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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Hangzhou?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Ayutthaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $62, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Hangzhou $8.11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $97

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $20
    Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $3.82
  • Ice Cream
    $0.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $3.82
  • Breakfast for 2
    $9.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ayutthaya

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

  • Bangkok: VELA Dinner Cruise Ticket: $19

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Hangzhou $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $5.46
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.36

Tours and Activities in Ayutthaya

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

  • Ayutthaya City and Historical Park Bike Tour: $35
  • AYUTTHAYA : Private Car Rental & Customize Tour with Driver: $49
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour: $51
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $54
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour Small Group: $57
  • Ayutthaya 1-day Private Tour : UNESCO World Heritage Site: $141
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $146
  • Ancient City Temple Tour: $162
  • From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Full Day Private Guided Tour: $350
  • Ayutthaya’s Heritage Revealed A Day Tour from Bangkok: $632

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
  • One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
  • Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
  • Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Hangzhou $10


When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hangzhou. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Hangzhou. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ayutthaya 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou 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.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ayutthaya 31°C (88°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)