A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Sukhothai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sukhothai than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sukhothai is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Also, Sukhothai is famous for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

How is Sukhothai different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park can be an interesting and educational experience. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sukhothai is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sukhothai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for 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.

People don't go to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Sukhothai is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very family-friendly destination. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Sukhothai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

You'll find some public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

One day in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The historical destination of Sukhothai offers shopping and museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums around the national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find museums around the world renowned destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the majestic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated city of Sukhothai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sukhothai