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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Bandung?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a cultural, scenic, and laidback city. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bandung travel costs.

Sukhothai and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Bandung?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bandung. Although Sukhothai and Bandung are both popular with visitors, Bandung has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bandung is more popular for its food, hiking, and shopping, while Sukhothai is known for its historical sights. Bandung is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures. It is also home to White Crater (Kawah Putih Ciwidey). Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bandung can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

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

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bandung has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Bandung have good 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.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Bandung 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.

Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Bandung is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Bandung?

Bandung is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Bandung. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Sukhothai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Bandung.

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 Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung Better for Couples?

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

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

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 Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bandung is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

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 Bandung Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Bandung. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Sukhothai and Bandung.

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

You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Sukhothai or Bandung a more walkable city?

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

Bandung is very walkable. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

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 Bandung Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Bandung?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sukhothai or Bandung?

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bandung. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Bandung?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic destination of Bandung. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Bandung?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laidback city of Bandung. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sukhothai or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bandung is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Bandung, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Sukhothai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sukhothai than you might in Bandung.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Bandung?

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