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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is known for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour can be difficult as they are each superb 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 Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

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

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Coffs Harbour is a very popular vacation destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Coffs Harbour 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.

Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour.

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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Coffs Harbour is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Coffs Harbour is a gorgeous place to visit. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

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

Coffs Harbour makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Coffs Harbour is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for 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 Coffs Harbour 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, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Sukhothai is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of 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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable city. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Both Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Sukhothai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the world class destination of Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-filled destination of Coffs Harbour. 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 vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the world class destination of Sukhothai. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the fun vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sukhothai. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Coffs Harbourin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbourin April. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbourin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 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 Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Coffs Harbour. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbourin October. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 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 Coffs Harbour and Sukhothai