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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Torquay?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Torquay travel costs.

Sukhothai and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Sukhothai and Torquay are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach.

How is Sukhothai different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Sukhothai is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Sukhothai has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Torquay 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.

Torquay has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is an amazing surf town to visit for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Sukhothai to see the historical old town. 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Torquay?

Sukhothai is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Sukhothai is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay More Beautiful?

Torquay is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Torquay is a gorgeous place to visit. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Torquay.

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 Torquay. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Torquay 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 Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Sukhothai and Torquay.

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

You'll find some public transit in Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Sukhothai or Torquay a more walkable city?

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

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Torquay?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sukhothai than Torquay 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 Torquay?

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the surf town of Torquay. 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 Torquay?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Torquay. 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 surf town has to offer. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Torquay?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the casual surf town of Torquay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Torquay 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Torquayin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Torquay. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Torquay in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Torquayin April. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Sukhothai during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is a little warmer than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Torquayin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Sukhothai