A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Gold Coast? 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Gold Coast than Ayutthaya. Gold Coast is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Gold Coast is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Gold Coast is well known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches.

How is Ayutthaya different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Gold Coast is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

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

Gold Coast is a popular spot for hiking. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

Both Ayutthaya and Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is well-known for its shopping. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Ayutthaya or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gold Coast is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Many backpackers visit Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Gold Coast is notable for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Gold Coast is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

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 Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Gold Coast is a popular place for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored 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 Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

Both Ayutthaya and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the famous city of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ayutthaya, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastline of Gold Coast. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ayutthaya, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Gold Coast. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

Ayutthaya, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful coastline of Gold Coast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastline makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastline has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

Ayutthaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gold Coast, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Gold Coast. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin January. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 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 Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Gold Coast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coast during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (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 Gold Coast and Ayutthaya