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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Sado?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a traditional, cultural, and off-the-beaten-path island. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Sado travel costs.

Sukhothai and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Sado?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Sado are both popular with visitors, Sukhothai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sukhothai is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sado is known for its hiking. Sukhothai is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also home to Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Sado is popular for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Sukhothai different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Sado can be an interesting and educational experience. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Sado 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 Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is notable for its historic old town. However, Sado 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.

Sado does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for Hiking?

Sado 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 Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Sado?

Sukhothai is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Sado.

Sukhothai is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sado. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Sado are good 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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Sukhothai or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Sado are both good 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 Sado. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Sukhothai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Sukhothai or Sado a more walkable city?

Sukhothai is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Sado?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sukhothai than Sado 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 Sukhothai.

One day in Sukhothai or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. 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 Sado?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the traditional destination of Sado. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Sukhothai. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the traditional island of Sado. 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 Sado?

The world class city of Sukhothai offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Sado, we can see that Sado 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 Sado Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Sukhothai or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Sado. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Sado in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Sado. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado 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 hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Sado averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Sado. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 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 Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado 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. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sado. In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Sado. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Sado in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Sado. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 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 Sado and Sukhothai