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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Rotorua?

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 Rotorua 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. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rotorua travel costs.

Sukhothai and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Rotorua?

Both Rotorua and Sukhothai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is better known for its historical sights and shopping, while Rotorua is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Rotorua is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Rotorua.

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 Rotorua can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Rotorua 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 Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Rotorua 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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua Better for its Old Town?

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

Rotorua does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Rotorua?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua Better for Families?

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

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

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 Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua is an amazing town 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, Rotorua has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sukhothai. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Rotorua, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through the area.

Is Sukhothai or Rotorua a more walkable city?

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

Rotorua is somewhat walkable. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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 Rotorua Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Rotorua?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Rotorua?

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 shopping and museums around the town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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 museums and nightlife around the natural destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the cultural town of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

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.

Rotorua 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 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Rotorua?

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua 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, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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 Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Rotorua. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Sukhothai usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 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 Rotorua and Sukhothai