A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Auckland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sukhothai or Auckland?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Auckland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Sukhothai and Auckland are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights. Auckland is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland 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 Auckland?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Auckland.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Auckland 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 Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Sukhothai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

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.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Auckland?

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

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.

Auckland is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland 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.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

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 Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sukhothai and Auckland.

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

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Sukhothai or Auckland a more walkable city?

Sukhothai and Auckland are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Sukhothai is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sukhothai and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Sukhothai. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Auckland?

The city of Sukhothai offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Auckland?

Sukhothai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sukhothai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Five days in Sukhothai or Auckland?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the thrill-seeking city of Auckland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Auckland?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Auckland, 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 Sukhothai or Auckland?

Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Sukhothai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Auckland. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Sukhothai