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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Zhengzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Sukhothai or Zhengzhou?

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.

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sukhothai $23
    Zhengzhou $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sukhothai $46
    Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Sukhothai and Zhengzhou

Looking for a hotel in Sukhothai or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou


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
    Zhengzhou $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sukhothai

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Sukhothai or Zhengzhou?

Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sukhothai $33
    Zhengzhou $8.18

Tours and Activities in Sukhothai

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

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

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sukhothai $12
    Zhengzhou $6.31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Zhengzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Sukhothai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Zhengzhou?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Sukhothai. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?

Both Zhengzhou and Sukhothai during the summer 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 around the same temperature as Zhengzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sukhothai often gets less sunshine than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 215 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets more rain in July than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sukhothai 29°C (84°F) 
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sukhothai is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during autumn. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 188 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sukhothai 28°C (83°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Zhengzhou in the Winter?

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

Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the winter, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zhengzhou receives 159 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai usually gets less rain in January than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sukhothai 25°C (77°F) 
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Sukhothai or Zhengzhou in the Spring?

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

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Zhengzhou during spring. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Zhengzhou receives 201 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sukhothai usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Sukhothai is October to April. The rainy season in Sukhothai is May to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sukhothai 32°C (89°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Sukhothai

Sukhothai Zhengzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 32°C (89°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 31°C (87°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 241 mm (9.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)


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