A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Koh Lanta for Couples, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path, and tranquil island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Sukhothai and Koh Lanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Sukhothai and Koh Lanta are popular destinations, Koh Lanta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Lanta is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Sukhothai is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Koh Lanta is famous for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also well known for Long Beach.

How is Sukhothai different from Koh Lanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Koh Lanta have nice vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Koh Lanta has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Resorts?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lanta. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Koh Lanta. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lanta is a very popular vacation destination. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a great destination for its old town. However, Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

Sukhothai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta Better for Families?

Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta is a very family-friendly destination. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Couples?

Koh Lanta is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lanta has plenty to offer. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Sukhothai is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sukhothai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Sukhothai or Koh Lanta a more walkable city?

Sukhothai is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable city. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

For even more information, also check out Is Sukhothai Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Lanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Lanta or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

In either Sukhothai or Koh Lanta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lanta than Sukhothai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Koh Lanta.

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sukhothai. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Lanta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Lanta?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Sukhothai. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the quiet destination of Koh Lanta. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Sukhothai. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

Sukhothai 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.

Koh Lanta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Koh Lanta?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Koh Lanta, 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 Koh Lanta?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koh Lanta in the Summer?

Both Koh Lanta 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lanta year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koh Lanta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Koh Lanta. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koh Lanta in the Winter?

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

Also, January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Lanta receives 287 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Koh Lanta fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koh Lanta in the Spring?

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

The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October. The dry season in Koh Lanta is January to April. The rainy season in Koh Lanta is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lanta. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Koh Lanta. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koh Lanta receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Koh Lanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Koh Lanta during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Lanta receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Koh Lanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Koh Lanta averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Lanta and Sukhothai