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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a welcoming, interesting, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagasaki than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagasaki is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Nagasaki is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Also, Nagasaki is famous for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Nagasaki can be an interesting and educational experience. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Sukhothai or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagasaki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 Nagasaki Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagasaki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Sukhothai or Nagasaki Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Nagasaki.

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 Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Sukhothai or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Nagasaki are notable 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.

Nagasaki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Sukhothai or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Nagasaki are both notable 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 Nagasaki. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki can move around easily with public transportation. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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 Nagasaki a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

The city of Sukhothai offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

Sukhothai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sukhothai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the interesting destination of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Nagasaki 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Nagasaki?

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

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki this time of year.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Nagasaki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 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 Nagasaki in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagasaki in the Spring?

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

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 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.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Sukhothai