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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Cebu?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Cebu? 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 Cebu?

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.

Cebu

Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Ayutthaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $86, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Cebu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $24
    Cebu $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $48
    Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Cebu

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Cebu? 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 Cebu


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 Cebu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $29
    Cebu $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:

  • CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
  • Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
  • Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
  • Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
  • Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
  • Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
  • One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
  • Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Cebu?

Prices for flights to both Cebu 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 $39
    Cebu $36
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of dining costs in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $4.40
  • Ice Cream
    $0.94
  • Breakfast for 2
    $4.40
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.

  • Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
  • Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
  • The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
  • Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
  • Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
  • Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
  • Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
  • Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
  • 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $31
    Cebu $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Ayutthaya are as follows:


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $6.28
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Cebu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:

  • Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
  • Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
  • Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
  • 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
  • City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
  • BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
  • Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
  • Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
  • Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
  • Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
  • Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
  • Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $21
    Cebu $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:

  • Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
  • Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Cebu, 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 Cebu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Cebu?

Cebu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Cebu, 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 Cebu?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Cebu in the Summer?

Both Cebu and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Cebu. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Cebu in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Cebu in the Autumn?

Both Cebu 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Cebu. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Cebu averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Cebu 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Cebu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Cebu. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Cebu 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Cebu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Cebu. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Cebu. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Cebu in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Cebu 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Cebu and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Cebu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)