A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Xiamen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sukhothai or Xiamen?

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

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Xiamen?

Sukhothai

If you are the kind of wandering traveler looking to find calm and inner peace, you will want to add Sukhothai to your list. Also known as "the dawn of happiness," this area is best known for the ruins of the ancient city of Sukhothai – the capital of Thailand during the 13th century. As the first capital of Siam, the area's temples and monuments are restored and ready for visitors from around the world.

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Sukhothai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sukhothai is $59, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $64. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sukhothai and Xiamen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $23
    Xiamen $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $46
    Xiamen $60
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Xiamen

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Xiamen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sukhothai


Hotels in Xiamen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sukhothai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sukhothai $17
    Xiamen $5.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai

Also for Sukhothai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $268
  • Private Transfer to Bangkok City: $322
  • One -Way Private Transfer to Chiang Mai: $187
  • Sukhothai airport: Transfer to Sukhothai Historical Park: $78
  • Sukhothai Hotel Transfer: to/from Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer: $159
  • Sukhothai : private car transfer to/from Chiang Mai: $138

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
  • Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Xiamen?

Prices for flights to both Xiamen and Sukhothai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sukhothai $19
    Xiamen $26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $33
    Xiamen $16

Tours and Activities in Sukhothai

For Sukhothai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cycling Sukhothai Full Day Countryside Tour: $32
  • 2.5-Hours Guided Countryside Sunset Bike Tour: $18
  • Full-Day Historical Park Cycling Tour with Lunch: $42
  • Half-Day Countryside Bike Tour: $26
  • Historical Park & Countryside Cycling Tour: $42

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
  • Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
  • 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $12
    Xiamen $17


When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sukhothai Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Xiamen?

Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?

Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?

Both Xiamen and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year.

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Xiamen in the Autumn?

Both Xiamen 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.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Xiamen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round.

In the winter, Sukhothai is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Xiamen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Xiamen. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Xiamen and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Xiamen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in)