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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Christchurch? 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ayutthaya and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Christchurch than Ayutthaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Christchurch is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also well known for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

How is Ayutthaya different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Christchurch have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Christchurch offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ayutthaya makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Christchurch has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Ayutthaya or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

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

Christchurch has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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 Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is notable for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is considered a top beach destination. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Christchurch Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

Both Ayutthaya and Christchurch are high quality 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.

Christchurch is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Ayutthaya or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Christchurch Better for Couples?

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

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for couples. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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 Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Christchurch are high quality 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 Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Ayutthaya or Christchurch Better for Students?

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

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Christchurch has a few public transit options. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

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 Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Christchurch is very walkable. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Christchurch. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Christchurch due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Christchurch.

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

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

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

One day in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this popular city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Christchurch. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Christchurch?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the adventure-filled city of Christchurch. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

Ayutthaya is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Christchurch is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ayutthaya is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Christchurch, 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 Christchurch?

Christchurch 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 Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

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

Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Christchurch. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 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 Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch 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, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch 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. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 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 Christchurch and Ayutthaya