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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Hefei?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hefei? 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 Hefei?

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.

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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 Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Ayutthaya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ayutthaya is $87, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $64. 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 Hefei in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $24
    Hefei $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $48
    Hefei $58
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Hefei

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Hefei? 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 Hefei


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 $31
    Hefei $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • River Ferry Crossing
    $0.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ayutthaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ayutthaya:

  • Transfer from Bangkok: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Hefei?

Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $40
    Hefei $21
Typical Food Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Lunch for 2
    $4.32
  • Ice Cream
    $0.93
  • Breakfast for 2
    $4.32
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

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: $27
  • Eat like a local Food tour, with small group: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $30
    Hefei $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ayutthaya

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


  • Temple Entrances (2)
    $6.18
  • Wat Entrance
    $1.54

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: $39
  • The Incredible Ayutthaya Ancient Temple Tour : From Bangkok: $57
  • Colors of UNESCO Heritage 6 hour Bicycle Tour: $60
  • Ayutthaya Full-Day Tour with Bang Pa In (Summer Palace): $60
  • Bangkok: Ayutthaya Night Tour (Join Tour): $68
  • UNESCO Heritage Temples and Cafe Day Tour: $69
  • Private 1 hour Boat tour Pa Sak River: $90
  • Self-Guided Tour Ayutthaya Lion Park, Wat Mahathat, Wat Chai: $98
  • Ayutthaya Private Guided Day Tour, 4 Ancient Temples: $113
  • Bangkok: Ayutthaya 3 Historic Attractions Private Day Tour: $121
  • BKK: Ayutthaya Old Capital with 4 Famous Temple Private Tour: $149
  • From Bangkok: Tour Ayutthaya + Lunch + Spanish guide: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $20
    Hefei $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ayutthaya and Hefei, we can see that Ayutthaya is more expensive. And not only is Hefei much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hefei would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hefei 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 Hefei.

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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Hefei?

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

Hefei 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 Hefei in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Hefei. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Hefei averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Hefei receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Hefei. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ayutthaya 29°C (84°F) 
    Hefei 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hefei in the Autumn?

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

In October, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Hefei. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 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) 
    Hefei 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hefei in the Winter?

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

Hefei can get quite cold in the winter. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Hefei in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Hefei fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Hefei. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ayutthaya 25°C (78°F) 
    Hefei 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hefei in the Spring?

Both Hefei 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 Hefei. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Hefei averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Hefei. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 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) 
    Hefei 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hefei and Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya Hefei
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (78°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 30°C (85°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 31°C (88°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 30°C (85°F) 102 mm (4 in) 25°C (78°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 292 mm (11.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 25 mm (1 in)