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

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Hualien?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Hualien? 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 Hualien?

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.

Hualien

If you're looking for hustle and bustle, head to Taipei. If you're looking for fresh air and the prettiest town by the sea, Hualien is the place to be. With many national parks to explore, cliffs and mountains to climb and beaches to get some rest and relaxation, there's plenty to do, especially for nature lovers and those who crave peace and quiet, away from the bigger cities in Taiwan.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Taipei, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Hualien 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 Hualien is $105. 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 Hualien in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ayutthaya $21
    Hualien $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ayutthaya $42
    Hualien $112
Compare Hotels in Ayutthaya and Hualien

Looking for a hotel in Ayutthaya or Hualien? 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 Hualien


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
    Hualien $27
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hualien

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hualien:

  • Private Transfer from Hualien Port to Taipei Taoyuan Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Hualien Cruise Port to Taipei city hotels: $93
  • Private Transfer from Hualien Port to Taipei Taoyuan Airport(TPE): $103

Is it cheaper to fly into Ayutthaya or Hualien?

Prices for flights to both Hualien 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
    Hualien $30
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hualien

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

  • Aboriginal Cooking Class in Hualien: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ayutthaya $27
    Hualien $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 Hualien

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

  • Qixingtan Fish Fishing Chihsingtan Classic Fishing Tour: $23
  • Wild ATV Self-driving Experience: $42
  • Hualien Changhong Bridge SUP Day tour: $85
  • Shuimutin Exclusive SUP Day tour(Hualien to Taitung): $89
  • Full-Day Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City: $115
  • One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien: $117
  • Full-Day Private Taroko National Park Tour from Hualien City: $139
  • Taroko, Qingshui Cliffs and Qixingtan Chartered Tour from Hualien: $156
  • Full Day Tour in Taroko National Park from Hualien: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ayutthaya $18
    Hualien $14


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


Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Hualien?

Hualien has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ayutthaya. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Hualien, 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.