A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan? 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 cultural, famous, and popular city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a spiritual, traditional, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Ayutthaya and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya. Although Ayutthaya and Koyasan are popular destinations, Ayutthaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ayutthaya is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Koyasan and is known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. It is also well known for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Koyasan is famous for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Ayutthaya different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ayutthaya and Koyasan have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Koyasan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ayutthaya. 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.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Ayutthaya or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Ayutthaya is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Ayutthaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Ayutthaya or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Ayutthaya and Koyasan.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Is Ayutthaya or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Ayutthaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ayutthaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ayutthaya or Koyasan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ayutthaya or Koyasan.

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.

Koyasan is a family-friendly city. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Ayutthaya or Koyasan Better for Couples?

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

Koyasan is a very popular place to visit for couples. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

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 Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ayutthaya is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

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

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

Koyasan has a few public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ayutthaya or Koyasan to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koyasan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ayutthaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Ayutthaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koyasan during summer. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koyasan 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 Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Koyasan. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

In October, Ayutthaya is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koyasan. Ayutthaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya usually gets more rain in October than Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 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.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan in the Winter?

Both Koyasan and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the museums and the cuisine.

Ayutthaya is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 25°C (78°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during winter. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Koyasan in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

The heat can be very extreme in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ayutthaya in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. In the spring, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in April than Koyasan. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 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.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Ayutthaya