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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Boracay?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Boracay? 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 Boracay?

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.

Boracay

A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, and The Best Adventure Tours to Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Boracay 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 Boracay is $56. 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 Boracay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Boracay $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Boracay

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Boracay? 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 Boracay


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Boracay $28
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 Boracay

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:

  • Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $21
  • Airport Transfer to Boracay or vice versa: $26
  • Departure: Ferry boat Transfer Boracay to Caticlan Airport: $30
  • Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $35
  • Caticlan: Ferry Boat Airport Transfer To Boracay: $41
  • Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $43
  • Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $54
  • PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $59
  • Boracay Transfer round trip with Island Hopping: $69
  • Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Boracay?

Prices for flights to both Boracay 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
    Boracay $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
    Boracay $15
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 City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632

Tours and Activities in Boracay

Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Crystal Kayak Photo-op Experience: $6.31
  • Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $9.02
  • Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $14
  • Boracay UFO Adventure: $16
  • Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $16
  • Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
  • Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling: $20
  • Boracay Island Rhythm Sunset Cruise: $21
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Experience: $22
  • Helmet Diving Experience with Photos and Videos: $22
  • All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $23
  • Boracay Optional Tours and Packages: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Boracay $16


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Boracay, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Boracay?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Boracay, 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.