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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Da Nang?

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 Da Nang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a accessible, authentic, and coastal city. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and museums. See Da Nang travel costs.

Sukhothai and Da Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Da Nang?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Da Nang are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Da Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Sukhothai is more touristy than Da Nang and is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also well known for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Da Nang is famous for its traditional pagodas, nearby beaches, and high end resorts.

How is Sukhothai different from Da Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Da Nang is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Da Nang. Some people use this city as a base for exploring other nearby towns. While it has some interesting sights, there aren't nearly as much history as in the surrounding area. The Golden Bridge Hands has become a popular tourist attraction and the nearby Marble Mountains are also a highlight. You can also check out the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Da Nang 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 Da Nang. The city's local cuisine is authentic and traditional. There are many local dishes to try such as Mi Quang (rice noodles and chicken), Bun Cha Ca (rice noodles and fish cakes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (pork belly wrapped in rice paper).

Is Sukhothai or Da Nang Better for Nightlife?

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

Da Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are rooftop cafes, lounges, and local bars that are cheap and stay open late. You'll find a good number of places along Bach Dang Street, which turns into a walking street at 7 pm.

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 Da Nang Better for Resorts?

Da Nang 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 Da Nang. The city has a good number of luxury, international brand hotels that are along the beaches.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Da Nang Better for Beaches?

Da Nang is very good for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Da Nang to enjoy the beach. There are beaches within a 10 minute drive of the city, which can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you want a more peaceful experience, you'll need to go to Son Tra Peninsula, which is where you'll find most of the luxury resorts.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Da Nang Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its old town. However, Da Nang 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.

Da Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Da Nang?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its shopping areas.

Sukhothai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Da Nang has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are some shopping malls and local shops that make for interesting shopping experiences, but nothing compared to some of the more popular cities.

Is Sukhothai or Da Nang Better for Families?

Da Nang 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.

Da Nang is a very family-friendly destination. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities in the area. Amusement parks like Asia Park Da Nang and nearby Ba Na Hills Fantasy Park are fun for everyone. There are also beaches and beachfront resorts that aren't far from town.

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 Da Nang Better for Couples?

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

Da Nang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The surrounding area has luxury resorts and nice beaches that make for a romantic getaway.

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 Da Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Da Nang are both nice 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 Da Nang. It's often skipped by backpackers and other tourists, but those who hang out for a day or two will appreciate an authentic city with genuine Vietnamese culture.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sukhothai and Da Nang.

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

You'll find some public transit in Da Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 14 bus routes in the city.

Is Sukhothai or Da Nang a more walkable city?

Sukhothai is a moderate city for its high level of walkability. However, Da Nang is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Da Nang is not a very walkable city. The city is very spread out and very difficult to explore on foot. There are some beachfront promenades that are pedestrian-friendly, but most of the city is not.

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

Should I spend more time in Da Nang or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Da Nang?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sukhothai than Da Nang 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 Da Nang?

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Da Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Da Nang has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Da Nang?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Da Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Da Nang?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Da Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Da Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Da Nang 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Hanoi, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Da Nang, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Da Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Da Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Da Nang 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 Sukhothai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sukhothai than you might in Da Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Da Nang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Da Nang?

Da Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Da Nang, 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 Da Nang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Da Nang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Da Nang. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Da Nang throughout the year.

Also, January to July in Da Nang is the dry season. August to December in Da Nang is the rainy season. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 242 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Da Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Da Nang averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Da Nang in the Autumn?

Both Da Nang and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Da Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October. The rainy season in Da Nang is August to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Da Nang. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Da Nang. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Da Nang fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Da Nang in the Winter?

Both Da Nang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Da Nang year-round.

January to July is the dry season in Da Nang. Da Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Da Nang receives 136 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Da Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Da Nang fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Da Nang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Da Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Da Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. In April, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Da Nang. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Da Nang receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Da Nang this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Da Nang during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Da Nang receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Da Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Da Nang averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Da Nang and Sukhothai