A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ayutthaya travel costs.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a iconic, world renowned, and majestic national park. You'll find world class beauty in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well. It's also known for hiking and museums. See Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park travel costs.

Ayutthaya and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is well known for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Ayutthaya different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Both Ayutthaya and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Is the Food Better in Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for nightlife.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the nightlife.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park More Beautiful?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park as well. The national park is home to the world renowned Mount Fuji. This volcanic peak provides a striking backdrop for the region and has long been a spiritual retreat. Within the park you'll find pristine forest, dramatic lava caves, and timeless beauty.

Ayutthaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has a few public transit options. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The historical destination of Ayutthaya offers shopping and museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums around the national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic national park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the famous city of Ayutthaya. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Ayutthaya