Sukhothai Heritage Resort ★★★★

While I hold  a deep appreciation for  Thailand’s gorgeous beaches,  the inland of the country offers its own abundant charms, particularly the history of its rich cultural tapestry that isn’t always found in the tourist seaside resorts. At the Sukhothai Heritage Resort, I found:

Authentic architecture. While containing all the luxuries and modern conveniences you’d need in a hotel, the décor and layout are clearly strongly influenced by classic Thai architecture and design. The province of Sukhothai was founded in what is generally considered the golden age of Thai civilisation, and looking around the resort, proof of that was evident everywhere.

Authentic food. Thai food is renowned the world over for its incredible quality and delicate flavours. The Lotus Restaurant is no exception, serving delicious local dishes throughout the day. I also  took a Thai cooking class with one of their very own chefs; teaching technique as well as dishes, it’s a brilliant way to bring a little of Thailand back home with you.

Authentic massage. There is a reason Thai massage is amongst the most famous in the world! After a long day exploring the cultural delights of Sukhothai, it was a real treat to lay back and indulge in the hotel’s massage service.

However, one of the real delights of the resort  is its proximity to so many of Southeast Asia’s most important historical sites. Situated close to the Sukhothai Airport, we drove through vast rice fields to get to the hotel, and there are plenty more hidden delights waiting to be discovered. Infrastructure outside the resort is minimal, so we took up the offer of a free bicycle service in order to tour Sukhothai, seeing local attractions like rice farms, orchid houses, religious shrines, lotus ponds and more. But it was the trip slightly farther afield, organised by the resort, which best captured the astonishing history of Thailand for me.

The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and include multiple variants on classic Thai architecture, ancient Buddhist figures, the remains of 26 temples and the remnants of a royal palace. It’s a veritable treasure trove of Thai history, all within a short distance of the hotel.

Sukhothai is a world away from the “sun, sea and sand” Thailand pictured in so many holiday brochures. However, with its rural, natural landscape and deep connection to Thai history, it’s the perfect holiday destination for a trip with depth, beauty and cultural discovery.