Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

On our 14 days trip to Thailand, we stayed for 2 nights in Sukhothai. Actually, we traveled from Bangkok to Sukhothai via road. And reached our resort, Sabai Sabai Sukhothai by evening 4:00pm. Thereafter we took rest at the resort, and visited the Sukhothai Historical Park the next day. The day after, we traveled to Chiang Mai where we spent rest 5 days of our trip. 

Where to stay in Sukhothai

To be honest, Sukhothai appeared late in my overall Thailand trip plan. Although I already had plans to do a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok. But when I read about the UNESCO World Heritage Sukhothai Historical Park, I couldn’t resist including Sukhothai in my Thailand Travel Plan. Thereafter began my search of a decent family friendly place to stay in Sukhothai. 

Apparently, after a little research, I understood there are two major areas to stay in Sukhothai. The old Sukhothai Town which is very near to the Sukhothai Historical Park. And the new Sukhothai area which is near to the Sukhothai Airport and far from the Sukhothai Historical Park. While the former definitely seemed like a wise option . Since I didn’t want to waste time commuting to and from the Sukhothai Historical Park. And it seems the distance from most of the resorts in the New Sukhothai near Sukhothai Airport is easily 40 plus kilometers.

So, I tried to find an accommodation in the Old Sukhothai Town itself. But, most of the places were booked. So, I had to browse through the options of hotels and resorts in New Sukhothai area. And finally, I stumbled upon Sabai Sabai Sukhothai. The ratings of Sabai Sabai Sukhothai were good. And the resort seemed very expansive. So, I booked here.

Arrival and check in experience at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

We arrived at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai by 4:00pm in the evening. The resort sign boards are visible from near the place where the road diverts for Sukhothai Airport. We followed the signs and arrived at the resort. For a split second you might get confused that you have arrived at the Jurassic Park. As they have giant dinosaurs (Statues) standing right at the resort entrance for welcoming you! But jokes apart, the dinosaurs seem to be a real attraction for the kids. At least ours did a lot of photo shoots with them (Perhaps more than she did with us!)

There was no one else at the reception as we entered the resort. And the checkin process was smooth. We got breakfast coupons per person to be handed over when we go for breakfast the next day. Also, we got all the rooms on the same (first) floor quickly allocated, almost side by side. While one set of rooms faced the fountains towards the front of the resort, the other set of rooms on the opposite side faced the resort’s internal lawn area. Overall both set of rooms were very airy which we really liked. (After having spent 5 days in the big city Bangkok!).

After taking rest for a while and getting fresh, we decided to explore the premises of Sabai Sabai Sukhothai.

The premises of Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

We arrived at the reception and enquired about the restaurant. As some of us were looking forward to a refreshing tea or coffee. This is when we came to know that the restaurant was located far off (Ok, not that far). It was at a walking distance of 7-8 minutes from the resort. Actually, it was located in the premises of another resort. Maybe both these have the same owner or the resorts have a tie up. Anyways, to our delight we found that there are bikes parked near the resort main entrance. You can take these bikes anytime to travel to the restaurant. 🙂

Or, there is also an open bus parked at the resort, which will take you to the restaurant anytime you need. (And of course again bring you back). Actually, this one keeps ferrying between the rooms and the restaurant to take guest either ways. 

It was evening time, so, while some of us opted to ride the bicycles, others opted for the bus. And in no time, we were at the restaurant. Actually, this resort, which the restaurant belongs to, is even more beautiful and luxurious. The entryway is well manicured. The reception, library and restaurant are all built in a traditional setting around a central courtyard. Which hosts a small water body in the centre. 

The Swimming Pool

While we waited for our food, we decided to take a walk around the premises. The kids would anyways not stay at one place. So, we went to the left of the restaurant, where the swimming pool is located. And this spot became special for us. As this is where our younger one, Ishi, decided to hit her sister Aashi in the face. And as a result, Aashi lost her long shaking tooth which we were anticipating she would loose since the day of Bangkok to Pattaya trip! Nevertheless, since it was night time, we just walked around the pool and then came back. Determined to explore more the next day. Thereafter we had dinner. And finally, after the kids playing a little bit of hide and seek in the restaurant, we returned back to our rooms. And fell asleep.

A morning walk around the premises of Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

Next day morning we decided to take a path through the farms from our rooms to the restaurant, when we started for breakfast. And little did we know that this would be one of the most memorable mornings of our life. 

