A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Ho Chi Minh City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

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 Ho Chi Minh City 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.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a busy, diverse, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Sukhothai and Ho Chi Minh City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ho Chi Minh City than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights. Ho Chi Minh City is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its motorbike-filled streets, bustling markets, world-class cuisine, and diverse shopping opportunities. Also, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the War Remnants Museum. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Ho Chi Minh City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Ho Chi Minh City from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's a day trip outside of town, but the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see stop for any visitor. The War Remnants Museum is also a not-to-be-missed spot. Other highlights of the city include Thiên Hau Temple, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Saigon Opera House, and the Reunification Palace.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sukhothai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Theater?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for theatre. However, Sukhothai is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Ho Chi Minh City. Water puppetry is a traditional art form that originated in the rural areas and was brought to the city. It is a fun cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy. You can see it at The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

Sukhothai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ho Chi Minh City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city, arguably, has some of the best food in Vietnam. You'll find everything from food stalls selling mouthwatering street food to luxury restaurants preparing traditional dishes with a modern twist. Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Pho (Vietnamese soup) are the most well known dishes around town, but also try the Bún mắm (a noodle dish) and Bún bò Huế (a beef based soup).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Nightlife?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ho Chi Minh City has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city never settles down and you'll find all night parties and dance clubs open into the early hours. Backpackers keep the energy high, but there are also luxury clubs and more relaxed places where you can have a good night out if the backpacker thing isn't your scene.

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 Ho Chi Minh City Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Ho Chi Minh City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is filled with a mix of modern shopping centers and local shops selling traditional items. You'll find international brands as well as uniquely Vietnamese products. The city also has some of the best boutique shopping opportunities in Southeast Asia.

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.

Is Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Families?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids may feel overwhelmed at first, but they're sure to fall in love with the energy and kid-friendly activities in this city. There are traditional water puppet shows, kid-friendly restaurants, and fun parks. There's also the Suoi Tien Theme Park, smaller water parks, zoos, and art museums to explore.

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 Ho Chi Minh City Better for Couples?

Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Ho Chi Minh City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene with excellent restaurants, great parks, and countless day trips, this is the ultimate couple's 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 Ho Chi Minh City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Ho Chi Minh City. It's well established on the Southeast Asian backpacker's circuit and you'll find no shortage of hostels in town. You'll find a good number of backpackers in District 1 of the city, near Ben Thanh Market. Many backpackers also arrange trips to the Mekong Delta or elsewhere in Thailand while they're here.

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 Ho Chi Minh City Better for Students?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Ho Chi Minh City. Study abroad students appreciate the city's energy and plethora of activities. It also makes a good base for trips to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Is Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sukhothai is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City. There are public buses around town but motorbike taxis and regular taxis are likely your best bet for getting around.

Is Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City a more walkable city?

Ho Chi Minh City is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat walkable. In certain neighborhoods it's fairly walkable, but you may have to dodge a motorbike here or there.

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 Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.

One day in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. 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 Ho Chi Minh City?

You'll find shopping and museums around the world class city of Sukhothai. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Ho Chi Minh City because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.