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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Tauranga?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a historical, cultural, and under-rated city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Tauranga

Tauranga is a relaxing, nature-filled, and coastal town. Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tauranga travel costs.

Sukhothai and Tauranga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Tauranga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tauranga than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tauranga is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Tauranga is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its sandy beaches and beautiful walking trails. Also, Tauranga is famous for Mount Maunganui. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Tauranga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Sukhothai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Tauranga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historic buildings in town like the Elms Mission Station which dates back to 1847.

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

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Sukhothai is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tauranga. You'll find a great mix of restaurants in the town's downtown area. There are international flavors as well as seafood and other local favorites.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Tauranga 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.

Tauranga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back bar scene. There are venues with casual live music as well as pubs where locals and tourists intermingle.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga Better for Beaches?

Tauranga is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Tauranga is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Families and travelers head here for the sandy beaches and water activities. Surfing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular in the area. Some of the most popular beaches include Mount Maunganui Beach, Waihī Beach, and Anzac Bay.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Tauranga 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.

Tauranga does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga Better for Hiking?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. The Bay of Plenty is filled with hiking trails that run along the coast or head inland through the mountains. There are forest and bush walks that range in length and skill level and there really is something for everyone.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Tauranga?

Sukhothai is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Tauranga is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Tauranga. You'll find all of the standard shopping malls, retail outlets, and clothing boutiques around town.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga More Beautiful?

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

Tauranga is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. A mix of beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural environments make this a beautiful destination for travelers.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga Better for Families?

Tauranga 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.

Tauranga is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out the ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest or play in the water at Waimarino Adventure Park. There are also many different walking areas like McLaren Falls Park and Kaiate Falls. Kids will love hanging out at the beach around Mount Maunganui or Papamoa Beach. This is an affordable and kid-family destination for locals and international tourists alike.

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 Tauranga Better for Couples?

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

Tauranga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a romantic destination with great beaches and beautiful waterfalls. You can enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at one of the local restaurants. Kayaking is also a popular activity in the area.

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 Tauranga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tauranga 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 Tauranga. This is one of the more affordable destinations in New Zealand. There are also a number of backpacker-friendly jobs that make it a great place to base yourself.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Tauranga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries in the area.

Is Sukhothai or Tauranga a more walkable city?

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

Tauranga is somewhat walkable. There are many walking and cycling paths in the area, but you really need a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Tauranga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tauranga or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Tauranga?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Tauranga?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Tauranga. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tauranga?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Tauranga. 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 Tauranga?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-filled town of Tauranga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Tauranga?

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.

Tauranga is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Tauranga?

Tauranga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Tauranga, 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.