A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ayutthaya vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur? 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 historical, cultural, and famous city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ayutthaya and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Ayutthaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ayutthaya is known for its historical sights. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Ayutthaya different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Many visitors head to Ayutthaya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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.

Is Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

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

Kuala Lumpur has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi 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.

Is Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ayutthaya and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for students. However, Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Ayutthaya is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Ayutthaya?

How long in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Ayutthaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ayutthaya, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

In Ayutthaya, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this popular city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Ayutthaya is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Ayutthaya. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

Ayutthaya is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ayutthaya and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Ayutthaya 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur?

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

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Ayutthaya during the summer 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Ayutthaya often gets less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.

Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ayutthaya and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round. Kuala Lumpur 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. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ayutthaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Ayutthaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Ayutthaya is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ayutthaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ayutthaya as well as Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In the winter, Ayutthaya often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.

In January, Ayutthaya is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Ayutthaya average around 25°C (78°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ayutthaya or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Ayutthaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Ayutthaya usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Ayutthaya gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during spring. Ayutthaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's very hot in Ayutthaya this time of the year. Ayutthaya is a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Ayutthaya averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Ayutthaya