A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Auckland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Auckland?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Auckland? 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 historical, cultural, and famous city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and thrill-seeking city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Auckland is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Auckland and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Ayutthaya different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Auckland have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Auckland offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Auckland has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is notable for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Both Ayutthaya and Auckland are great shopping destinations.

Ayutthaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Auckland is well-known for its shopping. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland 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.

Auckland is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

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 Auckland Better for Couples?

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

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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 Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Auckland are great 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 Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is notable for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Auckland is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Auckland has a few public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

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.

Is Ayutthaya or Auckland a more walkable city?

Auckland is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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 Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ayutthaya and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Auckland than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Auckland?

The city of Ayutthaya offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Auckland?

Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Auckland because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Ayutthaya 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 cosmopolitan city of Auckland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Ayutthaya 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.

Auckland is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Auckland, 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 Ayutthaya or Auckland?

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ayutthaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Ayutthaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Auckland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Auckland. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Auckland in the Spring?

Both Auckland and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Aucklandin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Ayutthaya