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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a under-the-radar, under-rated, and often overlooked city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Nagoya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nagoya than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nagoya is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights. Sukhothai is more touristy than Nagoya and is known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Nagoya is well known for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry. Also, Nagoya is famous for the Nagoya Castle.

How is Sukhothai different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Nagoya can be an interesting and educational experience. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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

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

Nagoya has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

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 Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya Better for its Old Town?

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

Nagoya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Nagoya?

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

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.

Nagoya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Sukhothai or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nagoya is one of the most popular family destinations. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement 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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Nagoya 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.

Nagoya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Sukhothai or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Sukhothai or Nagoya Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nagoya. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Nagoya 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 Nagoya can move around easily with public transportation. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

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 Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Nagoya?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Nagoya?

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.

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. 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 Nagoya?

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.

People visit Nagoya 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 Nagoya?

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-the-radar city of Nagoya. 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

Nagoya 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 Nagoya in the Summer?

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

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya this time of year.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Nagoya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 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 Nagoya in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagoya. In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Nagoya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagoya averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Nagoya. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagoya 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 Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°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 Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Nagoya. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 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 Nagoya and Sukhothai