Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Bangkok Here We Come
The direct drive from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 687 km (427 mi) and should take approximately 8 hours and 26 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
We decided to visit the most historic heritage park we could in 2 days on our way there.
Two-Day Drive from Chiang Mai to Bangkok | Heritage Park, Temples
Day 1
1-Ceramic Shop
There are many ceramic shops along the road to choose from. I enjoy browsing through the shops.
This store offers over 10,000 items for sale, including tableware, plates, and plant pots. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Each item, from the smallest plate to the largest plant pot, is crafted with excellence and attention to detail.
The prices are reasonable, and the quality is unmatched, making it a sure bet for your next purchase. Plus, they take great care in packaging your items when you take them home, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
2-Mueang Kao Heritage Site
We first visited the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the main attraction of Mueang Kao Sukhothai. The park’s architecture is remarkable, and we were pleasantly surprised to find it relatively quiet with tourists, perhaps due to the heat.
Sukhothai is filled with history, art, and culture. Did you know that Sukhothai was Thailand’s first legitimate empire?
The old town of Sukhothai conceals many such historical facts and mysteries.
Sukhothai is located midway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Its status as one of Thailand’s most beautiful historical ruins makes it appealing to history buffs and heritage enthusiasts like you and me.
Nonetheless, it’s a must-see.
Stopping for the night
Hotel
Chakungrao Riverview
We arrived at our hotel for the night, near the waterfront and the night market.
Although the market wasn’t particularly impressive, a stroll by the water was enjoyable.
Golden Crab Restaurant
This restaurant is located a few doors down from the hotel. The food was excellent, and the price was reasonable; however, since no one on staff spoke English, a customer kindly helped us communicate.
Day2
Kamphaeng Phet And Sukhothgai Historical Park
Kamphaeng Phet is a historic city located in the southern part of Thailand. The Sukhothai Kingdom ruled this area from the 13th to the 15th century.
Sukhothai Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient glory.
The park is renowned for its unique architectural features, indigenous design, and exquisite craftsmanship. Encompassing an expansive area of 70 square kilometres, it is home to over 190 ruins of temples, palaces, monuments, and statues. These are all nestled amidst moats, lakes, and trees, creating a truly enchanting setting.
The park features various temples and sites, including Wat Phra That, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Singha, Wat Chang Rop, Wat Phra Non, and others.
The park is designed with visitor comfort in mind. Each temple is accompanied by a signboard that provides detailed information about its history, construction, and distinctive features. Nestled within a shaded forest, the park offers visitors a relaxing and comfortable environment, even on the hottest days. It took us about two hours to explore the park, which was sufficient to see most of the attractions. Despite the presence of some stray dogs, they are well-behaved and do not disturb the visitors.
The park is divided into three main zones: the Central Zone (where the Songthaew drops you off), the Northern Zone, and the Western Zone. Because Sukhothai is extensive, we explored the site using an electric cart. It’s handy when we are on a tight schedule and want to see everything.
*The entrance fee for one park section is 100 THB ($3.75), while a ticket for both sections is 150 THB ($5.60ca). Additionally, a 50 THB ($1.75) fee applies for car entry.
-Nakhon Sawan
You’ll see the enormous gold Buddha statue when you ascend the mountain. You can drive your car to within 50 meters of the temple’s front entrance and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Nakhon Sawan.
The giant Buddha statue, surrounded by trees, buildings, and the river from the hill in the Muang district of Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand, is truly breathtaking.
While the temple and statues with monks may seem typical, the attraction’s main advantage lies in its stunning view.
-Wat Nok
Wat Nok is a restored monastery within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. It is easily found on the southwestern corner of Wat Maha That. Given its close location, Wat Nok is sometimes mistaken for Wat Maha, though it has its distinct style and history.
Wat Nok, a monastery that stood tall during the Ayutthaya period before 1574 CE, witnessed the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 CE, a significant event in Thai history that left it in ruins.
In the late Ayutthaya period, Thai shops and Mon sold bowls, trays, salvers, and brassware behind Wat Nok and in front of Wat Phong.
Wat Mahathat, “the temple of the Great Relic,” was one of the most important temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The large monastery is on a historical island with a vast central prang. However, the upper part of this once massive prang has collapsed, and today, only the base remains.
The Place We Stay
Chakungrao Riverview
Chakungrao Riverview Hotel offers a minibar, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi during the stay.
The hotel is clean, and the price is very affordable. It is conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants, the night market, and the waterfront.
**When we arrived at the hotel, other passengers were served before us, and the staff forgot about us. This is not a good practice for the hotel.
Conclusion
Kamphaeng Phet and Sukhothai Historical Parks offer a captivating journey into Thailand’s rich past, where ancient ruins, serene landscapes, and centuries-old traditions come together in harmony.
Walking among these timeless remnants not only reveals the architectural brilliance of the Sukhothai Kingdom but also evokes a deep sense of wonder and respect for the cultural legacy it left behind.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or a quiet traveler seeking meaningful experiences, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites provide an unforgettable window into the origins of Thai civilization.
More of our Family Trip To Asia
Hong Kong
Chiang Mai
Dois Park
