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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Cairns?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cairns travel costs.

Sukhothai and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Cairns?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cairns than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cairns is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Sukhothai is more popular for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Cairns is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Sukhothai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Cairns can be difficult as they are each great 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 Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Cairns has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cairns. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns is not to be missed. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cairns is a very popular vacation destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Cairns does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Cairns specifically for its hiking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Cairns?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Sukhothai and Cairns.

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.

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is one of the most popular family destinations. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Sukhothai and Cairns.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Sukhothai or Cairns a more walkable city?

Sukhothai and Cairns are respectable 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Cairns?

In either Sukhothai or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Sukhothai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Cairns. 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 Cairns?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Cairns. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Sukhothai or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Sukhothai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns 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 summer months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns 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, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Cairnsin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 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. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cairns in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Cairnsin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Cairns. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the spring for the beaches.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Sukhothai usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 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. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Sukhothai