A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Ayutthaya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya?

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 Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Ayutthaya

Once the largest city in the world, Ayutthaya, is the example of an ancient capital within a modern city. Located in the central plains of Thailand, this spot is ideally located between China, India and the Malay Archipelago creating the perfect place for trade in Asia. Eighteenth century maps from Holland and France show golden palaces, large ceremony spots and trading vessels from all over the world. Suddenly, in 1767, Ayutthaya experienced a tragic fall from grace with a Burmese invasion burning much of the city to the ground.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ayutthaya or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Ayutthaya is $62. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Ayutthaya $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Ayutthaya $42
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Ayutthaya


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Ayutthaya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Ayutthaya $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
  • Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya?

Prices for flights to both Ayutthaya and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Abu Dhabi $45
    Ayutthaya $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
  • Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81

Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ayutthaya.

  • Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Ayutthaya $27

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
  • Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
  • Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
  • Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
  • Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ayutthaya are as follows:

  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Ayutthaya $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Ayutthaya is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Ayutthaya.

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


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya, 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 Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

Both Ayutthaya and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Ayutthaya during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Ayutthaya in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

Both Ayutthaya and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Ayutthaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally cooler than Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. Abu Dhabi is cooler than Ayutthaya in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F)

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Ayutthaya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)