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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a cultural, natural, and rural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sukhothai and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rockhampton than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rockhampton is better known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Rockhampton is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. Also, Rockhampton is famous for the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Rockhampton can be an interesting and educational experience. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Rockhampton can be difficult as they are each great 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 Rockhampton. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Rockhampton have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sukhothai. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is very good for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

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

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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 Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Sukhothai is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Sukhothai or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Rockhampton is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct 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 Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Sukhothai or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rockhampton due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Rockhampton. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Rockhampton. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

The cultural city of Sukhothai offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the natural town of Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Rockhampton 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sukhothai is in Asia and Rockhampton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Rockhamptonin January. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 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 Rockhampton in the Winter?

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

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

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Rockhamptonin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Rockhampton. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Rockhamptonin October. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Sukhothai usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 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 Rockhampton and Sukhothai