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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Atami?

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 Atami 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.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Atami travel costs.

Sukhothai and Atami: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Atami are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Sukhothai is more touristy than Atami and is known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. It is also well known for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Sukhothai different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sukhothai. 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 Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Atami 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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for Beaches?

Atami is very good for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atami to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its old town. However, Atami does not have a historic old town.

Sukhothai is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Atami does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Atami?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for Families?

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

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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Atami 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.

Atami makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Sukhothai or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Atami 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Sukhothai or Atami a more walkable city?

Atami is very good for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Atami is somewhat walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Atami Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atami or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sukhothai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

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

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

In Sukhothai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Atami. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atami has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Atami?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Atami. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Atami?

Sukhothai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sukhothai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nostalgic town of Atami. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. 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 from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Atami?

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

Atami 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 Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami 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, many visitors come to Atami in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami 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, most visitors come to Atami for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 28°C (83°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Atami. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atami. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Atami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Atami because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sukhothai is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Atami. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Atami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Atami. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sukhothai in April average around 32°C (89°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Atami. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 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.

Typical Weather for Atami and Sukhothai