A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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 famous, popular, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a relaxing, natural, and beautiful national park. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Chichibu-Tama-Kai travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Ayutthaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are both popular with visitors, Ayutthaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also home to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is popular for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Ayutthaya different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ayutthaya. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ayutthaya. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Ayutthaya has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

People don't go to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the nightlife. Soaking up the natural beauty is what brings people here, not the nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its historic old town. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ayutthaya is great for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ayutthaya. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai More Beautiful?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This park is perfectly positioned to offer a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. It's filled with beautiful forests and serene hiking trails that make for a wonderful day away.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very family-friendly place to visit. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place to visit for couples. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Ayutthaya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Ayutthaya is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Ayutthaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai to fill your time. In our opinion, Ayutthaya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ayutthaya than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Ayutthaya.

One day in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

You'll find around the national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With museums and nightlife around the famous city of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

You'll find around the peaceful destination of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Chichibu-Tama-Kai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ayutthaya is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai, we can see that Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Ayutthaya during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Ayutthaya