A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Alice Springs? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a famous, popular, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Alice Springs is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Alice Springs and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Alice Springs is well known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Ayutthaya different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs and Ayutthaya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ayutthaya. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Ayutthaya and Alice Springs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Alice Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ayutthaya. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Alice Springs is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alice Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly city. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Alice Springs is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Ayutthaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Alice Springs are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Many backpackers visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ayutthaya and Alice Springs offer respectable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

Public transit is mostly limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Ayutthaya or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Alice Springs is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable city. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ayutthaya Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alice Springs due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Alice Springs 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 Ayutthaya.

One day in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular destination of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of Ayutthaya. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Ayutthaya. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs 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 Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs 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 Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Alice Springs?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Alice Springs, 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.