Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [334]
Festivals
The Loi Krathong festival in November is celebrated for five days in historical Sukhothai, and the city is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand to celebrate the holiday. In addition to the magical floating lights, there are fireworks, folk-dance performances and a light-and-sound production.
Sleeping
Most accommodation is still in New Sukhothai, and is dominated by budget options. There are an increasing number of options near the park, many of them in the upscale bracket. Prices tend to go up during the Loi Krathong festival.
BUDGET
Sukhothai offers a strong selection of budget rooms. Cheap and clean shared-bathroom accommodation abounds, and virtually every place seems to offer a few bungalows as well. Several guesthouses offer free pick-up from the bus station, and many also rent bicycles and motorcycles.
New Sukhothai
Garden House (0 5561 1395; tuigardenhouse@yahoo.com; 11/1 Th Prawet Nakhon; r 150-200B, bungalows 300-350B; ) The main structure at this popular guesthouse complex can get a bit hectic, so be sure to check out the relatively isolated bungalows out back. The restaurant, which also serves as the communal area, screens movies nightly.
No 4 Guest House (0 5561 0165; no4guesthouse@yahoo.co.th; 140/4 Soi Khlong Mae Ramphan; s/d 200/300B) From the outside, No 4 appears a bit run-down, but a closer look reveals a shady garden featuring several bungalows not without their own charm. Close by the Ninety-Nine Guest House (0 5561 1315; 234/6 Soi Panitsan; singles/doubles 120/150B) is managed by the same people. Ninety-nine’s rooms are in a two-storey teak house surrounded by gardens. Both places run cookery courses.
Ban Thai (0 5561 0163; banthai_guesthouse@yahoo.com; 38 Th Prawet Nakhon; r with shared bathroom 200B, bungalows 300-500B; ) Centred around an inviting garden, this mish-mash of rooms and tiny bungalows is among the more popular budget places in town. None of the accommodation is particularly remarkable in itself, but the combination of friendly atmosphere and low prices culminate in a winner.
Sabaidee Guest House (0 5561 6303, 08 9988 3589; www.sabaidee-guesthouse.com; 81/7 Mu 1 Tambol Banklouy; r 200-600B; ) Having graduated from homestay status, this cheery guesthouse has followed the route of much of Sukhothai’s budget accommodation and now boasts five attractive bungalows. Cheaper accommodation is still available in the main house, not to mention perks such as free bicycles and transport from the bus station.
TR Guest House (0 5561 1663; www.sukhothaibudgetguesthouse.com; 27/5 Th Prawet Nakhon; r 250-400B, bungalows 400B; ) The rooms here are basic but extremely tidy, and there are four spacious bungalows out back for those needing leg room. A cosy terrace provides even more incentive. An excellent budget choice.
J&J Guest House (0 5562 0095; www.jj-guesthouse.com; 122 Soi Mae Ramphan; r 300-500B, bungalows 700-800B; ) Hardly a leaf is out of place at this expansive resort-like guesthouse. A smorgasbord of bungalows and spacious rooms spans just about every budget, and homemade bread and the swimming pool make the decision even easier.
Sukhothai Guest House (0 5561 0453; www.sukhothaiguesthouse.net; 68 Th Vichien Chamnong; r 350-750B; ) This long-running guesthouse has 12 bungalows with terraces packed into a shaded garden. The communal area is filled with an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac and the owners are friendly and very helpful.
Cocoon Guest House (0 5561 2081; 86/1 Th Singhawat; r 500B; ) The four simple rooms at the back of Dream Café are down a path and set in a junglelike garden. By the time you read this several other rooms in an