A Dawn Journey from Bangkok to Sukhothai: History, Hospitality, and Quiet Discovery

 Sukothai - The day began far earlier than my body would have liked. I woke up at 4:00am in Bangkok, knowing I had a 7:30am flight to catch to Sukhothai. There’s something surreal about cities before sunrise — the streets are quieter, the air feels cooler, and time seems to slow down. The ride from my hotel to the airport was smooth and uneventful, helped greatly by the early hour and near-empty roads. It felt like the calm before a day of exploration.

The flight itself was operated by Bangkok Airways, using a turboprop aircraft — smaller, quieter, and somehow more personal than a jet. There were only about 30 passengers onboard, giving the journey an intimate, almost chartered feel. Despite the size of the aircraft, the flight was remarkably smooth. Bangkok Airways also provided a light snack, which included a sandwich, bottled water, and sanitising wipes — a thoughtful touch that made the short journey comfortable. The ATR 72-600 is a modern, fuel-efficient, twin-engine turboprop regional airliner known for connecting smaller communities with low operating costs, seating typically 70-78 passengers.

In just 1 hour and 20 minutes, we were already preparing to touch down at Sukhothai Airport. From the air, the landscape below shifted from dense urban sprawl to open greenery and quiet countryside.

Upon arrival, it became immediately clear that this was no ordinary airport. Sukhothai Airport is small, rustic, and charming, almost like stepping back in time. Instead of long corridors and crowds, we boarded a trolley bus that gently ferried us to the arrival area. Baggage claim was equally simple, and within minutes, I had my bag in hand.

With no Grab taxis available, not a single one nearby.  I opted for a hotel shuttle, paying THB 300 for the ride. It turned out to be quite a distance, and I was the last guest to be dropped off, giving me a quiet drive through rural roads and sleepy neighbourhoods that set the tone for my stay.

At the hotel, I was greeted by an elderly man at the reception, warm and welcoming. He proudly shared that the hotel was a family-run business, and shortly after, his wife invited me to have breakfast. It was a buffet and just genuine Thai hospitality. I helped myself to fresh bananas, a comforting hot banana dessert, and a bowl of pork porridge. It felt less like staying at a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone’s home. I thanked them sincerely for their kindness.

That said, there was a small moment of reality check. When I asked about the airport transfer price for my return, the quoted THB 800 felt excessive. With check-in only available at 2:00pm, I decided not to dwell on it. Instead, I borrowed the hotel’s complimentary bicycle and headed out to explore — the best way to experience Sukhothai.