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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Seoul?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Seoul

Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Seoul travel costs.

Sukhothai and Seoul: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Seoul?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul. Although Sukhothai and Seoul are popular destinations, Seoul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seoul is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Sukhothai different from Seoul?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Seoul.

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 Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul Better for Nightlife?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Seoul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Sukhothai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul Better for Music?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Sukhothai is not a live music destination.

Seoul is known as a music capital around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Sukhothai is not a live music destination.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul 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.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Seoul?

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Seoul. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Sukhothai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul Better for Families?

Seoul 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.

Seoul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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 Seoul Better for Couples?

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

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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 Seoul Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Seoul are both nice 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 Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul Better for Students?

Seoul is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Seoul is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Seoul is top-notch. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Sukhothai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

Is Sukhothai or Seoul a more walkable city?

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

Seoul is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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 Seoul Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seoul or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Seoul?

Both Sukhothai and Seoul have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Sukhothai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Seoul.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Seoul?

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. 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 Seoul?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Seoul?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Seoul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Sukhothai or Seoul?

You'll find food and shopping around the world class destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Seoul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seoul, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Seoul?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Seoul, 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 Seoul?

Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Seoul. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.

In the summer, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seoul. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Seoul in the Autumn?

Both Seoul 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, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Seoul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 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 Seoul in the Winter?

Both Seoul 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. Sukhothai is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Seoul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Seoul. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 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 Seoul and Sukhothai