A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Hoi An for Food, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Sukhothai or Hoi An?

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 Hoi An 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.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful, traditional, and quaint town. Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Hoi An travel costs.

Sukhothai and Hoi An: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hoi An. Although Sukhothai and Hoi An are both popular with visitors, Hoi An has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hoi An is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is known for its nightlife. Hoi An is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. It is also home to the Fukian Assembly Hall. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Hoi An?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hoi An 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 Hoi An?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Hoi An.

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 Hoi An can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.

Is the Food Better in Sukhothai or Hoi An? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Hoi An has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).

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 Hoi An Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a good destination for nightlife. However, Hoi An is lacking in options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sukhothai. 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.

Hoi An is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.

Is Sukhothai or Hoi An Better for Beaches?

Hoi An is very good for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Hoi An to enjoy the beach. There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Hoi An Better for its Old Town?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Hoi An offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.

Many visitors go to Sukhothai to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Hoi An is an amazing town 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 Hoi An. It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.

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 Hoi An More Beautiful?

Hoi An is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hoi An is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is beautiful during the day with its traditional architecture, as well as at night when it is lit with lanterns.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Hoi An Better for Families?

Hoi An 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.

Hoi An is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will appreciate the thrill of a visit to Ba Na Hills, which is a theme park with roller coasters, zip lines, and more. Near the city you'll also find ancient ruins, outdoor activities, hands-on classes, and, of course, the impressive old 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 Hoi An Better for Couples?

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

Hoi An makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming city has a lot of character and some of Vietnam's best restaurants. The city is also known for its tailor made clothes, so make sure you do some shopping while you're in town.

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 Hoi An Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hoi An. It's solidly on the backpacker trail, and you'll find many visitors who come for the beautiful culture and fascinating setting.

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 Hoi An Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Sukhothai and Hoi An.

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

You'll find some public transit in Hoi An, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Biking, taxis, and motorbikes are the most popular ways to explore the area.

Is Sukhothai or Hoi An a more walkable city?

Hoi An is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hoi An. There are "walking hours" when motorized vehicles aren't allowed in the old town, and this is a particularly good time to explore on foot.

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 Hoi An Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hoi An or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sukhothai and Hoi An. In our opinion, Hoi An has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hoi An than Sukhothai. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

One day in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Hoi An. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Hoi An?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the quaint destination of Hoi An. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful town of Hoi An. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Sukhothai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Hoi An is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Hoi An, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Hoi An?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Hoi An, 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 Hoi An?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Hoi An in the Summer?

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

The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hoi An. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Hoi An during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Hoi An in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Hoi An fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Hoi An in the Autumn?

Both Hoi An 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Hoi An 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 Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 158 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Hoi An. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Hoi An averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Hoi An in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Hoi An. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An. Hoi An receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Hoi An during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Hoi An receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Hoi An. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Hoi An fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Hoi An in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Hoi An. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in April than Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hoi An receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Hoi An. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hoi An receives 210 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is a little warmer than Hoi An in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Hoi An fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

Typical Weather for Hoi An and Sukhothai