We first crossed the farms and arrived at this pond in the middle of the fields.

Then we stumbled upon this beautiful bridge amidst the farm, crossing over the pond. 

Thereafter we came nearer to the building which hosts the restaurant. But before we reached there, we were greeted by these lovely farm animals.

There was fresh air, and chirping of birds all around. Some of the trees were ladened with seasonal fruits. And the ducks swam happily in the intermittent ponds on our way to the restaurant. Overall, such a refreshing morning walk! If we had such a setting back home, I bet all of us would take this kind of morning walk everyday.

Food at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

The food options at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai are decent but not the highlight of the stay. We are vegetarians. And we got really limited options (Apart from the buffet breakfast). The only two nights in Thailand when we consecutively ate pizza were the ones spent here. And the prices are high. Morning breakfast buffet was decent. And it is complimentary. There were couple of cut fruits, a few types of breads, milk & cereals, roasted potatoes, salad ingredients, boiled egg and a fruit juice available. Good enough to fill you up with healthy options even if you are a vegetarian. 

Related read : Vegetarian food options in Thailand – Our Vegetarian Survival Guide for Thailand

Commute Options from Sabai Sabai Sukhothai to Sukhothai Historical Park

Sabai Sabai Sukhothai is around 45km far from the Sukhothai Historical Park. And given it’s location, public transportation from near the resort to the historical park is not available. So, we have to rely on the arrangements made by the resort. We knew about it from the reviews on tripadvisor. And thus, we were mentally prepared for going with the resort provided transport. (Which comes at an additional cost.). Also, since we already had our private transfer from Bangkok to Sukhothai booked. And so was our private pickup from Sabai Sabai Sukhothai to Chiang Mai. So, we were anyways not relying much on public transport. Thus, it was not that inconvenient for us to stay for 2 nights here. 

But for someone, who is heavily relying on public transport for their commute, it might become a concern when only hotel provided vehicles are available. And that also at an additional cost (Which they can increase further as per the demand!) 

Also, the hotel offers complimentary pickup and drop off to the airport. I am sure it must be arranging pickup and drop off to the Sukhothai Town bus stop as well.

Cost of staying at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

If we compare the facilities available at the resort to the cost that we paid, it was a total value for money. At around 1000THB per room per night, it was a great deal for me since I was traveling with my parents, kids and some friends. So, overall we needed to book 4 rooms. We also shared the cost of the commute to Sukhothai Historical Park , so, again it didn’t prove very costly for us. Overall, it was an effective option to keep our overall Thailand trip cost well under budget. I guess since the resort is located far from the main Sukhothai Town and the historical park, there is lesser demand here. And because of that, the cost is very considerable.

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Pros of Staying at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

• Very expansive campus. Wherein kids get a lot of space to play and run around.
• It is far from the main town. So, the air is fresh and crisp. You will hear lots of chirping of birds. The setting of the surrounding areas is rural. And for the same reasons it is very peaceful.
• You can take a morning walk through their vast farms, across the ponds and paddy fields.
• The staff is very friendly and helpful.
• Given the amount of facilities, they come at a very reasonable price.

Cons of Staying at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

• It is very far from the Sukhothai historical park. It takes 1.5 hours to reach the historical park from the resort.
• There is no public transport nearby. One needs to rely on the transport provided by the resort.
• Same for food also. The only option you have got is the restaurant at the resort. Which is expensive. And has very limited vegetarian food options. 
• It’s a challenge to communicate to the staff as their English is not that strong. Because the resort is not near the town, you have to rely on them and communicate to them for all your needs big and small. Be it an extra glass of water or a mosquito repellant that you might want in your room.

Final Conclusion on Staying at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai

Overall we and our family enjoyed our stay at Sabai Sabai Sukhothai. We did pay the extra cost of commute to Sukhothai Historical Park. (Which was 3500 THB!) But that was more than compensated by the peaceful and natural surroundings. The morning cycling and walking tours around the campus. The kids enjoying thoroughly the setup around the restaurant and the swimming pool. And we taking a ride on their special vehicle from the residential block to the restaurant. Overall, it was a very nice stay. But yes, had we planned a longer stay in Sukhothai than just couple of days, then I won’t have booked this place because of the limited food and commute options.

 

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