suggest you hire a car and driver then do the following.

Bangkok - Ayutthaya by car around 1 - 1.5 hours. Explore the ruins and the town then continue your journey to Sukhothai about 4.5 hours driving. Spend the night at a hotel close to the main sites, I suggest the Tharaburi hotel. The next morning explore the Sukhothai ruins then in the afternoon go to explore the ruins at Si Satchanalai. From there you can drive to Chiang Mai in about 3 hours.

Althogether 2 full days of tavel and exploration. It will be very hot so having an a/c car nearby can be of a great relief while you explore.

Here are my pictures from Sukhothai, Si Satchanalia and Buri Ram(Khmer ruins) - click on the appropriate gallery.

http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/

Best search for some reports here on Thai trains, to make sure you want to go that route.

I think you can do Ayuthaya OR Lopburi by train, but not both in one day, and still catch the night train. It may be technically possible, but I don't think you'd see much in either place if you did that.

Frankly, if you're going to Ayuthaya, I'd skip Sukhothai unless you're really into ancient Thai temples. Sukhothai certainly has some things going for it, but I have to say Ayuthaya is the more impressive ancient site.

Thank you. Can I ask one last question, but about beaches?
Is it easier to get to Phi Phi by flying into Krabi vs. Phuket? I'm trying to pick a beach on the Andaman and am having a hard time picking between Phi, Phi vs. somewhere in Krabi.

Thank you for all the great advice!

I think you may get some disagreements here, but I would say it's easier from Krabi, in terms of time. I also think of Krabi as a more relaxed airport than Phuket, where you'll have all sorts of touts screaming at you on arrival.

I personally like Railay in Krabi. It has a remote island feel but is really just a short boat ride away from "civilization".

If you deceide to see Sukothai the best connections are from Bangkok. You can fly Bangkok Air direct to Sukothai(early morning flight at 7.45). Spend the day and then catch a bus or taxi in the evening to Phitsanulok (50kms) and catch the train to Chiang Mai at 1.35. This train has both 1st and 2nd class sleepers and gets into CM around 9.10.

I've decided on Phi Phi, but can't seem to coordinate times of ferry's to get there. Leaving from Chiang Mai - fly to either Krabi or Phuket - however, neither flight arrives in time to catch a ferry to Phi Phi. Is my easiest alternative to take a speed boat to Phi Phi from Krabi or Phuket?

I didn't expect this to be so difficult....any suggestions?

From Chiang Mai take the Thai Airline flight to the old Bangkok airport (Don Mueang) leaving at 8.25 arrive 9.35. Then take their flight to Phuket leaving at 10.30 arrive at 11.50. Grab a bus or taxi to the ferry dock, about an hour away and catch the 13.30 ferry. Tight but can be done.

Scotters suggestion is only good for another month. Thai stops using Don Muang at the end of March.

Yes but Thai may still have those flights but to/from Suvarnabhumi airport. And I don't hold my breath that Thai will move by March. Will wait and see.