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

Should you visit Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

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

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a world class, historical, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a historic, cultural, and well-preserved city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Sukhothai and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

Both Kanazawa and Sukhothai have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Kanazawa is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Sukhothai is popular for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Sukhothai or Kanazawa.

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 Kanazawa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Sukhothai and Kanazawa can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

Both Sukhothai and Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is great for its historic old town. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Many people head to Kanazawa to see the old town. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Sukhothai and Kanazawa.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sukhothai. 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.

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

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 Kanazawa. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Kanazawa are good 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.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Kanazawa are both good 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 Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Sukhothai is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Sukhothai or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

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

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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 Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sukhothai or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sukhothai than Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.

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

One day in Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

The city of Sukhothai offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

Sukhothai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sukhothai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

Sukhothai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the well-preserved city of Kanazawa. 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 Kanazawa?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kanazawa 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Kanazawa?

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

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai year-round. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

Sukhothai is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Sukhothai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sukhothai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sukhothai as well as Kanazawa. Sukhothai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sukhothai is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sukhothai in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sukhothai this time of the year. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Sukhothai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (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.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sukhothai is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sukhothai or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Sukhothai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sukhothai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Sukhothai this time of the year. Sukhothai is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 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.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Sukhothai