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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Canberra?

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 Canberra 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. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Canberra travel costs.

Sukhothai and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Canberra. Although Sukhothai and Canberra are popular destinations, Canberra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Canberra is very popular for its hiking and big city activities, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Sukhothai is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also well known for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Sukhothai different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Canberra.

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 Canberra can be an interesting and educational experience. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Canberra 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 Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Canberra have nice 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Canberra 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Canberra?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Sukhothai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra 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.

Canberra is a very family-friendly destination. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Canberra are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Sukhothai is a nice destination for couples. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sukhothai. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra Better for Students?

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

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Sukhothai or Canberra a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Canberra?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sukhothai than Canberra 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 Sukhothai.

One day in Sukhothai or Canberra?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Canberra. 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 Canberra?

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 under-rated city of Canberra. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Canberra?

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.

Canberra is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra 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 Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra 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, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 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 Canberra in the Winter?

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

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

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Canberra in the Spring?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 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.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Sukhothai