A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sukhothai vs. Lake Tekapo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

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 Lake Tekapo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a under-rated, world class, and historical city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sukhothai travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a basic, small, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Sukhothai and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sukhothai than Lake Tekapo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sukhothai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam. Also, Sukhothai is famous for Wat Si Chom in the Sukhothai Historical Park. Lake Tekapo is well known for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Sukhothai different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sukhothai is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sukhothai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sukhothai is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Sukhothai is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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 Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Lake Tekapo does not have a historic old town.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Sukhothai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

Sukhothai is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lake Tekapo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Sukhothai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Lake Tekapo are notable 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.

Lake Tekapo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sukhothai and Lake Tekapo are both notable 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Sukhothai is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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 Lake Tekapo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Sukhothai than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Sukhothai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the town of Lake Tekapo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find around the remote destination of Lake Tekapo. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

The historical city of Sukhothai offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the basic town of Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lake Tekapo 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 Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Lake Tekapo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sukhothai is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Lake Tekapo?

Sukhothai has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Sukhothai and Lake Tekapo, 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.