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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Nara?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sukhothai and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara. Although Sukhothai and Nara are popular destinations, Nara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nara is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also well known for Nara Park.

How is Sukhothai different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Nara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Sukhothai is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Sukhothai or Nara Better for Nightlife?

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

Nara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is notable for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Is Sukhothai or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Nara?

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

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.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Sukhothai or Nara Better for Families?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very family-friendly destination. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara Better for Couples?

Nara is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Sukhothai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Is Sukhothai or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Nara 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 Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

Nara 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 Nara can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

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

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nara. 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 Nara has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Nara?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Nara. 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 Nara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world class destination of Sukhothai. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tranquil city of Nara. 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 Nara?

The historical city of Sukhothai offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Nara 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Nara?

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Nara. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nara. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nara. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Nara. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Sukhothai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Sukhothai is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Nara. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Nara. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.

Typical Weather for Nara and Sukhothai