Which place is cheaper, Penang or Sukhothai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sukhothai or Penang?
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 Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Penang?
Sukhothai
If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySukhothai $59Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $59, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sukhothai and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSukhothai $23Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSukhothai $46Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Penang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sukhothai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sukhothai $17Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai
Also for Sukhothai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138
- Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
- Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78
- One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
- Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
- Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Arrival: $25
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Sukhothai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySukhothai $19Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sukhothai $33Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Sukhothai
For Sukhothai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
- Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
- Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
- Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42
- Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Amazing Night Tour in Penang : $76
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySukhothai $12Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Penang, we can see that Penang 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Sukhothai or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Sukhothai during the summer 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 Penang year-round.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in July than Penang. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Penang. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySukhothai 29°C (84°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sukhothai or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Penang. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSukhothai 28°C (83°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sukhothai or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Penang. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Sukhothai is cooler than Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySukhothai 25°C (77°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Sukhothai or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Penang. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Penang. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSukhothai 32°C (89°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Sukhothai
| Sukhothai | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (86°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.