A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Sukhothai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Sukhothai or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Abu Dhabi Prices
    UAE Prices
    Sukhothai Prices
    Thailand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Abu Dhabi $197
    Sukhothai $78

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Sukhothai is $78. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Sukhothai $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Sukhothai $50
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Sukhothai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Sukhothai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Sukhothai $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Yas Water world Abu Dhabi With Optional Transfer: $105
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
  • Ultimate Snow Park Abu Dhabi Package with transfer option: $71
  • Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $32
  • Transfer between Abu Dhabi and Dubai private: $135
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $32
  • Teams Lab Phenomena Experience in Abu Dhabi with Transfers option: $56
  • TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Experience with Optional Transfers: $65
  • Snow Park Abudhabi Premium Tickets with Optional Transfers: $120
  • Snow Abu Dhabi Indoor Snow Park Adventure with Transfers: $75
  • Private UAE Transfer from Airport Hotel and Intercity Transfers: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai?

Prices for flights to both Sukhothai and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Abu Dhabi $78
    Sukhothai $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Dinner: $28
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
  • Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
  • Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Sukhothai $36

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 4 Hour Abu Dhabi City Tour - Private Tour: $265
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $34
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $47
  • Abu Dhabi Aladdin Tour: Grand Mosque, Etihad, Palace, & Louvre: $119
  • Abu Dhabi All in One Tour Tradition to Innovation: $199
  • Abu Dhabi City Essentials Half day tour from Abu Dhabi: $44
  • Abu Dhabi City Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi: $157

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Sukhothai $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Sukhothai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sukhothai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sukhothai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Sukhothai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Sukhothai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai in the Summer?

Both Sukhothai and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sukhothai receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Sukhothai in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Sukhothai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Sukhothai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Sukhothai during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Sukhothai receives 229 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Sukhothai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Sukhothai averages at about 28°C (83°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year.

Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in January than Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sukhothai receives 266 hours of full sun.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Sukhothai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Sukhothai fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Sukhothai in the Spring?

Both Sukhothai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sukhothai receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sukhothai during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Sukhothai receives 279 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. Abu Dhabi is cooler than Sukhothai in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Sukhothai fluctuates around 32°C (89°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Sukhothai and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Sukhothai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)