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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Okinawa?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sukhothai and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Okinawa is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Okinawa is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Okinawa.

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 Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Okinawa can be difficult as they are each high quality 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 Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Okinawa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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 Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Okinawa. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa is not to be missed. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Okinawa is a very popular vacation destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Okinawa does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa Better for Families?

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

Okinawa is one of the most popular family destinations. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Okinawa has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Sukhothai and Okinawa.

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

You'll find some public transit in Okinawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Sukhothai or Okinawa a more walkable city?

Sukhothai and Okinawa are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Sukhothai is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

Okinawa is generally not very walkable. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Sukhothai Worth Visiting? and Is Okinawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

Both Sukhothai and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Sukhothai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the archipelago of Okinawa. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Okinawa?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical destination of Okinawa. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic archipelago of Okinawa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Okinawa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Okinawa is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Okinawa, one week is sufficent for most. 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Okinawa?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Okinawa. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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 autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 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 Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Okinawa in the Spring?

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

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 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 Okinawa and Sukhothai