A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Arrowtown for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Sukhothai and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Sukhothai is known for its museums. Arrowtown is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sukhothai is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Sukhothai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Sukhothai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Arrowtown can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sukhothai. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai and Arrowtown are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sukhothai and Arrowtown.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sukhothai. 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.

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

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 Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Arrowtown makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

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 Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Arrowtown is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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 Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Sukhothai and Arrowtown.

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

You'll find some public transit in Arrowtown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Sukhothai or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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 Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Sukhothai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown 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 Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Arrowtown?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Arrowtown, 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.