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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Sapa?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapa

Sapa is a cultural, scenic, and fascinating town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Sukhothai and Sapa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Sapa?

Both Sapa and Sukhothai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is more popular for its museums and historical sights, while Sapa is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sapa is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its stunning village and mountain trekking, beautiful rice paddies, and colorful weekly markets. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Sapa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is great for its historical sights. However, Sapa is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Sapa offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While the many nearby villages are filled with markets and culture and have the feel of living museums, there are few actual museums in the area.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Sapa can be difficult as they are each very good 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 Sapa. The area's food highlights the local agricultural scene with lots of meat, fish, and vegetables. If you want to check out traditional Hmong cuisine, Thang Co is one of the most common dishes. It's a soup that has a strong smell and is prepared with local herbs and meats.

Is Sukhothai or Sapa Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Sapa have good 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.

Sapa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While you don't visit the area for its nightlife, there's a big backpacker scene here so you'll likely find a crowd looking for a good time. The town has a night market and there are plenty of bars that cater to the tourists.

Is Sukhothai or Sapa Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Sapa does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Sapa Better for Hiking?

Sapa is an amazing town to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Sapa specifically for its hiking. Trekking is, by far, one of the best ways to experience the area's beauty. You'll pass by scenic rice paddies, walk along mist covered mountains, and stumble into fascinating villages. Many people hire a local guide to guide them. This helps the local economy and offers insider information.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Sapa?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sukhothai and Sapa.

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.

Sapa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Many villages have a weekly market that is very fascinating to explore. In addition to local food items, there are often locally made handicrafts that make great souvenirs from your travels.

Is Sukhothai or Sapa Better for Families?

Sapa 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.

Sapa is a very family-friendly destination. Many people arrive via an overnight train, which is an adventure for the whole family. Once you arrive, your kids will experience a local culture that is uniquely its own. You can participate in a homestay and enjoy meals prepared by a local family. There are also many kid-friendly hikes through the surrounding mountains.

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 Sapa Better for Couples?

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

Sapa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy experiencing unique cultures and hiking through stunning mountain settings will love a trip to this mountain town. While the tourists have definitely discovered the area, there are still places that have a local vibe with traditional Vietnamese markets and homesteads.

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 Sapa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapa is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Sapa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like much of Southeast Asia, this town and the surrounding areas are solidly on the backpacker trail. You'll find cheap places to stay and tours that cater specifically to the budget and backpacker crowd.

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 Sapa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Sukhothai and Sapa.

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

You'll find some public transit in Sapa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through the region. If you're hoping to visit nearby towns for their market days, an organized tour or private guide is a good option.

Is Sukhothai or Sapa a more walkable city?

Sapa is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Sapa is very walkable. Trekking is, by far, the best way to experience the area and all of the beauty and culture that it has to offer.

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 Sapa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapa or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Sapa?

It's fun to spend time in either Sukhothai or Sapa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sapa 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 Sapa.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Sapa?

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 shopping around the town of Sapa. 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 Sapa?

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 shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Sapa. 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 Sapa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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 nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque town of Sapa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Sapa?

The historical 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.

Sapa 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 Budget Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Sapa, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Sapa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sapa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapa 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 Sukhothai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sukhothai than you might in Sapa.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Sapa?

Sapa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Sapa, 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.