8 historical parks in Thailand
Thailand is well-known for noteworthy historic places full of ancient heritage that you can admire and in which you can learn about the country’s bygone eras.Â
If artefacts from former capitals and old cities are your cups of tea, here are 8 historical parks in Thailand you can explore during your stay. Table of Contents
1. Sukhothai Historical Park — many ancient temples from the Sukhothai era
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991, Sukhothai Historical Park was once the site of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished over 800 years ago. The kingdom was ruled by many kings, one of whom was Ram Kamhaeng, a well-known Thai king who created the Thai alphabet.
The site covers over 200 historical spots filled with ruins from the Sukhothai era, including old temples, Buddhas, and pagodas, for you to sightsee. There’s also a Ram Kamhaeng Monument which Thai visitors can go pay respects to.
Though you’ll find many interesting ruins to capture pics of when you get here, we hope you don’t miss Wat Srichum which is an old temple that has a big iconic ancient Buddha statue. Many tourists like coming here to take pics of the statue.
The historical park is so large that it can take up to two days to visit all its important sites, so it’s best to rent a bike from bike rental shops at the entrance from ฿20 (~USD0.58)/bike. The place also offers a relaxed atmosphere as it has trees and ponds. We recommend taking the tram ride for an easy overview of the whole park, though do note that live commentary is only provided in the Thai language.
You can take a Bangkok-Sukhothai bus from Mochit Bus Terminal to Sukhothai’s bus terminal, then find a tuk-tuk or a local songthaew to reach the place. You can also fly or take a train to Phitsanuklok and take a local bus to the park.
Don’t miss the nearby Ramkhamhaeng National Museum within walking distance of the park’s entrance – it contains historical artefacts that also tell the history of Thailand.
Address: Moo 3 498/12 Mueang Kao, Mueang Sukhothai District, Sukhothai 64210
Opening hours: 6am-5pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿20 (~USD0.58) for Thais, ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners
Contact: +66 5 569 7241 | Sukhothai Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
2. Si Satchanalai Historical Park — covers the ruins of Si Satchanalai and Chaliang
Image credit: @nokku_chan
Another historical place in Sukhothai is Si Satchanalai Historical Park – a second centre of the Sukhothai Kingdom. In the past, Si Satchanalai held importance, much like the Sukhothai Kingdom, until a war happened, and the town was abandoned after the second fall of Ayutthaya.
The park offers many sights, such as Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, Wat Chang Lom, and Wat Nang Paya. You can tour the park on foot or by bicycle which can be rented near the entrance from ฿30 (~USD0.87).
Image credit: @hana_aries_
The biggest temple is Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, also known as Wat Si Mahathat Chaliang, which was built in the late 12th century. It has a Thai adaptation of a Khmer-style prang, or a stone or brick elegantly-carved tower, as the main structure.Â
The temple’s gate is decorated with unique Brahma heads in four directions and Apsara bas-reliefs, and you can find Mon-style and Sri Lanka-style stupas behind the prang.
You can take a bus from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Si Satchanalai District and then hire a local car to reach the park, but we think it’s best to drive your own rented car here.
Address: Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai 64130
Opening hours: 8am-4.30pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners, ฿20 (~USD0.58) for Thais
Contact: +66 5 595 0714 |Â Google Maps
3. Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park — temples with abundant relics to explore
Image credit:Â @aomangkana
Located in Kamphaeng Phet, Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park was an important frontline town of the Sukhothai Kingdom and a battlefield, and thus has architecture and art similar to Sukhothai Kingdom’s establishments.Â
The site is divided into two zones: the inner city that’s surrounded by its wall and the north zone, also called Aranyik. Both of them offer many monasteries and ruins for visitors to see.
Image credit: @ajirawadee
Wat Phra Kaew, for instance, is a significant temple that’s used to celebrate the Nop Phra Len Pleng festival – a traditional local festival that includes a religious parade with people dressed in traditional Thai outfits, a Buddha’s relics worship, a folk play, an exhibition and shops with local products etc. – and the province’s banana festival.
Address: Nong Pling, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet District, Kamphaeng Phet 62000
Opening hours: 6am-6pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners, ฿20 (~USD0.58) for Thais
Contact: +66 5 585 4736 | Kamphaen Phet Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
4. Phimai Historical Park — visit Prasat Hin Phimai, a major historic Khom temple
Image credit: @salisa_sai
The Phimai Historical Park was once a major city in the Khmer empire. It boasts the Prasat Hin Phimai – a Khmer temple which is also the largest stone temple in Thailand.
Inspired by the belief in heaven and earth, The Prasat Hin Phimai was built as a Hindu sanctuary since the Khmer people were Hindu during the period of the Khmer Empire. The temple boasts the classical Khmer style, being richly built with bricks, laterite and sandstone, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Image credit: @alexveigaguimill
The temple has many photogenic spots including a Naga bridge, a central sanctuary, sandstone walls, and decorated pillars.
To get here from Bangkok, you can take a Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima bus at Mochit Bus Terminal to Nakhon Ratchasima’s bus terminal, then take a Nakhon Ratchasima-Phimai-Chum Phuang bus to visit Phimai Historical Park.
