A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ayutthaya vs. Hat Yai for Food, Attractions, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai? 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 popular, historical, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a colorful, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hat Yai than Ayutthaya. Hat Yai is bigger than Ayutthaya, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hat Yai is better known for its food and big city activities, while Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Hat Yai and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Hat Yai is well known for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. Also, Hat Yai is famous for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Ayutthaya different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Hat Yai is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

Ayutthaya has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Ayutthaya and Hat Yai.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Hat Yai 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.

Hat Yai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

Both Ayutthaya and Hat Yai are excellent 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.

Hat Yai is well-known for its shopping. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai Better for Families?

Ayutthaya is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Ayutthaya is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Ayutthaya is a city with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Ayutthaya is a good city for couples to visit. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ayutthaya is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

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

Both Ayutthaya and Hat Yai offer respectable 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 Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Ayutthaya or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Hat Yai is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Hat Yai is generally not very walkable. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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 Hat Yai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ayutthaya and Hat Yai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hat Yai than in Ayutthaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ayutthaya than Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 shopping and museums around the city of Hat Yai. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Hat Yai. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. 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.

Hat Yai is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Nightlife Tours in Thailand, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Hat Yai, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Hat Yai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hat Yai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hat Yai 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 Ayutthaya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ayutthaya than you might in Hat Yai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ayutthaya Expensive? and Is Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai in the Summer?

Both Hat Yai and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Hat Yai. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Hat Yai during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 29°C (84°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai and Ayutthaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

October to April is the dry season in Ayutthaya. May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in October than Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Hat Yai receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Hat Yai during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ayutthaya in January average around 25°C (78°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hat Yai in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Hat Yai. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

Also, October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. May to October in Ayutthaya is the rainy season. Also, January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. May to December in Hat Yai is the rainy season. Ayutthaya usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 31°C (88°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Ayutthaya