This provincial capital is split in two. New Sukhothai is a typical, modern Thai-style city home to virtually nothing of interest except some excellent guesthouses, while old Sukhothai lies 12 km to the west. Unlike Ayutthaya, where the ancient ruins are spread throughout the town, Sukhothai's ruins are spread in a distinct area, Old Sukhothai Historical Park.

Most of the accommodation is within a short walk of the Yom River, as are the restaurants and bars. It's a small town and although there isn't much to see or do, it's a comfortable enough base to visit the ruins from. Some of the guesthouses are charming enough to seek out on their own.