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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Bandung?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Bandung? 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.

Where Should I go: Ayutthaya or Bandung?

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.

Bandung

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.

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


Which place is cheaper, Bandung or Ayutthaya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Bandung is $40. 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 Ayutthaya and Bandung in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Bandung? 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 Ayutthaya


Hotels in Bandung


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: Ayutthaya Hotel Prices and Bandung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Bandung $5.76
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bandung or Lembang to Bandung Airport BDO Departure Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Villa Istana Bunga to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer from Malabar to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer from Cihanjuang Rahayu to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kec. Batununggal Kel. Kacapiring 40271: $35
  • Private Transfer from Cikole to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Lembang: $35
  • Private Transfer from Lembang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Sukabungah: $35
  • Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Sukahaji: $35
  • Private Transfer from Jayagiri to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
  • Private Transfer from Sukahaji to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Bandung?

Prices for flights to both Bandung and Ayutthaya 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
    Ayutthaya $20
    Bandung $14
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.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Bandung $5.67
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 : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51

Tours and Activities in Bandung

For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Walking Tour of Bandung with Guide: $33
  • Stone Garden Western Tour From Bandung: $39
  • Kawah Rengganis Private Hiking and Glamping Lakeside Tour from Bandung: $41
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $43
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $45
  • Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $45
  • Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $49
  • Bogor ,west Java Tour: $50
  • Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
  • Lembang Tour From Bandung: $51
  • Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $58
  • Tangkuban Parahu Volcano North Bandung Private Tour : $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Bandung $3.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Bandung, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Bandung.

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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Bandung, 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.