A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Sukhothai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both popular with visitors, Sukhothai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sukhothai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also home to Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Sukhothai different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Sukhothai is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sukhothai. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sukhothai is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Sukhothai has a few options to choose from. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is great for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Sukhothai is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly destination. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

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

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both good destinations for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Sukhothai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is generally limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sukhothai than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the world class city of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the relaxing destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the relaxing national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be very cold. In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sukhothai during the spring 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 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.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Sukhothai