A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Couples, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook? 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a breathtaking, world renowned, and scenic mountain. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking.

Ayutthaya and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Aoraki Mount Cook 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. Aoraki Mount Cook is well known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand.

How is Ayutthaya different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Ayutthaya has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

People don't go to Aoraki Mount Cook for the nightlife. There's an upscale bar at the Hermitage Hotel, but otherwise very little to do at night.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its historic old town charm. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Ayutthaya is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly city. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Aoraki Mount Cook makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

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 Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ayutthaya is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Aoraki Mount Cook is a moderate mountain for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

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 Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the dramatic destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 mountain has to offer. This mountain offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the famous destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the world renowned mountain of Aoraki Mount Cook. 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 Aoraki Mount Cook?

Ayutthaya is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Aoraki Mount Cook 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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