This February, the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park will glow with Sukhothai Light Up: Light & Love, an enchanting month-long spectacle celebrating history, culture, and romance.
Against the backdrop of Wat Mahathat’s ancient spires, visitors can stroll through softly illuminated ruins, experience traditional Thai performances, and immerse themselves in the city’s timeless charm. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout February, the park transforms into a luminous wonder, with heritage site illuminations casting a golden glow over its centuries-old architecture.
The atmosphere is further enriched by local artisans and vendors, offering traditional Thai delicacies, handcrafted souvenirs, and elegant costume rentals, allowing visitors to step back in time.
Saturday evenings bring a vibrant cultural programme curated by Sukhothai College of Dramatic Arts, featuring:
- 1 February – “Dawn of Happiness”, a stage performance evoking Sukhothai’s golden era.
- 8 February – “Let’s Dance, Let’s Craft”, an interactive showcase blending movement and artistry.
- 15 February – “The Warriors of Bang Khlang”, a dramatic retelling of ancient heroism.
- 22 February – “Song of Love”, a live concert by Super Natural, a national competition-winning band.
- 1 March – “Human Chess”, a theatrical performance bringing strategy to life.
On 14 February, in a nod to both heritage and romance, 200 handcrafted rose-shaped earthen lamps will be gifted to visitors, inviting them to illuminate the temple grounds in a symbolic tribute to love and devotion.
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Travellers can also take part in the “Wian Tian: Takhun of Ancient Sukhothai” candlelit procession, a timeless ritual held in honour of Makha Bucha Day. On 12 February 2025 at 17:00, participants will walk in quiet reverence at Wat Mahathat, carrying traditional earthen lamps (takhun) as twilight settles over the ancient ruins. This Buddhist festival, observed on the full moon of the third lunar month, marks the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks to hear the Buddha’s teachings—a moment of spiritual significance still honoured across Thailand.
For those drawn to destinations steeped in history, Sukhothai Light Up offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Thailand’s ancient capital at its most romantic and ethereal.
