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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Sukhothai and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Koyasan are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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.

How is Sukhothai different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Sukhothai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai and Koyasan are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Koyasan to see the historical old town. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is very good for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Koyasan?

Sukhothai is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan Better for Families?

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

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 Koyasan. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Koyasan 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 Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Koyasan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Is Sukhothai or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy 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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

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

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Koyasan?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 Koyasan?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan 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 Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan 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. Also, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 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 Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Koyasan. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°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 Koyasan. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Sukhothai or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan 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, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 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.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Sukhothai