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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Wollongong?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Wollongong travel costs.

Sukhothai and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Wollongong?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wollongong than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wollongong is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Sukhothai is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Sukhothai different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Wollongong.

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 Wollongong can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Wollongong 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 Wollongong. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Sukhothai or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

Wollongong has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is great for its historic old town charm. However, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Wollongong?

Sukhothai is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Sukhothai or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Wollongong are both notable 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 Wollongong. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Sukhothai or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong can move around easily with public transportation. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

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

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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 Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Sukhothai or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the historical 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 coastal city of Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?

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 student-friendly destination of Wollongong. 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 coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Wollongong?

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 trendy coastal city of Wollongong. 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sukhothai is generally a little warmer than Wollongongin January. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Wollongong. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin April. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 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 Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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, many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong 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, many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Wollongongin October. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin October. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Wollongongin October. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 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 Wollongong and Sukhothai