Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Ayutthaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan)? 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 Busan (Pusan)?
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.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAyutthaya $62Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. 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 Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAyutthaya $21Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAyutthaya $42Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan)? 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.
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 Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ayutthaya $27Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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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 Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) 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
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Food Meals for one dayAyutthaya $20Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Lunch for 2$3.82
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Ice Cream$0.82
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Breakfast for 2$3.82
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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
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ayutthaya $27Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:
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Temple Entrances (2)$5.46
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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 Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
- West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAyutthaya $18Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.
In the summer, Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAyutthaya 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAyutthaya 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAyutthaya 25°C (78°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Ayutthaya or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAyutthaya 31°C (88°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Ayutthaya
| Ayutthaya | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 30°C (85°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 292 mm (11.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.