If you want to see the heart of ancient Siam in one day, stroll through the ruins of Thailand's first capitals, and soak up the atmosphere of bygone eras, then a trip from Bangkok to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya will be a truly memorable journey. This isn't just a tour—it's an immersion into the culture and history of a country that carefully preserves the traces of its past.

In the first half of the 13th century, the territory of what is now central and northern Thailand was under the rule of the Khmer Empire, centered at Angkor. In 1238, local rulers Pho Khun Bang Klang Khao and Pha Muang staged a rebellion, expelled the Khmers, and declared independence. Thus, the Kingdom of Sukhothai was born. The new ruler took the name Si Indraditya and became the founder of the Pho Kong dynasty. Sukhothai's true heyday came during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great (1279–1298). He is considered one of the key figures in Thai history:

• developed and approved the Thai alphabet (based on Pali and Old Khmer script);
• strengthened Buddhism as the state religion;
• developed trade with China, Lanna and other kingdoms in the region;
• created a system of government in which the king was considered the "father of the people."

The historical park covers approximately 70 square kilometers. It contains 193 archaeological sites. Many of them are remarkably well-preserved thanks to extensive restoration work and careful attention to cultural heritage. Key temples and points of interest include:

• Wat Mahathat — the main temple complex of Sukhothai, a symbol of the era. Its central chedi is surrounded by Buddha statues and the remains of prayer halls. The most important religious ceremonies were held here.
• Wat Phra Phai Luang — the temple built during the Khmer period. Its architecture bears traces of Angkor's influence and offers a glimpse into the changing styles of the region.
• Wat Saphan Hin — the temple on a hill offering panoramic views of the entire historical park. Monks came here to meditate, and the kings of Sukhothai performed religious rites.
• Wat Si Chum — one of the most impressive landmarks. It houses a gigantic seated Buddha statue, over 15 meters tall, surrounded by stone walls. This site is still revered by Thais.

It's best to plan a visit to Sukhothai in the morning. At this time, the temperatures are not too high, and there are few tourists. The park is divided into several zones: central, northern, western, and eastern. Entrance fees are separate, typically 100 baht for each zone. It's best to set aside 2-3 hours to explore at least the central and northern sections. Getting around the area is easy on foot or by rented bicycle, which can be found at the entrance.
It's recommended to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring water. Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone—the views of the temples against the mist and sunrise are stunning.
In 1991, Sukhothai was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding historical value and high state of preservation.

Ayutthaya was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350. The name comes from the Indian word "Ayodhya"—the city where, according to the Indian epic Ramayana, King Rama ruled. This reflects the region's deep cultural and religious ties to India.
Its strategic location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River allowed the city to become a major trading hub. Trade routes between China, India, Japan, Persia, and Europe intersected here. European traders called Ayutthaya the "Venice of the East" due to its many canals and waterways.
By the mid-17th century, the city's population exceeded 1 million, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Its palaces, churches, and monasteries impressed travelers from all over the world.

In 1766, the city was besieged by Burmese troops. After a fourteen-month siege, Ayutthaya fell on April 7, 1767. The city was destroyed, the palaces burned, and the temples plundered. This event marked the end of the 417-year-old Ayutthaya Kingdom. The capital was later moved to Thonburi and then to Bangkok, where it remains today.

The best time to visit Ayutthaya is in the afternoon. The sun is mild at this time, and there are fewer tourists. A bicycle or tuk-tuk is a convenient way to explore the city—many drivers offer short tours. Entrance to most temples requires an entrance fee of 50 to 100 baht. To visit the temples, you must wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Like Sukhothai, Ayutthaya has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, perfectly combining history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

A trip along the Bangkok-Sukhothai-Ayutthaya route is an opportunity to see both the ancient and modern face of Thailand in one day. Sukhothai will give you a sense of the birth of the nation and Buddhist culture. Ayutthaya offers the splendor and tragedy of a great kingdom, while modern Bangkok offers the comfort and dynamism of the 21st century. This trip is ideal for those who want to see not only beaches and resorts, but also the country's true history.