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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Wellington?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Wellington travel costs.

Sukhothai and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Wellington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wellington. Although Sukhothai and Wellington are popular destinations, Wellington has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wellington is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Sukhothai attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and historical sights. Wellington is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also well known for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Sukhothai is famous for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Wellington can be difficult as they are each great 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 Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Sukhothai or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

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

Wellington has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

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

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is very good for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Wellington?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Sukhothai and Wellington.

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.

Wellington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Sukhothai or Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very family-friendly destination. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Wellington are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Sukhothai is a nice destination for couples. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Wellington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Sukhothai or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wellington is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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 Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Sukhothai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington can move around easily with public transportation. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

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

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Wellington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Wellington. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sukhothai, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the funky destination of Wellington. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Wellington?

Sukhothai, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back city of Wellington. 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 Wellington?

Sukhothai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sukhothai is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sukhothai in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Wellington. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Sukhothai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin April. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Wellington. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 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.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Sukhothai