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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Sukhothai and Kuala Lumpur are both popular with visitors, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is known for its historical sights. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Sukhothai different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sukhothai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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.

Is Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city 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 Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi 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.

Is Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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.

Is Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Sukhothai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this under-rated city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. 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 Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

Sukhothai is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kuala Lumpur 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

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

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 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 Kuala Lumpur during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Sukhothai