A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Pattaya for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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 Pattaya 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pattaya. Although Sukhothai and Pattaya are popular destinations, Pattaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pattaya is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Pattaya is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also well known for the Sanctuary of Truth. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sukhothai. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Pattaya 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 Pattaya. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is an amazing resort city to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Pattaya has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

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 Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Pattaya 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 Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Pattaya is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

Pattaya is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Pattaya is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a great city for its old town. However, Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

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.

Pattaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Sukhothai and Pattaya.

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.

Pattaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for Families?

Pattaya 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.

Pattaya is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Pattaya 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.

Pattaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Pattaya 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 Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Pattaya, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Is Sukhothai or Pattaya a more walkable city?

Sukhothai and Pattaya are reasonable 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.

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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 resort city of Pattaya. 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 Pattaya?

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 active destination of Pattaya. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful resort city of Pattaya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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.

Pattaya is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Pattaya, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Pattaya?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pattaya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

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

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pattaya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Pattaya. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

In October, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Pattaya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Pattaya averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Sukhothai