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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Melbourne?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sukhothai and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Sukhothai and Melbourne are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Sukhothai different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Melbourne.

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 Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Melbourne can be difficult as they are each great 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 Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Sukhothai or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

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

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Melbourne?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Sukhothai and Melbourne.

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.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Sukhothai or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a very family-friendly destination. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Melbourne are nice 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.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Sukhothai or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Sukhothai or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is an excellent place 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.

Visitors to Melbourne can move around easily with public transportation. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Melbourne?

In either Sukhothai or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne 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 Melbourne.

One day in Sukhothai or Melbourne?

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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world class 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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural 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.

People visit Melbourne 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sukhothai is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Melbourne in the Autumn?

Both Melbourne 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. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Melbourne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Melbourne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Melbourne. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Melbournein October. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Sukhothai