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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Malang?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a under-rated, world class, and historical city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a under-rated, authentic, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Malang travel costs.

Sukhothai and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Malang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Malang are both popular with visitors, Sukhothai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sukhothai is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping, while Malang is known for its food and hiking. 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. Malang is popular for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Sukhothai different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sukhothai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Malang offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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

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

Malang has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

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 Malang Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Malang 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.

Malang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Malang does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Malang. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Malang?

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

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 is a popular activity when visiting Malang. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Malang.

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 Malang. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Malang are good 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.

Malang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Malang 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 Malang. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Sukhothai or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Sukhothai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known 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 mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Sukhothai or Malang a more walkable city?

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

Malang is somewhat walkable. The city center is 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 Malang Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Malang or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sukhothai and Malang. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

Couples should spend more time in Sukhothai than Malang. 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.

One day in Sukhothai or Malang?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Sukhothai or Malang?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Malang. 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 Malang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Malang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Sukhothai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Malang 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Malang, 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 Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Malang, 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.