Address:Â 115/2 Wannaprang Alley, Nai Mueang, Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30110
Opening hours: 7am-6pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners, ฿20 (~USD0.58) for Thais
Contact: +66 4 447 1568 | Phimai Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
5. Phanom Rung Historical Park — historic spot in Buriram with ancient Khmer architecture
Image credit: @kanakonotabi
As a must-visit tourist destination in Buriram, Phanom Rung Historical Park is a beautiful ancient Khmer sanctuary originally dedicated to Shiva – a Hindu god. In the 18th century, King Chaiworaman VII turned to Mahayana Buddhism, so this sanctuary was then transformed into a temple.
The historical park has charming ancient Khmer architecture which will take you back in time and provide a glimpse into the magnificence of the Khmer Empire.
Image credit: @putrasatrio05
Besides the architecture, the site is known for its awe-inspiring sun phenomenon that attracts many visitors. The sun shining through the openings of 15 gates in a row at the historical park, four times per year on the following dates and times:
- 5-7 March at 6.15am (sunrise)
- 3-5 April at 6.03pm (sunset)
- 8-10 September at 5.57am (sunrise)
- 5-7 October at 5.55pm (sunset)Â
If you’re travelling from Bangkok, you can reach the historical park by taking a Bangkok-Buriram bus from Mochit Bus Terminal and getting off at either the Nang Rong or Phra Khon Chai bus terminal. From there, it’s a short 30-minute drive to the park. You can hire a local songthaew to take you directly to the site.
Address: Moo 7 114 Ta Pek, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buri Ram 31110
Opening hours: 7am-6pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for combo tickets for foreigners, ฿30 (~USD0.87) for combo tickets for Thais
Contact: +66 4 466 6251 | Phanom Rung Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
6. Ayutthaya Historical Park — experience cultural heritage & old Ayutthaya vibes
Image credit: @mcsmoggle
Established by King U-Thong, the Ayutthaya Kingdom has left a rich heritage worth exploring at Ayutthaya Historical Park.
The Ayutthaya Kingdom was a major economic centre in Southeast Asia. Many merchants from around the world flocked here to trade their goods such as spices, textiles, and metals. The kingdom grew in power over time and lasted for 417 years.
Image credit: @mcsmoggle
Due to the site’s historic architecture and many ruins, Ayutthaya Historical Park is a universally famous tourist attraction. There are old temples and pagodas worth a visit. For example, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the palace of King U-Thong and the prototype of Wat Phra Kaew in above mentioned Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
Address: 196 Moo 4 Khlong Tho Rd, Pratu Chai Sub-district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿40 (~USD1.16) for Thais, ฿220 (~USD6.37) for foreigners
Contact: +66 3 524 2286 | Ayutthaya Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
7. Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park — Khmer temples covered by forests in Kanchanaburi
Image credit: @pomelony
Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park is a popular temple in Kanchanaburi. The temple was built as a Buddhist sanctuary, and it’s believed to have been designed based on the Khmer architecture of King Jayavarman VII, who was a creator of Khmer-style temples.
Image credit: @wicky_wiyada
The park has four archaeological sites and a prehistoric burial site. The main building — labelled Monument No. 1 — is the principal Khmer-style temple adorned with intricate carvings, features a pointed spire at its peak, and is located at the centre of the park. When you walk inside, you’ll see Buddhist shrines and statues such as a Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue and a statue of the goddess Prajnaparamita.
At the prehistoric burial site, you’ll see skeletons, excavation tools, pottery, and jewellery that are believed to date back to 2,000 years.
Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park is a good place to walk around and take photos as it’s filled with greenery; however, it can get very hot if you’re visiting it during summer, so wear a hat or bring an umbrella.
Address: Prasat Muang Sing, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150
Opening hours: 8am-4.30pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners, ฿20 (~USD0.58) for Thais
Contact: +66 3467 0264 | Google Maps
8. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park — peculiar rock formations & caves
Image credit: @koto783
Located on Phu Phra Bat Mountain in Udon Thani, Phu Phra Bat Historical Park boasts ancient, large, peculiar rocks that have been shaped by natural erosion.
Image credit: @chiii_chikchik
This historic site has traces of human activity dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years. While exploring the area, you’ll see religious establishments built from rocks, Buddha statues in a small cave made of rocks, and paintings done by prehistoric humans.
We recommend that you visit the visitor centre to get information about the site before touring the place.
Address: 194 Mueang Phan, Ban Phue District, Udon Thani 41160
Opening hours: 8.30am-4.30pm, Daily
Entrance fee: ฿100 (~USD2.90) for foreigners, ฿30 (~USD0.88) for Thais
Contact: +66 4 221 9837 | Phu Phra Bat Historical Park’s Facebook | Google Maps
Experience the historic vibes of Thailand
You can plan a trip to these charming historic sites if you’re interested in Thailand’s history.Â
The sites provide culture buffs with a lot of significant ancient heritage to admire and opportunities to learn about the kings and spiritual beliefs of Thailand.
Share this with your friends who are history enthusiasts.
More places to explore in Thailand:
- Sam Phan Bok’s Thailand’s Grand Canyon
- Pa Hin Ngam National Park: bizarre rocks & a cliffside viewpoint
- Wat Arun: Bangkok’s iconic temple
Cover image adapted from: @hana_aries_, @salisa_sai, @mcsmoggle and @koto783