A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Krabi for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sukhothai or Krabi?

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 Krabi 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.

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Krabi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Krabi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Krabi are both popular with visitors, Sukhothai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sukhothai is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Krabi is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also home to Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Sukhothai different from Krabi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Krabi.

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 Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

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

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Krabi have good 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.

Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Krabi has a few resort options worth checking out. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Krabi is a good spot to see the beach. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Krabi 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.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Krabi?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sukhothai and Krabi.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sukhothai. 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.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi Better for Families?

Krabi 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.

Krabi is a very family-friendly destination. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

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 Krabi Better for Couples?

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

Krabi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

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 Krabi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Krabi are both good 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 Krabi. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

Is Sukhothai or Krabi 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, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Is Sukhothai or Krabi a more walkable city?

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

Krabi is somewhat walkable. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

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 Krabi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Krabi or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Krabi?

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

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

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

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

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Krabi. 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 Krabi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Krabi. 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 Krabi?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local town of Krabi. 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 Krabi?

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Krabi 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 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Krabi, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Krabi?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Krabi, 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 Krabi?

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 Krabi in the Summer?

Both Krabi 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 Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Krabi. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Krabi during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Krabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Krabi in the Autumn?

Both Krabi 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 Krabi year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi 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 Krabi. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 181 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Krabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Krabi in the Winter?

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

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Krabi during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Krabi in the Spring?

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

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Krabi. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Krabi. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Krabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Krabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Krabi and Sukhothai