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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Nagano?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nagano travel costs.

Sukhothai and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Nagano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano. Although Sukhothai and Nagano are popular destinations, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nagano and Sukhothai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Skiing?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sukhothai is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Sukhothai is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sukhothai or Nagano?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Nagano.

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 Nagano can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Nagano can be difficult as they are each superb 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagano has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a great city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Nagano?

Sukhothai is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Sukhothai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano More Beautiful?

Nagano is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Families?

Nagano 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.

Nagano is a very family-friendly destination. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Nagano 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.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Nagano 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Sukhothai or Nagano Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Nagano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Sukhothai or Nagano a more walkable city?

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

Nagano is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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 Nagano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sukhothai and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Sukhothai. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Nagano?

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 skiing and nightlife around the city of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Nagano?

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 nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano?

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 food and shopping when visiting the alpine city of Nagano. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Nagano?

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.

Nagano is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Nagano. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagano can be very cold. Sukhothai is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Sukhothai during the spring 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 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.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Sukhothai