Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [335]
At Home Sukhothai (0 5561 0172; www.athomesukhothai.com; 184/1 Th Vichien Chamnong; r 500-750B; ) Located in the 50-year-old childhood home of the proprietor, the attractive structure could easily pass as a newborn after recent renovations. Combining original wooden furnishings with new, the results blend seamlessly, and the simple but comfortable rooms really do feel like home. There’s a lotus pond out back, and virtually every other service, from food to Thai massage, in front. Ask to look at the owner’s family photo album that shows what the house used to look like.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The following places are across from the historical park. Both rent out bicycles.
Old City Guest House (0 5569 7515; 28/7 Mu 3; r 150-400B; ) This vast complex features heaps of rooms at a variety of styles and budgets; ask to see a few before you make a decision. A good choice if you want to stay close to the historic park; unfortunately there isn’t a garden area for relaxing.
Vitoon Guest House (0 5569 7045; 49 Mu 3; r 300-500B; ) Rooms at Vitoon are comfortable but cluttered compared to its neighbour Old City.
PinPao Guest House Café (0 5563 3284; orchid_hibiscus_guest_house@hotmail.com; Hwy 12; r 500B) Affiliated with the Orchid Hibiscus Guest House (below), this is a large building with 10 of the most gaily coloured rooms we’ve seen anywhere, although many lack windows and can be rather dark. The guesthouse is on Hwy 12, directly opposite the turn-off to Rte 1272.
MIDRANGE
New Sukhothai
Ruean Thai Hotel (0 5561 2444; www.rueanthaihotel.com; 181/20 Soi Pracha Ruammit, Th Jarot Withithong; rooms 1350-3200B; ) At first glance, you may mistake this eye-catching complex for a temple or museum. The rooms on the upper level are very Thai, and feature worn teak furnishings and heaps of character. Poolside rooms are slightly more modern, and there’s a concrete building with simple air-con rooms out the back. Service is both friendly and flawless. Call for free pick-up from the bus station.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Lotus Village (0 5562 1484; www.lotus-village.com; 170 Th Ratchathani; r 790-1540B; ) Village is an apt label for this peaceful compound of elevated wooden bungalows. Smaller rooms in an attractive wooden building are also available, and an attractive Burmese/Indian design theme runs through the entire place. An on-site spa offers a variety of services.
Orchid Hibiscus Guest House (0 5563 3284; orchid_hibiscus_guest_house@hotmail.com; 407/2 Rte 1272; r 800B, bungalows 1200B; ) This collection of rooms and bungalows is set in relaxing, manicured grounds with a swimming pool as a centrepiece. Rooms are spotless and fun, featuring various design details and accents. The guesthouse is on Rte 1272 about 600m off Hwy 12 – the turn-off is between Km48 and Km49 markers.
TOP END
Tharaburi Resort ( Map; 0 5569 7132; www.tharaburiresort.com; 321/3 Moo 3, Rte 1272; r 1200-4200B, ste 5000-6500B;) Near the historical park, this boutique hotel features three main structures divided up into 20 individually and beautifully styled rooms and suites. Some are themed (Moroccan, Japanese, Chinese) and this is done with fine antiques, lush silks and exquisite attention to detail. The cheaper rooms are simpler, the suites feel like a small home, and there are also two-floor family rooms. Definitely the most stylish hotel in Sukhothai.
Ananda (off Map; 0 5562 2428-30; www.anandasukhothai.com; 10 Moo 4, Th Muangkao; r 2500-3100B; ) The label ‘Museum Gallery Hotel’ may cause some to wonder what actually goes on here, but this architecturally striking hotel is straightforwardly attractive. Resembling something of a suburban church with Sukhothai influences, the 32 rooms combine dark woods and earth-coloured silks, and the hotel also houses a spa and antique shop. About 2km outside the centre of town, Ananda is directly next door to the excellent Sangkhalok Museum ( Click here).
Sukhothai Heritage Resort (off Map; 0 5564 7564-574; www.sukhothaiheritage.com; 999 Moo 2; r 3500-4500B, ste 10,000B;