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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Halong Bay?

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 Halong Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a under-rated, world class, and historical city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a dramatic, spectacular, and breathtaking bay. Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Halong Bay travel costs.

Sukhothai and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Halong Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sukhothai. Although Sukhothai and Halong Bay are popular destinations, Sukhothai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sukhothai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Halong Bay attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Halong Bay is more touristy than Sukhothai and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. Sukhothai is famous 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.

How is Sukhothai different from Halong Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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 Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.

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

Sukhothai is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?

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

Halong Bay is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is well known for its old town. However, Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay Better for Hiking?

Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Halong Bay?

Sukhothai is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.

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.

Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay More Beautiful?

Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay Better for Families?

Halong Bay 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.

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly destination. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.

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 Halong Bay Better for Couples?

Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for romance. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Halong Bay has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.

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 Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

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 Halong Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sukhothai is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Is Sukhothai or Halong Bay a more walkable city?

Sukhothai is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Halong Bay is not a very walkable city. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Sukhothai Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Halong Bay?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Sukhothai than Halong Bay. 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 Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay?

With museums and nightlife around the world class 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 food and museums around the bay of Halong Bay. 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 Halong Bay?

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 food around the stunning destination of Halong Bay. 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 bay has to offer. This bay offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Halong Bay?

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 food and museums when visiting the stunning bay of Halong Bay. 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 Halong Bay?

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.

Halong Bay 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sukhothai and Halong Bay, we can see that Sukhothai is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay.

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