A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Airlie Beach for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

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 Sukhothai and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Airlie Beach travel costs.

Sukhothai and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Sukhothai and Airlie Beach are both popular with visitors, Airlie Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Airlie Beach is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also home to the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach and Sukhothai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sukhothai. Although many visitors overlook Sukhothai, the Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the area's most impressive historical and cultural sights. There are countless historical landmarks both within the old walled city and in the surrounding area.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sukhothai makes for a great culinary experience. Tourists visit specifically to try the area's famed spicy noodle dish - kuaytiaw Sukhothai. The city is filled with a range of dining options, from noodle joints to Thai eateries, as well as tourist-friendly restaurants.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Airlie Beach have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sukhothai. This is more of a historical area than a nightlife destination, but you'll find tourist-oriented bars where you can grab a cold beer, or local cafes with live music.

Airlie Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Airlie Beach is a perfect choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach is not to be missed. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Airlie Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Sukhothai. The Sukhothai Historical Park is an impressive World Heritage Site. There are 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls. Outside of the walls there are another 70 sites within a 5 kilometer radius.

Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Airlie Beach specifically for its hiking. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are a number of markets and handicraft studios nearby. Check out Tra Phang Thong Market for local foods and products or Suntree Thai Weaving for handwoven items. There's also Suthep Sangkalok where you'll find traditional ceramics.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach More Beautiful?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Airlie Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Airlie Beach is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sukhothai. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and other nearby temples. The less touristy side of this area makes it great for families who need a break from Thailand's tourist crowds. It's also a fun place to explore by bike.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Airlie Beach has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Sukhothai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Airlie Beach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sukhothai. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Sukhothai and Airlie Beach.

Sukhothai has some public transit options. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

You'll find some public transit in Airlie Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Sukhothai or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Airlie Beach is very walkable. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Sukhothai is generally not very walkable. This isn't the most walkable area, and the historical sites are spread out so you'll really need a bike, motorbike, or some other form of transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Sukhothai Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Both Sukhothai and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Sukhothai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

Families should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Sukhothai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Airlie Beach, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Sukhothai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Airlie Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Sukhothai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Airlie Beach.

One day in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this under-rated city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Airlie Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the paradise destination of Airlie Beach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find nightlife and food around the paradise town of Airlie Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Sukhothai is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Airlie Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sukhothai is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sukhothai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Airlie Beach. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin January. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in July than Airlie Beachin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Sukhothai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Airlie Beachin July. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Airlie Beachin July. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Airlie Beachin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beach during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Airlie Beachin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Sukhothai