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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Sukhothai and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Sukhothai and Shanghai are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sukhothai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

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

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Shanghai have nice 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.

Shanghai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Sukhothai or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an amazing port 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 Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai More Beautiful?

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

Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly destination. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city 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, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Shanghai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai Better for Students?

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

Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is an excellent place 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.

Visitors to Shanghai can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

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

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer 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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

In either Sukhothai or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Sukhothai because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

The city of Sukhothai offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai?

Sukhothai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sukhothai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Sukhothai or Shanghai?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. 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 from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Shanghai. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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 autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai 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, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Sukhothai is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

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