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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Ise?

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

Sukhothai

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

Ise

Ise is a off-the-beaten-path, overlooked, and authentic city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Ise travel costs.

Sukhothai and Ise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Ise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Ise are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ise attracts visitors for its beaches. Sukhothai is famous 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. Ise is famous for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Sukhothai different from Ise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sukhothai. 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 Ise. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Ise can be difficult as they are each superb 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 Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party 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.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Ise to enjoy the beach. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is well known for its old town. However, Ise does not have a historic old town.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Ise does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Ise?

Sukhothai is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ise has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Ise.

Sukhothai is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ise. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Ise are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Sukhothai is a nice destination for couples. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Ise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Sukhothai or Ise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Ise 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 Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sukhothai and Ise.

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

You'll find some public transit in Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Is Sukhothai or Ise a more walkable city?

Ise is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Ise is somewhat walkable. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

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 Ise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ise or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Ise?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sukhothai and Ise. In our opinion, Sukhothai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sukhothai than Ise. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ise.

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

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

With nightlife and food around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ise. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ise has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Ise?

Many people visit Sukhothai for a weekend. With food and shopping around the cultural city of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and food around the overlooked destination of Ise. 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 Ise?

The destination of Sukhothai offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Ise. 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 Ise?

Sukhothai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Ise 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Ise?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Ise, 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 Ise?

Ise 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 Ise in the Summer?

Both Ise 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Ise averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ise. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.

Ise 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 Ise. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ise in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Ise during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Ise. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ise in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Ise. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ise can be very cold. Sukhothai is much warmer than Ise in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Ise. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Ise. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ise in the Spring?

Both Ise and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Ise averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Ise during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Ise. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 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.

Typical Weather for Ise and Sukhothai