A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ayutthaya vs. Koh Phi Phi for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi? 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 famous, popular, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a dramatic, stunning, and beautiful island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi are popular destinations, Koh Phi Phi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Phi Phi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Ayutthaya is famous for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Koh Phi Phi is famous for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also well known for Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay.

How is Ayutthaya different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ayutthaya is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Ayutthaya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Koh Phi Phi area. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is great for its old town. However, Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Koh Phi Phi does not have a historic old town.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular spot for hiking. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Ayutthaya is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Ayutthaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Ayutthaya is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Ayutthaya offers lots of family activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Koh Phi Phi is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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

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

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

Koh Phi Phi has a few public transit options. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

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 Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

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

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat walkable. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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 Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Ayutthaya 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Koh Phi Phi. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the dramatic destination of Koh Phi Phi. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

The popular city of Ayutthaya offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the rustic island of Koh Phi Phi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Ayutthaya during the winter 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 Koh Phi Phi year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Ayutthaya