A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Busan (Pusan) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan)?

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 Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan)?

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.

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

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 Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Sukhothai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $82, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Sukhothai and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $26
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $52
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Sukhothai


Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


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: Sukhothai Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $19
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Sukhothai 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
    Sukhothai $36
    Busan (Pusan) $44

Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $38
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
  • 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $14
    Busan (Pusan) $12


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


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?

Both Busan (Pusan) and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?

Both Busan (Pusan) 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.

Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Sukhothai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Busan (Pusan)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)