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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Beijing?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Beijing? 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 cultural, famous, and popular city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Ayutthaya. Beijing is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Beijing is well known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City.

How is Ayutthaya different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Beijing Better for Nightlife?

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

Beijing has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

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 Beijing Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

Both Ayutthaya and Beijing are excellent 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.

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Ayutthaya or Beijing Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Beijing.

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.

Beijing is a family-friendly city. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Ayutthaya or Beijing Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ayutthaya and Beijing make for a notable place to visit.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Beijing makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Ayutthaya or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Beijing 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 Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Ayutthaya or Beijing Better for Students?

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

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing a more walkable city?

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

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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 Beijing Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

Both Ayutthaya and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. 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 Beijing?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Beijing?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Beijing, 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 Beijing?

Beijing 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 Beijing in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Beijing in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Beijing. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Beijing in the Winter?

Both Beijing and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Beijing in the Spring?

Both Beijing and Ayutthaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year. October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Beijing and Ayutthaya