A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Guilin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Guilin?

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 Guilin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Guilin?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Sukhothai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $59, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $67. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sukhothai and Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $23
    Guilin $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $46
    Guilin $68
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Guilin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sukhothai


Hotels in Guilin


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sukhothai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $17
    Guilin $5.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai

Also for Sukhothai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138
  • Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78
  • One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Xingping hotel: $64
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Yangshuo: $49
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin and Sukhothai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sukhothai $19
    Guilin $22

Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $33
    Guilin $28

Tours and Activities in Sukhothai

For Sukhothai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
  • Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
  • Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
  • Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42
  • Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42

Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour: $94
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Hiking along the Yulong river Private Tour: $103
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
  • 1 day Li River cruise & Yangshuo countryside private day tour : $120
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
  • 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $12
    Guilin $5.72


When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Guilin, we can see that Guilin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Guilin?

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

Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?

Both Guilin and Sukhothai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Guilin in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Guilin 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 July than Guilin. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Guilin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Guilin. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Guilin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Guilin. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Guilin in the Spring?

Both Guilin and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Guilin. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)