A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Katoomba for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Katoomba? 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a stunning, peaceful, and serene town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Ayutthaya and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Ayutthaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ayutthaya is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Katoomba is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Katoomba and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also home to Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Katoomba is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Ayutthaya different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Ayutthaya or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Ayutthaya and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Ayutthaya or Katoomba Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Katoomba does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

Ayutthaya is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Ayutthaya or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba 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, Katoomba is a very family-friendly destination. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Katoomba is notable for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Katoomba are superb destinations for backpackers.

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

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

Katoomba is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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 Katoomba Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Ayutthaya or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Katoomba due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

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

The city of Ayutthaya offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Katoomba?

Ayutthaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ayutthaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

Ayutthaya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Katoomba?

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

Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Ayutthaya usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In July, Ayutthaya usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain April. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Katoombain April. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 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.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Katoomba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ayutthaya is generally much warmer than Katoombain July. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Katoombain July. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Katoomba. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Katoomba in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is much warmer than Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Katoombain October. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba 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.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Ayutthaya